A/C recharge question

[bigdinz]

Will it kill the A/C system if I don't evacuate it first? I did replace some seals, so it was open to outside air.

[97BlazerDude]

Originally Posted by bigdinz

Will it kill the A/C system if I don't evacuate it first? I did replace some seals, so it was open to outside air.

No. I replaced the compressor and did not evacuate prior to recharging, and my AC system did not die or explode, yet (it has been a few months now.) It is not super dooper cold, but it never was really cold anyways.

[jsgold]

If you were converting from R12 to 134 you would be killing your system for sure. If not you should be OK. I had to disasemble my son's Corsica a month ago and just recharged. Still OK.

[blazee]

You can refill it and your system will be ok. You will however see a lot better performance out of it if you have a vacuum pulled on it to get out all the air.

[GMMerlin]

If your A/C system was open for any time, moisture will collect inside the system. The purpose of evacuating the system is to remove moisture to prevent internal damage.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by blazee

You can refill it and your system will be ok. You will however see a lot better performance out of it if you have a vacuum pulled on it to get out all the air.

If you have a problem loading the freon, just loosen the fittings at the compressor ever sooo slightly, enough to let air out (1/2 to 3/4 turns) for about 10 seconds. (let the air out- not the oil or all of the gas).

If you have oil spraying out, you loosened too much.

[ZL1power69]

i evacuated mine first just to be sure.

[tom3]

Refrig. is held in the oil for a short while and continues to boil off, this will keep air and moisture from getting in the system to a large extent. Air and moisture over time will create an acid compound in the system that will eat it up, so try to get it done pretty quick.

[bigdinz]

Thanks all. FYI--only replaced a few seals on top end,was open just long enough to quickly swap them out. system was and is r134.