Refill A/C System

[nickw14]

During my turbo install I removed both radiators, causing the freon (or r134?) to discharge into the atmosphere. It was actually kind of funny because I had no clue what I just did. At any rate, I now need to refill the system and I have a couple of questions.

1: Is this something that can be done with one of those A/C recharge kits from an auto parts store? I have heard that some cars require the dealer to use special tools to do this.

2: Aside from the refrigerant, what else needs to be done? I have not removed the compressor, but should I be replacing/refilling any oil in the system?


Thanks for any help you guys provide!

[murdoc]

You need to pull a vacuum on the A/C system to get all the moisture and air out of it after opening the lines. You'll probably also need to replace the air conditioning desiccant bag, depending on how long you had it open.

[nickw14]

It was open for a few days where the line connects to the radiator. Would it be easier to just take it to the dealer? I have a bumper to bumper warranty and could probably get them to cover this.

[G-awesome]

haha I need to do this too...let me know what you did! I accidentally unscrewed the bolt on the high pressure tube going from the compressor to condenser and drained all the gas out too.

I was thinking of getting those ac recharge kits but I think I may have damaged the gasket/seal in the process so recharging it with a diy may be pointless as I would let even more refrigerant into the air...

[Si_Chris]

You pretty much have to do as seen in the following video.

Do not buy those cans with hoses from an auto parts store with the tiny gauge on them. They are a waste of money and can ruin your A/C system. The proper way to fix it is like mentioned above. Evacuate, pull a vacuum, and recharge.

[DJCarbine]

Originally Posted by nickw14

I have a bumper to bumper warranty and could probably get them to cover this.

They will not cover it unless you make an attempt at making it look like a factory defect or a bad seal/fill valve, which is dishonest and causes AIDS

[nickw14]

Originally Posted by Si_Chris

You pretty much have to do as seen in the following video.

Do not buy those cans with hoses from an auto parts store with the tiny gauge on them. They are a waste of money and can ruin your A/C system. The proper way to fix it is like mentioned above. Evacuate, pull a vacuum, and recharge.

I will be watching this when I get off work today.

[avishenoy1]

I had to remove the AC compressor from my car and discharged the system fully to the atmosphere and recharged it myself afterwards with a can/hose kit and it runs perfectly now.

A couple tips for those attempting to DIY recharge. Make sure you fully discharge both HP and LP lines before recharging the system. Make sure the O-rings on the LP and HP inlets on the top of the compressor are not damaged, if they are you need to replace them. Also, do not over torque the bolts when re-installing the inlet lines as they are very easy to shear.

[cdq85]

Originally Posted by nickw14

It was open for a few days where the line connects to the radiator. Would it be easier to just take it to the dealer? I have a bumper to bumper warranty and could probably get them to cover this.

lol @ having a bumper to bumper warranty after installing a turbo kit. the only thing you might have covered now is a peeling steering wheel. and even that's a big maybe.

[86Hiro]

Coming from me (Service Advisor for a Dealership), once they notice a turbo kit has been installed, your Warranties becomes VOID. They will not recharge it for Free. You will be charged probably 1 hour Diag, which here at my Dealership is $96.30+Tax, PLUS Freon and any dyes that might be added.

[Packofcrows]

Originally Posted by nickw14

During my turbo install I removed both radiators, causing the freon (or r134?) to discharge into the atmosphere. It was actually kind of funny because I had no clue what I just did. At any rate, I now need to refill the system and I have a couple of questions.

1: Is this something that can be done with one of those A/C recharge kits from an auto parts store? I have heard that some cars require the dealer to use special tools to do this.

2: Aside from the refrigerant, what else needs to be done? I have not removed the compressor, but should I be replacing/refilling any oil in the system?


Thanks for any help you guys provide!

O'reilly's, NAPA, AutoZone...etc one of those places used to do it for like $20+price of A/C gas. I forgot which and idk if it was only in selected places. Give local ones a call.

[White64Goat]

If your system has been open to the outside atmosphere for more than a couple of hours, you're going to have to replace the dessicant (used to be called a receiver/dryer back in the day) then pull a vacuum and recharge. If you've never done this kind of work before, take it somewhere and pay the man.

[ntron1]

Originally Posted by avishenoy1

I had to remove the AC compressor from my car and discharged the system fully to the atmosphere and recharged it myself afterwards with a can/hose kit and it runs perfectly now.

A couple tips for those attempting to DIY recharge. Make sure you fully discharge both HP and LP lines before recharging the system. Make sure the O-rings on the LP and HP inlets on the top of the compressor are not damaged, if they are you need to replace them. Also, do not over torque the bolts when re-installing the inlet lines as they are very easy to shear.

You are likely not aware that the fine for this is up to $37,500.00 for violating the Clean Air Act. The reward for turning you in is $7,500.00. just sayin'....

[avishenoy1]

Originally Posted by ntron1

You are likely not aware that the fine for this is up to $37,500.00 for violating the Clean Air Act. The reward for turning you in is $7,500.00. just sayin'....

Well it happened accidentally, I didn't intend to discharge it to the atmosphere, it just kind of exploded after I sheared the LP inlet bolt.

"it is unlawful for any person, in the course of maintaining, servicing,repairing, or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration, to knowingly vent or otherwise knowingly release or dispose of any class I or class II substance used as a refrigerant in such appliance."

So technically I didn't break the law, just sayin...