A/C Recharge

[ylwf3vr]

I know this is a m/c forum but do you all recharge your A/C at all? With those cans from AutoZone?

My A/C has been flushed and filled but now the evaporator is leaking slowly (so says Midas).. with all the parts it'll be $2215.

I asked if I can periodically (and when necessary) just fill it up and they said sure.. it's just a temporary fix.

Now I've done some research and some say it's extremely dangerous.

I've personally seen 2 of my friends do this, and directions doesn't seem TOO difficult.. locate the low-port, connect the tube, recharge it to correct PSI/Temperature on the gauge.. as long as you don't over fill it..

Thoughts?

 

[JT]

I know this is a m/c forum but do you all recharge your A/C at all? With those cans from AutoZone?

My A/C has been flushed and filled but now the evaporator is leaking slowly (so says Midas).. with all the parts it'll be $2215.

I asked if I can periodically (and when necessary) just fill it up and they said sure.. it's just a temporary fix.

Now I've done some research and some say it's extremely dangerous.

I've personally seen 2 of my friends do this, and directions doesn't seem TOO difficult.. locate the low-port, connect the tube, recharge it to correct PSI/Temperature on the gauge.. as long as you don't over fill it..

Thoughts?

ive done it did not see anything crazy dangerous about it. if it was those DIY kits would not be sold to the public

 

[MNGreg]

Its not dangerous per se, but it could be very dangerous to your car AC System. Since you already have a leak you might be ok.

I am in the same situation with my 2000 Blazer. I was just told by Midas that I have a leak in there. They dyed it and said when it quits again, come back and they will check where it is coming from. They said if it is anything other than a hose, they would not recommend fixing it as long as filling w/ new 134a will get it going again due to the AC being the most expensive access on a new car, it is also among the most exp. usually to fix. I need my blazer to last 4 HOPEFULLY 5 more years (that would give 2 years car loan free to build a downpayment on new truck).

The problem comes in that you typically want to evacuate the old freon and any moisture from the system. Failure to remove moisture can cause problems. Those cans are typically like $29-$59. Midas only charged me $34 to recharge my system. I would rather pay this small amount - maybe up to $75 so that I know they should be evacuating the old stuff and moisture from the system before re-doing it.

 

[leem00]

I know this is a m/c forum but do you all recharge your A/C at all? With those cans from AutoZone?

My A/C has been flushed and filled but now the evaporator is leaking slowly (so says Midas).. with all the parts it'll be $2215.

I asked if I can periodically (and when necessary) just fill it up and they said sure.. it's just a temporary fix.

Now I've done some research and some say it's extremely dangerous.

I've personally seen 2 of my friends do this, and directions doesn't seem TOO difficult.. locate the low-port, connect the tube, recharge it to correct PSI/Temperature on the gauge.. as long as you don't over fill it..

Thoughts?

Being in Hawaii your probably screwed...

I have a friend that does hvac work and has a repair shop (with lift). I hit a raccoon a year or so ago damaged the ac condensor and hoses. The car didn't quit having ac until june of this year....great right before the hot season...

A new ac condensor, new pressure lines only cost me $190 shipped to the shop... instalation took about an hour (2007 ford focus the condensor drops out the bottom by itself). Another hour do vaccuum down the system, and 30-45 minutes to recharge using his bulk tank.

So I would say it is not hard, nor dangerous, just a little time consuming. If you don't have any damage to the parts (hoses, condensor, etc) its probably just bad o-rings in the connections.... more like $15 fix + the time to tear each connection apart.

 

[latony007]

First, over 2000 to fix an air conditioner? Id get another opinion. hell you could buy a new one for that. Second you really don't need it. Its only hot during a few weeks in sep/oct and its not really hot so much as humid. Did you know there are no heaters on the island? That freaked me out when house hunting lol.

 

[ylwf3vr]

First, over 2000 to fix an air conditioner? Id get another opinion. hell you could buy a new one for that. Second you really don't need it. Its only hot during a few weeks in sep/oct and its not really hot so much as humid. Did you know there are no heaters on the island? That freaked me out when house hunting lol.

Lol yep most houses don't have A/C OR Swamp Coolers.. just open the windows during the cool times of the day..

Oh and I don't really know where else to take it.. I'd imagine dealerships will be even more expensive.. hmm..

 

[Riccochet]

I used a can of the refrigerant with "Stop Leak" in my old Grand Cherokee before. Filled it to proper PSI and let it run for like 2 hours. It stopped the leak and stayed charged for years. I'd give that a try. Was only like $20 for the kit at AutoZone.