A/C recharge?

[M330CSi]

'97 GA SE V6 3.1

My airconditioner is long since out of refridgerant, and i've decided it's time to do something about it. I've heard rumors of do it yourself kits, and have been wondering if it's a good option- Haynes doesn't seem to think so. Anyone have any experince with do it yourself recharging?

Thanks

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by M330CSi

'97 GA SE V6 3.1

My airconditioner is long since out of refridgerant, and i've decided it's time to do something about it. I've heard rumors of do it yourself kits, and have been wondering if it's a good option- Haynes doesn't seem to think so. Anyone have any experince with do it yourself recharging?

Thanks

DIY recharging is all right if you have the proper equipment and knowhow.

If a complete recharge you will need a vacume pump to pull a vacume on it and a good set af AC recharge gauges.
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

But say no to the recharge death kits.

Wal Mart DEATH KITS

You cannot properly and safely recharge an air condition system with them.

The one side stop and go gauge does not tell you what your system is doing or is over charged or undercharged.
A overcharged or malfunction air condition system can reach over 500 lbs of pressure.
Enough to blow up that can or system and freeze you at first and the burn you or blind you and if any propane /butane in there blow and light you up.

The stop leak crap and who knows what kind of oil in the kits there will stop your system for sure.
Just like pouring super glue in it.
And some kits even contain freon with a butane mixer.
Good for a big blast.

If you are going to do it do it right and safe.
Here is what you need to start with.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...uct_Code=66773

In the older days you could just throw in a can and go.
But over the years just adding freon is getting harder to do.
Newer systems have to have the correct amount of freon down to the ounces.
Most will need pumped down and vacuumed down and the right and amount of oil and a set amount freon charge installed to get the air to cool right and the system to last.
If an air condition is low there is usually a leak that needs fixed and also a lose of lubricating oil from system.
Also air and moisture enters a low system
If you are going to try to do it get the proper type air condition gauge set with the low and high side gauges.
Hook up the gauges and get a reading with compressor running at idle and at 2000 rpm on the high and low side.
Post back pressure reading and we can help you.
MT

[blabhern]

I didn't finish the last post cuz I have been recharging my ac for the last 5 years with the Walmart death kit mentioned above. I only use 2 of the R134a canisters that autozone sells and the AC is good for a year. I definitely recommend them. Just make sure you plug into the correct connection on your ac system

[skibum1111]

A common problem area on these cars for the ac to leak is the fill valve, the schrader valve inside the fitting gets turned the wrong way from the hose swiveling around when you are opening and closing the can. A regular valve tool will not reach the valve, you need to make one that is a little longer and tighten the valve. It tightens just like a screw.