New Condensor
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I would get it professionally refilled. I took mine to the dealer and for 140 they evacuated the entire system then refilled it to proper level. The a/c refill selection at the auto parts store can be confusing, they have the ones with oil the ones without oil. Without proper tools you could make trouble
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,956
Likes: 6
From: Abilene, Texas
Plus you need to pull a vacumm on the A/C system before recharging. It's best to take it somewhere that can evacuate the system, then you can change the part, then take it back to them to recharge the proper way.
The only real way to know what is going on with your A/C is to have a mannifold gauge set so you can see the High and Low side pressures. Those ones that auto parts stores sell that just show you the low side is worthless, and can get you in trouble fast. Now they do sell the cans that you can use a mannifold gauge with, but again you still need to pull a vacumm on the system before you charge it. I like to pull the vacumm for at least an hour myself after it's been opened up.
The only real way to know what is going on with your A/C is to have a mannifold gauge set so you can see the High and Low side pressures. Those ones that auto parts stores sell that just show you the low side is worthless, and can get you in trouble fast. Now they do sell the cans that you can use a mannifold gauge with, but again you still need to pull a vacumm on the system before you charge it. I like to pull the vacumm for at least an hour myself after it's been opened up.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
System needs a vacum for at least 1 hour to remove any moisture in the system and then when filling the hi and lo side pressures need to be monitored according to ambient temp. The dryer should also be replaced at this time. Do it right or do it again.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, So. Calif
Pull a vacuum for about 6o minutes, then shut off the vac and close all valves. The vac should hold IF there are no leaks. If system is leak free, proceed with the recommended amount of 134a per mfg tag on the vehicle. This is usually done with a scale, or by checking pressures. It is more detailed than a trip to Pep Dudes/Wally Mart and a few cans of whatever. And forget about those pencil pressure gauges, a good three valve set is a minimum.
"IF" there is any moisture in the system (from a not complete/good vacuum) the moisture remaining in the system will combine with the Pag oil forming a corrosive acid. The acid will eventually eat your metal parts for lunch. Then the money saved by not having it done professionally the first time, will be pennies on the dollar down the road...
"IF" there is any moisture in the system (from a not complete/good vacuum) the moisture remaining in the system will combine with the Pag oil forming a corrosive acid. The acid will eventually eat your metal parts for lunch. Then the money saved by not having it done professionally the first time, will be pennies on the dollar down the road...
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