AC reboot...

CSIPSD · Oct 22, 2013

Anyone ever done this?

I am replacing the condenser, the drier and the orifices. Obviously the AC is now out of the system thanks to a hole in the condenser...

Looked at a vacuum pump from Harbor freight but I'm just not sure how to do the whole thing?

Should I just install the parts and then take it somewhere?

co04cobra · Oct 22, 2013

By the time you buy the gauges, R-134a, and the vacuum pump it might be easier to just get it recharged at a shop.

Now, if you are going to be doing it frequently might be worth the investment.

CSIPSD · Oct 22, 2013

Parts are $200... I have the gauges, but I don't have the vacuum pump. So there is another $100-$150 bucks...

co04cobra · Oct 22, 2013

To do it "correctly" you need a scale also. Not a huge amount of money for everything, but not something you'll probably use every day either.

CSIPSD · Oct 22, 2013

Ya, I doubt I would use it again for years. I hate paying for stuff I can do, but I have a shop full of tools I rarely use anymore.

Whats it cost ball park to recharge the system?

co04cobra · Oct 22, 2013

That will probably vary from shop to shop. R134a has been down in cost through this past summer so that should help.

System holds 2lbs 4oz iirc. Take roughly an hour to vacuum down and recharge. Really should not get out of the $100-$150 range.

CSIPSD · Oct 23, 2013

Might be able to get one of my refer guys to do it for me if I get stuck on another food store.

kadeninabnitt · Oct 23, 2013

parts store has the vac pump on loaner tool http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...25jr?itemIdentifier=326079&_requestid=3614330

4.0l sahara · Oct 23, 2013

If you buy a vacuum pump you need a decent one that will pull a good vacuum. You need to get all the moister out. So I wouldn't waste your money on some cheap pos.

mandkole · Oct 23, 2013

got pag oil also?...i dont know if stationery guys deal with that stuff.

CSIPSD · Oct 23, 2013

kadeninabnitt said:
parts store has the vac pump on loaner tool http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...25jr?itemIdentifier=326079&_requestid=3614330

Autozone= Anti 2nd...

I don't shop there.

But I might check O'reilly's.

I think I have about talked myself out of doing the recharge itself. Just need to call around and get a few prices.

joebob3093 · Oct 23, 2013

Took mine to oil can Henry's, it was 80 I think

space_heretic · Oct 23, 2013

If I remember right it's two ounces of pag per hard part removed. Don't forget some ac solvent to clean out the lines. Get the pag and solvent from napa. It's a rather simple process. Make sure all the I rings are serviceable and to replace orifice tube and receiver/dryer.

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Freightshaker · Oct 23, 2013

From other post you have made I am sure you do not have a lot of free time but maybe if you buy the tools you can pay for them with a couple jobs. I use 30lb jugs of 134a and charge people $8-$10 a lb for AC work. I come out ahead on the jug even after I take care of family vehicles for free. Its just a thought.

If you weren't half a country away I would help you out for a beer and shootin the chit lol.

zilla68 · Oct 23, 2013

you will have to clean the system with the solvent, blow it out with nitrogen (not compressed air), I'd replace all the o rings while your there, pull a vac, recharge and your done.
Not a big deal, but most people don't do all the steps.

I had a lumina as a DD years ago and the a/c didn't work. Took it to a gm tech's house and he pulled the compressor fully charged, threw the new one on there, pulled the vaccum, filled it up with about 3 cans, and it blew hard and cold for years.
He said at the dealership they don't all the stuff your supposed to, but for a tech with as many years as he did, I considered him a hack after that, but it did work well.