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AC RECHARGE

OPER8R51

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
 
oops
 
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...
 
Tom702 said:
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...
Click to expand...
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.
 
Zane said:
you can borrow the tools to diy from autozone (for free)
Click to expand...
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.
 
Poena238 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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! 🤣
 
Try going in for bearings for a motorcycle.

"Sorry, sir, we don't sell motorcycle parts."

"Yes, you sell bearings, I need standard 12x25x8 mm bearings, please."

Sorry, sir, it doesn't work that way.
 
I have used the harbor freight vacuum pump and manifold gauges in the past several times with excellent success. Like others have said, make sure you pull a vacuum first and let the system sit for a while to ensure there are no leaks. You will also need to pull a vacuum if the system got any air in it whatsoever. Our atmospheric air has moisture in it, which will cause the system to overheat and destroy components. Prior to owning my own ac tools, I’ve used Meineke to service my systems. They’re middle of the road pricing. An important note is that if adding refrigerant you will want to 1. add oil if you replaced any components, and 2. Ensure you add the correct amount of refrigerant, which is usually calculated in ounces. Never trust the built in gauges on the bottles of refrigerant.

Eric the car guy has several videos on YouTube with step be step instructions on how to pull the vacuum and add refrigerant. Recommend watching them if you’re doing it yourself.
 
There are advantages to pulling a vacuum and dialing in the correct charge with a metered machine vs recharging w a can tapper.

Modern AC systems have much smaller capacities that they did in the old days. Slightly over charging an AC system can affect the system even more than under charging it, especially when it gets super hot in the middle of summer.

A lot of times you can get by w a can tapper, but if you want your AC charge to be what it should be, you need a machine.
 
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