AC probs

[Ridleyj329]

my ac system had no refrigerant in it so i bought some to add to it and followed the directions corectly in the bottle. after adding the right about my ac still wont work. any suggestions?

[Ridleyj329]

i just looked up AC compressers for the sake of information. and at advance auto the range from $199-$405. this is a large price i would like to avoid paying. how would i know weather or not this is the colprit or if its something else. how would i inspect my system. ive had this car for a few months and hasnt worked since i owned so i have no leads of what it could be. and help greatly appreciated

[sierrap615]

the first problem is you bought one of those recharge kits.(sorry i had to)

honistly those kits are asking for trouble,i don't know any real technicion that would do a partial charge or a recharge without recovering the old refrigent first. take it to a shop, the average DIYer does not have the proper knowage or equiptment to service a A/C system, plus in many cases you need a EPA certificaton to legally work with refridgerants.

p.s. a siezed compressior would make a horrable noise or stall the engine when the clutch engages.

[Ridleyj329]

so theres nothin i could do on my own? how much might it cost to get serviced or inspected?

[drew300]

For what it's worth, in my van I used a "Duracol" kit. It was about $100.
It includes a moisture absorber, a sealer, and oil, in 3 cans, as well as a refrigerant that doesn't need a license.
Yep, it's not factory, but it works, and it was either this kit or do without, because I couldn't see paying $1000.00 for a licensed repair. So far, almost 1 year, all is well.

[Ridleyj329]

im considering in just paying a shop to diagnose my as then fix it myself. any objections or suggestions?

[sierrap615]

depending on the problem that may be possible, but when you are done the shop will still need to evaculate(pull into a deep vacuum) and refill the system, because special equiptment is needed.

also just for the hell of it, if you have a black light check the all of the A/C system with it. if leak dye is already in the system the problem should be appearent. and if the system is opened for any reason the receiver dryer needs replaced, as it acts as a filter.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Ridleyj329

im considering in just paying a shop to diagnose my as then fix it myself. any objections or suggestions?

To do the job right and safe you need the proper equipment and knoledge.

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...uct_Code=66773

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...e=DIY-STARTER1

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...ode=DIYADVANCE

For more help and info.
http://www.autoacforum.com/

First thing if it is a R-12 system you need to be air cond certified to touch the system. And in some places you need lisence to even work with R-134.

The next thing if you have a leak you need to find the leak.

And them wal mart recharge kits should be outlawed.
They are death kits for the person trying to use them and for your cars air cond system.
Crappy sealer and who knows what kind of freon and oil they contain and the el chepo low side gauge all point to a bad accident ready to happen.
A air cond system that is not working right can reach over 500 lbs of pressure.
When it blows that freon can freeze you one second and that burn you the next. 500 lbs of pressure = 500 degrees tempture.

Also that durocool and other crap freon contains a propane/butane mixture that can blow your head off and kill anyone around or near your car if it springs a leak and hits a open flame.

So if you are going to do it get the right equipment and freon and oil and a good working knoledge of the system.

MT

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by drew300

For what it's worth, in my van I used a "Duracol" kit. It was about $100.
It includes a moisture absorber, a sealer, and oil, in 3 cans, as well as a refrigerant that doesn't need a license.
Yep, it's not factory, but it works, and it was either this kit or do without, because I couldn't see paying $1000.00 for a licensed repair. So far, almost 1 year, all is well.

I would not recommend Duracol or any other blends of freon.
A lot of them contain butane/propane mixers.
A bad leak or accident and it can go off like a big bomb.
You are putting yourself and anybody around or in or working on your vehicle at risk.
Here is a link for more info on it.
http://www.autoacforum.com/
MT

[Ridleyj329]

wow. i quoted a couple different shops at 25-30 dollors for a diag. would i just be better off paying a shop to do the whole thing. how much could it cost to get done. i know it depends on if theres leaks and what not but would an estimate be? i have a 94 SL1. can anyone tell me if i have 134a or not?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Ridleyj329

wow. i quoted a couple different shops at 25-30 dollors for a diag. would i just be better off paying a shop to do the whole thing. how much could it cost to get done. i know it depends on if theres leaks and what not but would an estimate be? i have a 94 SL1. can anyone tell me if i have 134a or not?

If you can get a good repair shop to check it out for 25-30$ .
Go for it.
After they get it checked out they can give you a idea or estimate of repair cost.
Or post back what they find and someone here can help you.
Good Luck MT.