Airconditioning refrigerant charging

[docraymund]

Hello there, I would like to ask if any of you guys can guide me in adding refrigerant to my a/c system. It's been 2 yrs. since I bought my truck and a/c's not cold anymore. I have an a/c gauge which I never used before and I saw a store nearby which sells refrigerant. How do you charge an a/c system? Mine is a 2000 model 4.6. Thanks.

 

[stamp11127]

What type of gauge do you have? The el cheapo can gauge or a real set?

You can get low cost can taps with a hookup for the low side port, or you can get more involved and buy a bunch of a/c tools.

Let us know what you have and we will walk you through the steps.

Here is a link on how a/c systems work:
http://www.macsw.org/iMIS15/MACS/Ce...db6-4507-8ddd-27fd9b9153f6&Technician_Panel=2

 

[tonydiv]

It's really worth having a pro do this. First, the system needs to be evacuated of all air / refrigerant / gunk. This also tests the system for leaks. A pro can put the exact amount of refrigerant in the system that is required. If you do it yourself, you are just guessing based on pressures.

If you're intent on doing it yourself, just go get a can of AC Pro (with the gauge on the can) and give it a shot. This stuff has a sealer and some oil in it. Doing it this way you only make a connection to the low side of the system. (safer and harder to screw things up)

 

[docraymund]

Thank you very much. I bought an a/c gauge set the one with 2 gauges, one for low and one for high side. As for the a/c in the can, I don't think we have it here in our country. I had my expy for only 2 years and the a/c did not lose coldness abruptly but I think only gradually. Problem here is that a/c shops would charge you so much that you would rather just use the windows instead especially if they saw thats it's an expedition.

 

[stamp11127]

Ok, you can now give us three things:
1) Static pressure
2) Low side pressure
3) High side pressure

Without starting the engine and after the system has been at rest for an hour or two, connect the low and high side connectors to the respective ports.

The low side is on the receiver/drier way back on the passenger side just in front of the firewall. Look for a silver can to the left of the valve cover.

High side port is on the same side towards the radiator. Just follow the lines.

What does the low side gauge read? What is the outside temp?

Start engine, turn a/c on max. What are the low side and high side readings. Do Not Open any of the valves on the gauge set other than the valves at the ports.

Hopefully the low side isn't at 0. If it is you can assume that air has entered the system which just means more $$ to fix.

 

[docraymund]

Thank you very much for your help. Sorry for the late reply. Found my gauge but it is for r 12 systems. I'll have to buy another set for r 134 a. Will post result next time. BTW, found your link to be very informative. Have'nt completely read it yet. Am trying to educate myself in a/c systems. Thanks again.

 

[stamp11127]

Since your getting a new set I recommend investing in a name brand with filled gauges. My set in from MasterCool and I haven't had any problems with them.

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