Ac Recharge Kit

bballa · May 17, 2009

Anybody have experience with the AC recharge kits they sell at auto parts stores. I want to check the pressure and top off if need be. Any feedback would be appreciated.

sonjaab · May 17, 2009

For the price I have seen the r-134 kits with the guage

and can of 134 ($40) it would seem better to spend a

few more bucks to go to a AC shop and have them do it.

A local shop ran a "free" AC check deal near me and since my converted r-134 84 Z-28 wasn't too cold anyhoo I took it there. Total cost for leak test and a few pounds of 134

............$80 bucks

Nice COLD AC now!

NOTE: If you have a pre-96 GM you prob. have a r-12 system.

TO recharge that system could get REAL $pendy!

bballa · May 17, 2009

yea, the price for the kit is around $40-$50. I have two trucks I want to check so going somewhere to get them checked out would be a little more than I want to spend right now. My 2001 Silverado still runs cold most of the time but after extended use it tends to blow warm air. Shut it off for a while and it comes back blowing cold. My daughters 05 Equinox is just blowing warm air from the get go. Not getting cold at all.

bballa · May 18, 2009

Has anyone used a recharge kit and found it to be worth it? Easy to use, good results? Some more experienced opinions would be great.

georgecdisc · May 18, 2009

Has anyone used a recharge kit and found it to be worth it? Easy to use, good results? Some more experienced opinions would be great.

I helped my friend recharge one of his cars once. It helped out slightly with providing cooler air, but I think the problem was that we ran out of refill. We didn't have enough to charge the system completely. I cannot remember entirely, but the vehicle has to be running with the AC on full blast when recharging. I'm sure if we got the larger can we would have been all set. I've heard rumors though about the refill containers having additives to help stop leaks in the system. Because of this a recharge shouldn't be done more than once since it will "gunk" up the system. Again, rumors, don't know the full story on that.

txab · May 18, 2009

Has anyone used a recharge kit and found it to be worth it? Easy to use, good results? Some more experienced opinions would be great.

First thing is to look for any leaks and repair them or have them repaired properly. Check for proper operation of fan clutches. If you go the "kit" route don't buy anything other than pure 134a. Don't buy anything with sealers, oils or additives that claim they will make your system perform better. Systems charged with 134a are picky. A few ounces too low or a few ounces too much, both can be bad.

My next and best suggestion is that you purchase a quality set of A/C gauges and check both your high and low side pressures. Learn about AC systems and how they work. Many people do more harm than good to their AC systems because they don't understand them.

All AC system are charged by weight of refrigerant. That's why a good AC shop will usually evacuate and recharge from zero. They will know that MFG spec'd amount is installed. If you install 134a yourself by adding to the system, only add an ounce at a time. Place a stick thermometer in the center vent. Have the AC system full cold, fan at high, doors open and engine about 1500 rpm. Check your temps as you add. If temps start to rise, STOP! Never exceed the recommended pressures on your kit gauge.

You truck could be undercharged. It could have a weak or out of adjustment compressor clutch that disengages after getting warm then begins to work again after cooling a bit.

If your gauge says your pressure is good, don't add any refrigerant. Look for other problems such as low pressure cut out switch, compressor clutch air gap.

bballa · May 18, 2009

thanks for the responses. I have always had my vehicles serviced for AC problems by professionals. I was just thinking I might be able to save some money. If it were just a simple matter of adding some 134a I might attempt it. It seems a bit more involved than I want to tackle. If there is a leak I wouldn't be able to find and or fix it anyways. This was the input I was looking for. Once again thanks!