FiverBob

I have searched and searched for information on on the AC in our 03's and can't find what I need. I am low on coolant with a very slow leak on the bearing of the compressor. I can pull the engine down, but never messed with the AC.

What is the coolant? I am assuming it is R134 - - is that correct? And, is there anywhere on our forum or another place you could direct on how to do this without what the Ac guys want to do which is a complete pump down and recharge. I don't see a site glass anywhere like the R12 systems. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have never added to the R134 system. Where do I attach? What can I hold or see to determine whether I "probably" have enough added?

DumbBob

jlipskoc

Yes r134a. Get one of these kits, about $17, any parts stores, Walmart carries them. r134a runs about $8 a can. There is no site glass. Quick connect hookup to low side, its as smaller connector, so people don't connect to the high side. Easy to do overall, about 10 mins of your time.



Best to put the can in a pot of warm water, it suck in faster and empty the can quicker. Keep can upright, sometimes 'wiggling' the base of the can helps keep it fluid enough.

cdennyb

just turn can upside down and it fills quicker too, on the suction side.

jlipskoc

If you get yourself a set of manifold gauges, so you can check both the high and low side at the same time. Rule of thumb, ambient temp x 3 = high side pressure for r134a.

http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-8205-.../dp/B000JFHNG0

Harbor Freight has a set also. or any parts stores, but they cost more.
http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-man...rce=googlebase

Make sure you know how to use these gauges, don't open the high side with a can attached, it could blow.
Only open the low side (blue) when filling cans, yellow connector goes to can.

OH, you need a "can adapter" that pokes a hole in the can and then screws to the yellow hose. Thats extra $6

jlipskoc

I wouldn't do that, the straight fluid will lock up a compressor on the low side. I always want freon gaseous state.

jlipskoc

VERY good youtube vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WblfmWnFPEc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNsyiFRfueM

jlipskoc

FiverBob

You guys are great. Heading to Harbor Freight and get a can of goodies. I may be back.

GratefulBob

FiverBob

Had to come back and say thanks. Job complete. Actually the truck was not all that bad, just a tweak. Guess I was forgetting how hot it gets down here in the summer. Mama's bus was definitely down to the point of kicking in and out. It took less than a can for both vehicles. Everything went as planned - - you guys were super in pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks for the help,

Bob

jlipskoc

Glad to help Bob, good to see shes up and running with a simple fill, its definately been a hot summer, today 108 index