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AC Machines
Prevost Quebec City refurbished my ’92 chassis air system and a year later I need a recharge. I also have 3 ’97 GMC trucks (Suburban, Dually and Tahoe) in the family that need almost annual recharge. My local A/C guy said GMC/Chevy A/C systems are legend for leaking after about 10 years or after you replace major components. Has similar experience with his Chevy’s and he loves working on A/C.
As I was mentally adding-up the amount I have spent on re-charges (pull all the old stuff out to recycle and completely refill) it dawned on me this might be an arguement for DIY if there were reasonably priced equipment that would pay for itself and is the process fairly idiot-proof for someone mechanically inclined?
Anyone doing their own with more sophistication than one of those little cans from Autozone??
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6 Replies
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I have the scales, leak detector, vacuum pump and gauges. I will never justify the cost but I don’t have to depend on anyone. I do use them, but if I were to want to get into doing some simple recharging a set of good gauges and a tank of 134A puts you in business. If you want to source leaks or replace a dryer however then you need all the stuff.
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Do you have a recovery system or just a simple vacuum pump?
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Just a vacuum pump. If the system lacks pressure I intend to use it to evacuate any moisture. If it has pressure I am assuming no outside air has entered the system and I can just recharge it.
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In my seven year relationship with Elegant Lady, I’ve made one trip to the pro shop for a vacuum (29.9hg), leak detector,and recharge (about 24 pounds 134a) – $650 total. Two weeks later it was all gone, but the leak detector found the leak. Fixed it myself.
The economics:
You can get a set of mastercool gauges and hoses for about $100 (Amazon), a Robinair vacuum pump for $200 or less (Amazon), and a 30 pound keg of 134a at ruralking.com with free shipping for about $80 (I shopped this hard). You probably know how I know this. You can do it, good luck,save money!
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Don’t forget the oil about every 3-4 years you need to change it, if it looses the charge I would change it, on 134a it takes P O E oil about 1 gal, if you burn that 05g compessor you will dig deep, not to mention you need to clean the system
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thanks everyone, I follow everything clearly but the oil. Say a little more about that or point me to a good primmer I can read?
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