Any tips on A/C recharge?

[BobK]

Was test running the engine yesterday after getting the rear main seal replaced. As expected on a 16 year old Jeep, the AC was cool but not freezing cold. I suspect that the AC needs re-charged. Has anyone done this recently? Any tips? What brand of refrigerant did you use?

Thanks

Bob

 

[TrueTexas]

Before adding freon, I would suggest you hook up the system to a manifold and determine both high side and low side pressures. There are several areas that could be preventing the system from cooling effectively, adding freon could make matters worse. As much as I dont buy tools from harbor freight, my $50 investment in a manifold and $100 investment in a vaccuum pump have paid for themselves many times over.

Regarding type of freon - do not use freon with any kind of sealer in it. I personally use the cheap $5 a can freon from Walmart with no sealer. However, I typically put a vaccuum on the system (after having the freon captured) to determine if it has any leaks / boil off any water in the system, add the correct type and amount of PAG oil and the correct weight of freon.

 

[EClipp's]

I just get a can of A/C Pro with the gauge and the hose and follow instructions. Used one can 2 years ago here in Texas on my 2004 Ram and my TJ 2.5 and still blowing cold.

 

[06TJ35's]

Before adding freon, I would suggest you hook up the system to a manifold and determine both high side and low side pressures. There are several areas that could be preventing the system from cooling effectively, adding freon could make matters worse. As much as I dont buy tools from harbor freight, my $50 investment in a manifold and $100 investment in a vaccuum pump have paid for themselves many times over.

Regarding type of freon - do not use freon with any kind of sealer in it. I personally use the cheap $5 a can freon from Walmart with no sealer. However, I typically put a vaccuum on the system (after having the freon captured) to determine if it has any leaks / boil off any water in the system, add the correct type and amount of PAG oil and the correct weight of freon.

HF manifold has been good to you ? I need one $50 doesn’t sound bad.

 

[TrueTexas]

I've had it for about 7 years now and used it over a dozen times. I actually just used it yesterday on my Silverado and it worked perfectly. I cant tell you how accurate it is but I'm guessing it is pretty close based on the readings I get when I do a full vaccuum and refill. I also use my wifes postage scale to make sure I get the right amount of freon in the system.

 

[TrueTexas]

@EClipp's - Although the most common cause is low freon, it is still an "abnormal" condition. You shouldnt be losing any freon in a sealed system. When the system stops cooling, you could use a can with a hose and guage to determine low side pressure. if low, adding freon will typically help. However, if the problem is a blocked expansion valve or orifice tube (which you can only determine by seeing the high side pressure) adding freon could seize the compressor and certainly ruin your day. Additionally, a leak in the system could allow water to enter the system which will cause corrosion and premature death to AC components. Placing a vaccuum on the system will boil off the water and dry out the components, hopefully extending the life of the components.

BTW - I see you are in CS. 'Gig 'em

 

[Moab]

How much does it cost to have your ac system checked if you take it to a shop?

 

[Jamison C]

How much does it cost to have your ac system checked if you take it to a shop?

Local shop here quoted me $80 for a proper discharge, test, and recharge. Of course that’s before potentially finding something wrong.

Prices here in our little valley are EXTREMELY steep so I’m sure it’ll be less in bigger areas.

 

[jeepins]

Had a local shop evacuate and test the system on my 96 F150.. found a leak where the hose junction is told me to order it myself, put it in and bring it back and they'll test it again and recharge everything. They know I work on my own crap. Charged me $25 for the recharge and I threw in a 12-pack... but it was nice to just let them hook their machine up to it to test it.

 

[ZEN357]

I just get a can of A/C Pro with the gauge and the hose and follow instructions. Used one can 2 years ago here in Texas on my 2004 Ram and my TJ 2.5 and still blowing cold.

Same here. I used A/C Pro with the gauge about two years ago as well and all is still good.

 

[06TJ35's]

I've had it for about 7 years now and used it over a dozen times. I actually just used it yesterday on my Silverado and it worked perfectly. I cant tell you how accurate it is but I'm guessing it is pretty close based on the readings I get when I do a full vaccuum and refill. I also use my wifes postage scale to make sure I get the right amount of freon in the system.

Sounds like you got a nice little system going on. With scale and vacuum. I need to get my hands on all of these. Maybe do a little side work once I have them all.

 

[fourpointzero]

You guys are lucky to have shops that charge that little to pressurize your systems. I paid $150 to have someone evacuate, refill and add dye.