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AC RECHARGE

OPER8R51

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Hello, wondering what the average cost of a vacuum and recharge would be and if someone knows how to doit?

I am also tempted to dyi and buy a kit which I am open to suggestions on some decent gauges, hoses, and vacuum machine.

Thank you
 
Why the vacuum?

Did you have a leak or replaced parts?

No clue what they’re charging these days as I always have done it myself.
 
Condenser took a hit along with the radiator in my sons 2011 Infinity G37 which the radiator had to be replaced.

Unfortunately, the radiator and AC condenser are welded together in those cars along with the fre-on leaking out.

I just assume one would want to vaccum it since I’m replacing a part.
 
For sure you want the vacuum to make sure no leaks after the work before ya potentially waste freon.
 
The vacuum is a good idea to get all the air out. But also after you pull a vacuum, let it sit a while to make sure there are no leaks at the seals where the condenser was replaced. I have no idea what a shop charges these days, but likely less than buying a vacuum and an AC kit if you are only doing it once. The cheap Harbor Freight vacuum and gauges looks to be about $200. Quality is more. They are certainly not awesome, but its a ballpark if you are deciding between DIY or pay...
 
The vacuum is a good idea to get all the air out. But also after you pull a vacuum, let it sit a while to make sure there are no leaks at the seals where the condenser was replaced. I have no idea what a shop charges these days, but likely less than buying a vacuum and an AC kit if you are only doing it once. The cheap Harbor Freight vacuum and gauges looks to be about $200. Quality is more. They are certainly not awesome, but its a ballpark if you are deciding between DIY or pay...
Oh, I’d bet my left nut they would charge more than that.
 
The Mormons are more honest and fair compared to Vegas.
 
I keep hoping to find a decent A/C machine for cheap, damn things keep adding an extra zero.

I found a cheap vacuum pump years ago, same thing now is a few hundo. Top up kits work ok, not great. Especially when your system takes 22.5 ounces and cans are 14 ounces. I haven't gotten one to work as good as I would like. I did fine with my 87 and R12, but R134a seems more finicky. I probably need to do my car soon, so debating DIY or sucking it up and taking it to a shop.
 
you can borrow the tools to diy from autozone (for free)
There's an important disclaimer to this post that warrants mention:

1) Call the VatoZone location first, and inquire if they have an available manifold and vacuum to loan.

2) You will pay full retail price of the tools loaned up front, and refunded upon return of tools, if returned within 90 days of being loaned.
 
There's an important disclaimer to this post that warrants mention:

1) Call the VatoZone location first, and inquire if they have an available manifold and vacuum to loan.

2) You will pay full retail price of the tools loaned up front, and refunded upon return of tools, if returned within 90 days of being loaned.
Vatozone.... 😅🤣😂
 
Who wants to bet whoever answers the phone doesn’t have a clue what those things are without searching for them?

I’ll start off with $100! 🤣
 

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