Topping-up A/C

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:39 pm

Hi guys,

My A/C is becoming lazy. Never recharged since 2000. Doesn't start if (too) cold outside. Making air less cold over time too. So I think it needs a little more R134a.

Who was lucky in using those "refrigerant refill can & hose" we can buy on Ebay?
Some tips?

Thanks,

Daniel

RSZT4 · Post by **RSZT4** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:29 pm

those can systems that you can get off e bay and other lil speed shops SUCK, they are only good if your system needs a lil boost. If your not getting any cold air and your system needs a full recharge you need to bring it to a shop that does A/C's. It will cost you a bit more then the can type system but it will work and will last.

buddha102 · Post by **buddha102** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:40 pm

yea does things dont do nothing... go to the shop and ask them if they can check for leaks, cause i had a leak on my condenser and i ended up replacing the whole thing which cost me about 250$ (recharge 100$ + 150$ for condenser) from now on my ac worked great

daewooluvr · Post by **daewooluvr** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:38 pm

Technically your AC system should never need a "top off". These are designed as sealed systems and should not need a recharge for many many years. If your AC levels are low, getting a full recharge will be a waste of your money as this indicates you have a leak somewhere.

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:52 pm

Thanks for your advices guys.

I made some pressure readings this afternoon and my airco still has (some) charge. A/C copmressor clutch was engaged!
At 45°F outisde I got a static pressure (A/C off) of 40 psi. That's OK with "pressure-temperature relationship of R-134A". Dixit manual.
With A/C ON I got a pressure on the low port of 20~24 psi. That sould have been between 25-45 psi from "interdynamics how-to videos".

I don't believe a automotive airco can hold gas forever, mostly due to the compressor shaft seal, I think. That's not like a fridge where whole refrigerant circuit is sealed "air-tight".

And after 9 years of good airco service I'll give a fisrt try with those "chill can".

I'll keep you informed anyway.

Daniel

Puddle31 · Post by **Puddle31** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 2:54 pm

I never did it on a Woo but I have recharged a mini van with a can once or twice and it has worked awesome. it lasts for another year or two, then it needs it again. I realize there is a leak but it's not worth repairing at huge $$ for me for a very old vehicle. My 2 cents it is worth a shot, especially if the compressor is working and it has been fine for years.

buddha102 · Post by **buddha102** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:31 pm

what about those stop leaking cans? but it might cloug ur ac system....

RSZT4 · Post by **RSZT4** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:36 pm

buddha102 wrote:what about those stop leaking cans? but it might cloug ur ac system....

Those are only good for small pin holes, nothing much bigger, it works on seal leaks, but if you have a cracked line or something long its hit and miss if it works or not.