A/C charging
 

Anybody know a good shop with decent prices that can charge a dead empty A/C system?

Re: A/C charging
 

Freon is expensive. If you pay to get it recharged, make sure you get the leak (if there is one) fixed. You could also look into the DIY R134A conversion kits.

Re: A/C charging
 

You can get that stuff at the auto store now days.

Re: A/C charging
 

Remember you cant just add xxxx amount of freon to an empty system. You need to pull a vacuum on the system for at least a half hour to make sure all the moisture and air is out. It is good to replace the drier if you are re-doing your a/c system as well and to make sure the correct amount of pag oil is in the compressor.

Re: A/C charging
 

Youngstedts in maple grove, great prices even better service.

Waiting area is pretty nice too.

Re: A/C charging
 

Does the conversion kit just involve compatible orings and the new service ports?

Where can I get a kit?

Re: A/C charging
 

Thank you kind sir! :)

You can get a conversion kit at any parts store. The majority of the conversion is changing the connectors to R134a from R12. You will still need to get the system properly recharged.

Re: A/C charging
 

Freon isn't bad, you can get it for $10/12oz can (R134a) at Wallymart. 2 cans will fill most systems.

I bought the A/C service manifold at Harbor freight and have done a few cars with it (you need to do the R134a port conversion first, just the two screw-on fittings). You can even get an HF vacuum pump to pull a vacuum before charging. I'm sure I didn't get all the amounts right, but suction and discharge pressures look good and the system blows cold air! Beats paying $300+ for service like you do at most shops. Just have to make sure you also get a somewhat apropriate amount of oil into the system.

Basically if i'm charging a dead system in an unknown state, i just slowly start to put a can into the system, then stop and listen for leaks. You waste a little freon, but you can usually find the leak (if its big) pretty reliably. And if its a slow leak, depending on HOW slow, a charge may last you a couple months, which will get you through a summer. Thrifty comfort :)

Re: A/C charging
 

FYI
Freon is just Duponts brand name for their refrigerants.
Have you guys heard they are doing away with R-134a? They are going to start using HFO-1234yf it has a 99.7% lower global warming potential than R-134a.

Re: A/C charging
 

Add some a/c dye when you charge it, so if there is a leak present you can easily find it.

Re: A/C charging
 

perfectly said, just to add though.. make sure you compensate for the change of fluids in your system. R134A doesnt expand the same as R12. so you need to use 20% less then what your system would require for R12.

Re: A/C charging
 

i bought the awesome dyi system at walmart, my system was completely dry and it did the trick for a car that had 200k miles