A/C Repair: What do I need?

Is air conditioning repair something DIYers like ourselves can tackle?

The A/C in my Camaro stopped working last summer and I did a little troubleshooting but stopped short of getting it fixed. I know the compressor clutch still functions, and the compressor itself wasn't making any weird noises.

Right now the compressor is not engaging because the pressure in the system is too low. I checked on a quick-fill gauge that would go on a small can of refrigerant and get no reading for pressure.

I tried adding some dye to the system last year but never found the leak - what else can I try?

Did you look for dye in the evaporator drain tube?

R22 or R134a?

If it is R134a then I would say you may be in good shape. I bought a cheap-o fill kit from Vato-zone for about $30 plus a couple cans of refrigerant for my wife's carolla and just followed the instructions. Pretty simple actually. (except in my case low pressure ended up not being the problem. Turns out she had a bad relay and the $$$ spent on the refrigerant+refill kit wasn't needed)

good times though, and good luck.

To start and do it properly, you need a set of gauges. Then maybe a vacuum pump.

A shop could diag it for $50(?). If you want to try yourself start by finding the AC info sticker under the hood and see how much 134a the system holds. Probably not more than 2lbs, maybe less like 1.5lb. Go buy a DIY fill kit and couple cans of 134a. Add one can, each can is 12oz, that should make the compressor run. To do it right you need a charging station that accurately adds the correct amount of charge, but this will do to see if it works at all. My guess is if you can't see the leak it's a compressor shaft seal or the actual compressor body leaking. Evaporators don't leak as much as hoses or condensors do. If you don't know much about AC you have a good chance of screwing it up.

Back when R12 gat reclassified with plutonium, the cost of AC repair became a standard $1000-1500 for just about anything required.

I notice prices are not going down.

The trick to AC repair is to have a vacuum pump. You wont really know if the system is sealed without it. While the dual gauges are relatively cheap, I am not aware of cheap vacuum pumps.

Vacuum pumps aren't terrible. I have something similar to this, + a manifold/gauge set. http://www.amazon.com/3-0-Twin-Port-Vacuum-Pump/dp/B0017R95DI/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1339417059&sr=1-2

If you are going to deal with more than 1 broken a/c system, its worth it. I've done 2 myself (about to do a 3rd) and helped a few buddies out as well.

If the system is already empty, I charge it with some dye, get a black light, and look for the leak. I also check the low/high pressures once charged (this will identify compressor or expansion valve issues). Once the leak located, I have the system drained, repair/replace that area, replace the dryer, replace expansion valve (if necessary) and recharge it.

First car I did had a bad compressor. Cost $40 for a used unit. I didn't even bother with the dryer. A/C worked great. Shop had quoted me around $950 for the job. This is why I ended up buying the gauges/vacuum pump.

Second car I had to replace the high-side hose. The one I am about to do will likely need a new compressor.

I just did my first AC job this weekend. Changed a compressor and did the R134a conversion. Huge sense of satisfaction when the cold air flows.

It can be done at home, but you need tools. Harbor Freight sells the manifold gauges and vacuum pump. Both have multiple prices depending on where you look, plus there is the 20% off one item coupons. Sometimes the AutoZone types will have the gauges for rent but seldom the vac pump.

Start by vacuuming the system and let it sit to see if it holds or leaks. If you need to trace the leak, get a UV light and glasses. Freon hates atmospheric air, and the system has a tight spec for the amount of refrigerant. If you don't start with a good baseline you are just guessing.

If you have a system that is working and just blowing cool or warm instead of cold, you could probably get by with one of the quick-kits at Autozone that just has a low pressure gauge on the handle of the can.

I found tons of info on the web and youtube. Don't be afraid of this, but take some time to understand it. It's just a closed loop system with a few parts, but you are dealing with pressure and the need to be in the right range. Overcharge or undercharge are both ineffective and potentially harmful to components.

You are also working with a rapidly expanding gas which cools quickly. Glasses and gloves are a must. Be safe!

UPDATE: Cool air in the Camaro again.

Since my system was completely empty I didn't need to have the refrigerant recovered and I could dive right into the repair. I think my compressor had some bad seals and was the source of my leak in the system. I bought a new compressor, drier, orifice tube, oil, seals and a drive belt for about $250. eBay special of course. Install wasn't too difficult but I did end up draining and flushing the engine coolant system in order to get better access to the compressor. The orifice tube was clean and I cleared out the lines with compressed air before adding the new oil. I bought a set of gauges from Harbor Freight and rented a vacuum pump from AutoZone. Pulled a vacuum for about 2.5 hours and let the system sit for another hour while I refilled and bled air from the cooling system. I didn't find any leaks in the system.

I think I introduced air into the system by not bleeding the line well enough when I filled up with the first can of refrigerant. My pressures should be a bit higher, but I learned a new skill and what to do next time. I think I can get it colder, but this will work for now.

Good link: http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=1665946

Good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lglPJuBXVeE

Thanks! Dont forget this thread for coupon codes at advanced

http://slickdeals.net/f/4137419-Advance-Auto-coupon-codes?

NOHOME wrote: The trick to AC repair is to have a vacuum pump. You wont really know if the system is sealed without it. While the dual gauges are relatively cheap, I am not aware of cheap vacuum pumps.

Go to the crappy part of town. Vato Zones in the bad parts of town have vacuum pumps on their loan-a-tool program.

yup I rented the vac pump from autozone... can get the gauges also...

I think you should to go ac repair expert.And its easy way to fixed your ac quickly.