Charging the AC after the AC lines have been disconnected

[Jeremy Fitch]

I recently had to have a new lower intake gasket installed on my 96 Blazer LT 4x4. I am now wanting to recharge the AC as it is starting to get rather hot here in WV. When the new gasket was installed I removed the AC compressor and lines from it. What I am wanting to know is what steps I need to refil it. How much 134a and oil to use? I have a pressure guage and want to use the cans with the screw in top with the recrage hose that peirces them I also want to put in some dye to check for leaks. How much 135a, how much dye, and how much Oil do I need and in what steps do I need to add them?

[mike2004tct]

First thing to do is vacuum the air out of the system.
Next, the compressor will require 8 to 9 oz. of oil. You can buy a can
with 8.5 oz of oil and 2 oz of R134A at most parts stores (Interdynamics is the manufacturer I used). My '97 Blazer has a label stating use 1lb-14 oz, of R134a. That would be equal to (3) 12 oz. cans. The compressor has to be running in order to load the R134A. While loading, turn your AC switch to max and the fan on high. I had to jumper a 12volt wire to get the compressor to run continuously in order to load the first can into the system.

Before loading the oil, if you don't have a vacuum, One trick I've used in place of the vacuum is to hook-up a can of R134A to the low port of the system and open the lines slightly at the compressor to remove the air in the system. Do not run the engine or compressor while doing this.Some people will disagree about this backyard trick, but it does work, and R134A doesn't destroy the ozone. It will cost you the price of a 12oz can of R134A.

Good luck

[BlazerLT]

Take it to a shop so they can purge your system and replace with R134a.

You cannot purge your system in your driveway. You can top off a system, but you cannot do a complete refill.