Charging the AC

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 14, 2005 | 10:08 PM

Black88GT

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 642

Likes: 0

From: Bay Area, CA

Charging the AC

I have a 99 and would like to throw a charge on the AC. Do I have to take it in, or can I use the cans at places like Kragen? Thanks

Mar 14, 2005 | 10:34 PM

mrrob

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 39

Likes: 0

Re: A/C Repair.

If your A/C has stopped working, it's probably best to take it to a repair shop, they have the equipment to propery test and repair you system.

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto/Truck/Trailer Ect..

Mar 14, 2005 | 10:34 PM

Pocket

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 9,293

Likes: 10

From: Parker, CO

Charging the A/C is a little more than just throwing a can or two in to fill er up. Refrigerant needs to be measured correctly for the system to work. Remember that 134a is not as efficient as r12, but hey - it's ozone safe....er! The best way is to evacuate the system completely, drawing a vacuum to get rid of any residual moisture (bad for 134a refrigerant systems), and fill it with the proper weighted amount. Filling it up by throwing in a can means that you are relying on high/low side pressures to guess how much to charge it. Ambient temperature will affect your readings. An overcharged or undercharged A/C will result in higher vent temps.

Last edited by Pocket; Mar 14, 2005 at 10:37 PM.

Mar 14, 2005 | 10:51 PM

Black88GT

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 642

Likes: 0

From: Bay Area, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrrob

If your A/C has stopped working, it's probably best to take it to a repair shop, they have the equipment to propery test and repair you system.

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto/Truck/Trailer Ect..

No, it still works, it just not cold enough. I put it on max, and I think it should be a hair colder. Maybe I should Let it die a little more then drain it completely like Pocket says. Im just getting a little jumpy, cause Im going on a trip this next week, and I want the truck in tip top shape, but in reality the way it sits now is good enough.

Mar 14, 2005 | 11:28 PM

99f350sd

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 9,303

Likes: 48

From: Lyndonville, Vermont

One way I used to tell when it was full enough was to have your hand on the suction line of the compressor the big line and fill it until it got cold. With a normal charge the intake will be cold so as to cool the compressor.. little at a time..more is not better if you go too much!

Dick

Mar 15, 2005 | 03:52 PM

mrrob

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 39

Likes: 0

Re: Topping up A/C

I don't personal agree with this method, although some do, your system obviously has a small leak, with the right test equiptment it shouldn't take long to diagnose, then you can repair the leak and do a proper Evacuation and Recharge of the system .

Good Luck,

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto/Truck/Trailer Ect...