Charge/Evac Equipment Recommendations

Rxol · 10:37 PM

Hey all. I'm looking to upgrade my A/C equipment enough to take the guesswork out of charging and evacuation and was looking for a few recommendations.

I keep reading the little cans are extremely unreliable with weighing an actual charge into a car, and I feel this is where I'm messing up sometimes. I'm able to source a 30lb R-134a https://mechanicguides.com/best-micron-gauges/ cylinder locally for about $130 which seems pretty cheap to me, considering 30lbs in the little cans cost 190 ish. I had my A/C flawless last year before a shaft seal blew and now I can't get the damn thing back as good as it was. It was pulling 52-55f at idle within 30 seconds on a 95f day and now I can barely muster that on the highway after replacing a compressor with no other changes. -_-

I was also wanting to add a micron gauge and a refrigerant scale to my arsenal because I've been charging with a regular manifold gauge and cans. Do ya'll have any recommendations on good brands and where to get them? And whether a postal scale might suffice for DIY home charging?

Also, how much would old vacuum pump oil or a re-used receiver drier affect the final micron reading or performance? I currently have a 7 year old 2-stage Harbor Freight vacuum pump. This is another reason I'm interested in the gauge because a proper vacuum is only a shot in the dark for me right now and this may be where I went wrong.

I really appreciate any replies! This forum and AcKits has been very helpful for me.

asphaltgambler · 12-20-2018, 11:40 AM

An EVAC machine is pricey and dedicated to what Freon types are currently in use. As in they only service 1 type at a time. Typically run @$3500 range...

Pazuzu · 12-20-2018, 12:27 PM

Uhhhh...what car?

Digital postal scale is fine.

Old receiver dryer and vacuum oil is not fine.

New legislation prevents "normal" people from buying the 30 pound tanks of R134 anymore. $130 is a bad price for Chinese gas, a screaming price for American gas. Only get the American stuff (DuPont Suva). If you buy a 30 pound tank, you will be breaking federal law, just so you know.

1990C4S · 12-20-2018, 01:00 PM

Do you have refrigeration gauges?

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

If you buy a 30 pound tank, you will be breaking federal law, just so you know.

I had to dust off my MACS 609 certificate to buy a tank this summer. Last year I bought three tanks at $70 each no credentials. Surely Chinese but I have experienced no downside. Advanced Auto.

However, it's (609) available to earn in an online "open book" test.

I does not allow you to recover from a vehicle. Just buy and enter into a sealed system, including R12.

NY65912 · 12-20-2018, 03:11 PM

I have Yellow Jacket micron and scale. My AC project came out great. I test with dry nitrogen.

Steve Carlton · 12-20-2018, 03:20 PM

I was watching Pat Goss on Motorweek the other day, and he was talking about how important it is to confirm you have the correct refrigerant:

Know your Cool | MotorWeek

Pazuzu · 12-20-2018, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

I had to dust off my MACS 609 certificate to buy a tank this summer. Last year I bought three tanks at $70 each no credentials. Surely Chinese but I have experienced no downside. Advanced Auto.

However, it's (609) available to earn in an online "open book" test.

I does not allow you to recover from a vehicle. Just buy and enter into a sealed system, including R12.

Sure, but most people don't know that as of Jan 1st this year, you can't just go to Autozone or Amazon and get the 30 pound tank. It came suddenly and mostly unreported.

I had looked at the 609 test, and decided against it because I wasn't going back to R-12. Now...maybe I'll have to look at it, since my most recent #30 of R-134 is nearly empty

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

Sure, but most people don't know that as of Jan 1st this year, you can't just go to Autozone or Amazon and get the 30 pound tank. It came suddenly and mostly unreported.

+1 They told me about the requirements at the parts store. I was clueless.

I only dabble in AC so it makes sense that I would not know.

WRT 609, I remember paying the fee and then they send you a study book. It's pretty comprehensive and was a good exercise for me. Then you take the online test which has no time limit. Just eats time.

That said, I've learned more practical knowledge in these forums.