AC recharge tip

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 7:29 pm Post subject: AC recharge tip

If you recharge your AC with the small cans of R134, I have found that you can get the charge level up higher by putting the cans in a bucket of hot tap water for 10 minute or so and the AC system will take about 1 can more then outside temp cans. I check the water temp with a meat thermomter to make sure it's not more then 130 degrees. They will pop out the bottom if you heat them a lot higher then that.
Your AC unit will run colder and the charge will last longer. It seems to about equal the performance of having it recharged at a shop with the large bottles of R134. Hope this helps you guys stay COOL Cool

_________________
2001 Silver GTP coup 11.880@116.17 Fun Driver
1998 SilverMyst GTP sedan 13.716 Sold
2010 Black Camaro Daily Driver
1969 Firebird convertible 455 FUN

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 10:50 pm Post subject:

I use my meat thermometer to check Scotty's mom's temperature every night Idea

She is always HOT
_________________
Hi, I'm Matt.

I'm the resident smartass and I have fourblack children: (ok, one's only half black..)
07.5 2500HD, Duramax, Edge Race Evo CTS, MBRP 5" Stainless, TransGo, Sleeves, EGR!, PCV
09 VRSCDX - Night Rod. Flat black, gloss black
02 Black Z06. All work done by New Era Perforamnce. 519/497 at the rear, 3100 lbs.
05 Arctic Cat Firecat F7 - Sold
07 Arctic Cat F8 Sno Pro - Smashed into 1000 orange pieces.

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 11:03 pm Post subject: Re: AC recharge tip

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 11:40 am Post subject:

good tip, i'm going to add one more can to mine.
_________________
1998 Silvermist GTP Coupe
Bone stock unicorn
1998 True Green Metallic GTP Coupe
Pullied, cammed, intercooled. With a kiddie seat. It once ran a 13 flat.
1998 True Green Metallic GTP Sedan (retired)
Stock: 14.33 @ 96.5
PB: 13.89 @ 101 mph

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 2:11 pm Post subject: Re: AC recharge tip

[quote="bluto2000gs
I was using those for a little while, but now it broke all the way Crying or Very sad

Hard to justify fixing the AC in a 2000 with 170k, but damn those leather seats suck in the heat.[/quote]

What is happening with it? Have you ID'd a leak or is it so low on R134 it won't take a charge bcause the compresser won't engage it's clutch?

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 3:41 pm Post subject:

Do you guys know how much in weight your putting in the system?? The gp's on avg should only be charged to 2.25lb +/- a few if you want a colder charge top off with a can of artic cool/freeze.. not by overcharging the system

The most common mistake made by do-it-yourself is overcharging. Too much refrigerant can reduce cooling efficiency just the same as too little refrigerant. To work properly, the A/C system needs just the right amount. Always refer to the system capacity specs in a shop manual or other source to determine how much refrigerant is required. System capacities are specified in ounces. One can of refrigerant equals about 14 oz.

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:37 pm Post subject:

Most of the time I have to recharge the system it is not completly evacuated or empty, so I do't know haow many pounds are in the system, just that it is not cooling properly.
What I do is use a guage that attaches to the same port I fill at. Usaully the needle is just touching the low side of the noraml zone. If I put a can in it will bring it up maybe a 1/4 or so into the normal range, but it won't take much more unless I bring the next can up to 120. I try for about 1/2 way ora bit more in the normal range. Many times I wll have 1/3 or so of the 2nd can left. I have tried the Aritic cool and it does make for a cooler system. But it costs a lot more, and if your system is looseing a can every 2-3 weeks during heavy usage,cheap guys like me just get the regular stuff.
I should have said a charge level guage is a good thing to have if you do this sort of DIY maintance on your car. Thanks

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:01 pm Post subject:

i just see soo many failures due to overcharging and get a hot humid day and the highside headpressures destroy the compressor or pop lines. hondas are known for "blackdeath" and it wipes the entire system out and all has to be replaced.. Just looking out for many who would never of thought....

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject:

I use the gauge that came wth the can.
I don't recal how many lbs since it has been awhile since I did it.

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:56 pm Post subject:

sounds kinda like nitrous bottles Razz

For those w/o bottle heaters, hot water and 5 gallon bucket or bathtub works great.

	Upstate New York Club Grand Prix Forum Index -> Maintenance	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1