Cost of A/C service?
 

It's that time of year again, temps are starting to creep up..... and I need to finish the A/C repair.

I've replaced the compressor, two leaking lines (P.I.T.A.!), and ALL of the O-rings. Now I just need to get the system flushed/evacuated, vacuum test, and refill with refrigerant. What kind of $$$ should I expect for this service (cost of refrigerant excluded)?

Looking forward to being http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies...kit/frosty.gif (cool) this summer.

T.I.A.!

I have been getting my system refilled about twice a year here in Houston even though I have replaced many of the components including evaporator, evaporator pipe to cabin, pump and a couple of hoses. The hoses I have not replaced are the two that go from the compressor to the front condenser. Anyway I spend about $200 or so each time I go to the garage for the service. Until this year. This year I was in south Texas on business so went across the border to get the system charged with R-12. Cost was $9 per bottle (it took 2 bottles of DuPont R 12) plus evacuation for $17. Runs cool now. Will let you know how long it lasts.

If you're looking for R-12 service like you describe but "north of the Border" I would estimate your cost will "start" at $200. Jim

My bill from TRE of Hollywood says "A/C recharge", $120. It works fine. I still have the original compressor from '87. They charged up the A/C and let it set for several days. No leaks. I have cold air now.

"A/C recharge" is likely much different than flush, evacuate, vacuum test, and refill with R-12. Having done a little of this work myself I conjecture for $120 they hooked up a gage set, maybe "sniffed" for leaks, added some refrigerant and then rechecked it with the gage set a few days later. A minimum, decent flush on a typical 911 means disconnecting two condensers with all the risk of not being able to restablish a good seal if there are flare fittings, replacing the receiver/drier, evacuating and leak checking for at least an hour (three hours is better), determining and replacing missing oil, then properly re-filling the refrigerant by watching gage pressures or weighing refrigerant going in. Cheers, Jim