Thread: A/C needs to be freshened up.

That's too much $$$. R134 cans are $10-15 usually. If your system is just low you can top it off with oil and leak sealer can. Don't overcharge it though, filling it and only having a low side gauge is a bit blind. Even for a simple top off I connect the whole manifold assembly and watch high and low side pressures as I'm filling it.

Sorry to disagree, but R-134 is not a blend. Check Wikipedia and it will show you the chemical formula.

Sorry, I misspoke. Thanks for refreshing my memory. I don't do HVAC by trade so sometimes I get it wrong. I was thinking 407C when typing.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't simply buy a "recharge kit" at any autoparts store because 7 out of 10 times you have other issues. What's worse is if you contaminate the refrigerant, or use contaminated refrigerant which causes more damage to the components. For instance, dust caps. No one things to replace them, and then when they go to add charge, they introduce all the dirt and grime into the system which is no bueno. While not a blend, you can still have issues with the oil to refrigerant ratio, which will not allow the system to work at optimum levels.

Easiest and best bet is to buy a manifold, and a can of 134 and then check to see where the system is actually at, pressure wise.

It's cheap enough to evacuate the system, vacuum it down, and throw fresh cans in. YMMV.

Since AC is a closed loop system, if you need to add refrigerant is because you have a leak. Now I didn't want to dispute you on blends Cliff, but you are not far away from truth. If you have any oxygen in the system you ruined your R134 mixture and your PEG oil is going to SWELL.

I still top off AC's, that way I'm not breaking any laws and can help a person who doesn't want to pay $50.

If you go from complete empty you actually want 29 Hg for at least 30 min. If you can't get past 20, you got a serious leak. I usually vacuum the system out for 5 minutes (or until it hits 29Hg), then let it sit for 10-30 min and watch the low pressure gauge to see how long it stays at 29Hg, if it's still good then I vacuum it out for 30 min to an hour, then fill it up and

Don't use any leak sealers on an ac systems its not a coolant.. If u use sealers youll have more problems down the road..,,

Last night I noticed a pretty large leak at the hose going from the condensor to the comprossor. I order a new one from the dealer for $75.00. When it arrives I'll install it and take it to have recharged.

It could be just an o-ring leaking. I had a leak in my P10 at that joint. One 12mm bolt held it on.

Its the hose itself coming from where the rubber and metal parts attached. I have green oil spot on my drivway from the leak.

Sounds like that hose is done. Good time to replace it and get some good service done!

discharge hose, i had an issue with that same hose but it was just pressure relief valve and was able to get one from a local a/c guy who had a bunch of used ones that had the same thread. i flushed my condenser out and blow dried it with compressed air and now all is working fine. my pressure rose to about 275 - 300 with ambient air temp 105 in the sun. low side is at about 40 - 50 and air is blowing super cold. I'm crossing my fingers that the pressure will hold if not then i guess its time for a new condenser.