I moved from Phoenix last year and don't have any "good buddy" places where I can take my truck for A/C service and pay like $30 for labor anymore. I've gotten two quotes to vacuum and recharge my A/C system, one for $150 and one for $210. I'm thinking about just buying the tools to do it myself.

I know I'll need at a minimum a manifold gauge and a vacuum pump. At my local Napa it was almost $300 for both. Is this about normal for price, or are there better places to buy that stuff? Any recommendations on brands or models? Any other tools I'll need for A/C service?

 

I have both from Harbor Freight. I'm sure there's others that a lot better, but they get the job done for me.

 

I just ordered a Robinair 15115 VacuMaster 1.5 CFM Single Stage Pump and a Mastercool 66661 Brass Manifold Gauge Set. About the same price for both of these as it is to pay a shop. We'll see how it works.

 

In for results

 

your also gonna need a scale to weigh the refrigerant so you know how much your charging and a can puncture tool to actually get the 134 from the can into your system.

 

Don't forget a thermometer to stick in the vent while your charging the system and the actual refrigerant.

 

My vac pump and manifold gauges arrived yesterday, going to try to charge this thing up tonight.

One question on pressures....I found a chart that has target low side pressures with different outside air temps. I've also watched a couple videos, and when the compressor starts cycling, the low side pressure varies depending on whether the compressor is on or off. The "target" low side pressure that I'm shooting for - is that with the compressor on or off? I'm assuming on...

 

Got it done this afternoon. I'm at 7400 ft elevation, vacuum showed 24 hg-in. Vacuumed it for 30 min, let it sit for 30 min, didn't lose anything.

The only thing I replaced in the system was the receiver/dryer, so I filled up the yellow suction hose on the manifold gauges with PAG 46 (that's what Napa had listed for this truck). Hopefully that was enough oil to add.

It says 1.8 lbs of refrigerant on the radiator cover, which is 28.8 oz. I put two full 12oz cans in. Outside air temp was 65-70 degrees, idle low side pressure with the compressor running was 35psi, vents were blowing at 52 degrees. Compressor was running constantly, not cycling on and off.

Should I add a bit more refrigerant and/or oil?

 

Thunder I've been an commercial and residential ac guy for 40 years now but I don't do vehicles. I can just tell you that it likely does need a few more oz of refrigerant. I've seen vent temps in the 40's on a 100 deg day on mine in TX. I would also go by the chart that gives pressure ranges for low and high side. Can't comment on the oil charge. Hope this helps sir.

 

Also run the engine at a fast idle when checking pressures and temps...maybe 1500-2000 rpm if its not the diesel.