So I managed to wreck a perfectly good A/C system. I broke the condenser I have a new condeser, r134a without sealant, and a pressure gauge.

Can I simply replace the condenser and then recharge the sytem?

What about the oil in the system?

 

You should put a vacuume pump on it for an hour or so to get the moisture out of the system. It wouldn't hurt to replace the accumiltor-dryer when you replace the condenser.

 

X2 on everything right there. as far as oil, I know some of the 134a cans you buy from the local auto parts store have oil in them as well. I would definitly try to pull a vacuum on it

 

Will I cause damage to the pump if I charge it to use it one day this weekend and then have it done right next week. I don't have any acess to a vacuum pump

 

Shouldnt cause any damage. You may have some moisture in the system but thats the filter/dryers job (to remove moisture). I've known people who dont pull a vacuum and just charge it and works fine. Just the right way vs the wrong way. If you dont have access to a vacuum pump and you charge it this weekend and she works fine, you could just leave it.

 

alright. Being a HVAC student. I'll throw in my 2 cents on how to do this.

Basically, you have to repair the system, and then pull a vacuum on it with a vacuum pump.
Moisture wrecks an AC system, so relying on the filter dryer to dry the system is a bad idea.

Just make sure you don't over fill the system. It will either be given in LB's to add, which you will need a scale, or will be given in PSI.

134 is an azeotrope so make sure you turn the can upside down while charging. it wont mix if you fill it the other way and you will only get gas, and none of the liquid.

If your using a set of gauges, you will probably want about 8 lbs on the low side to give you 19 degree temperature from the AC. =)

Education time:
The filter dryer is suppose to take any extra moisture from the system that might get in after it has been filled.
Pulling a vacuum on a system releaves the system of contaminants, IE dirt, gasses (air) and whatever else. There could be metal particles in there, so it will get rid of those too.
For the system to work properly, a vacuum should be pulled. Otherwise you are just contaminating the coolant that you put in, which makes it work improperly, if at all.
The moisture can cause the compressor to fail. The compressor is designed to pump gasses only, a build up of moisture inside the compressor will cause the compressor to lock up and or freeze in place and... well fail.

If there is a college nearby, call them up and see if they have an HVAC program. If they do, drive the truck up there and have them pull a vacuum on the system, and fill it with 134a for you. You will probably get free coolant from the college cause they will do it during class time. Pluss you'll get a bit of edumication on coolant systems.
If they dont have an HVAC class, check to see if their automotive program does any coolant systems. Probably get the same thing for free there as well. Just not as professional of a job.

Any other questions?

 

I charged it up this morning, it works ok, I can tell that the air in the system is taking up space that is needed for the r134a. I just got to get by for the weekend (hauling the wife and kid around) then I will change the acumulator and have it done right.

Its easier to get the wife to let me spend money on the old girl if it is at least comfortable to ride in!

 

You know that on the DIY cans is says not to turn them upside down

 

Talyn I agree 100% with everything you said, I myself went to school for HVAC. The only reason I stated above is that he could get away with no vacuum is because I have had friends skip the vacuum stuff, just like i said above right way vs wrong way. But everything you said above was really good advice/learning for him

 

The DIY cans do something different.
I was talking about actuall cans of 134. haha. =)


You should smack your friends for skipping the vacuum step, and then laugh at them cause their stuff works worse then yours. =)

 

Yea but im the only one with all the right hvac tools. so by them skippin the vacuum step, its savin me from workin on their crap!!! doesnt bother me one bit, my AC cranks and thats all i care bout!

 

Yea. I was going to complete the program. Maybe I still will. But i'm going to switch to Diesel Mechanic now so I can go work on tractors.

John deere used to have a certifed school in Ohio, but I cannot find it searching for it online.
You get all this wyotech bull****. When there are way better schools then wyotech.

 

Where abouts are you located? The school I went to offered diesel mechanic but let me tell you this school comes with a good lookin price tag

 

oh this one is cheep, here in michigan.