AC Recovery / Evacuation / Recharge tools

[Russell]

Is this one any good?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-tool-other/e...ne/1077002111?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

The AC quit working in my 03 Tahoe over the winter. I suspect the compressor has failed but I haven't really done any proper troubleshooting yet to make sure that's what is going on. The system has pressure in it and the compressor runs but the air coming out of the vents is ambient temperature.

A couple rough estimates from shops that do this kind of work came in at around $1500. I know I'll need to buy a compressor, oil and possibly some refrigerant for the machine if it doesn't already have some in it so I'd be looking at close to $3000 all in the DIY route.

The reason why this is even a consideration is that I know of at least two other folks who would be looking to get their systems done as well (one being Rene's K5) so there may be the potential to use the machine for a couple folks then re-sell it when we are all chilling out in our frigid vehicles.

 

[sweetk30]

fyi here in the us lots of states require a licence to do major a/c work and buy free on in big quanitys .

otherwise I couldn't tell you much as I don't do a/c work .

 

[kgblazerfive]

When you coming down here next I know a place that fixes a/c

 

[blazer74]

Find a place that will work with you, have them discharge the system.
You do the work then go back to them and have it serviced.

 

[Russell]

This machine comes with 30lbs of freon in the tank. Basically everything I need to git r dun. I have a friend who also does AC work professionally but she lives in another city 4hrs away. I may just work with her to get it all done.

I'm going to go have a look at this machine on the weekend and see what I can work out on it...

 

[blazer74]

Have you put gauges on the system before you spend money, could just be a slow leak.

Look for oil coming out somewhere. If it's not cooling is pretty low on freon anyway unless you have a blend door problem.

30 lb drum of R134 is about 140 bucks.

 

[Blue85]

One perk of running hydrocarbons is that no recovery equipment is needed. If you want to start over, just vent it. You lose maybe $10 worth of refrigerant.

 

[82355]

You don't need a recovery machine.

You need a manifold gauge set, vacuum pump, and a can tap.

Martin

 

[Russell]

Or to just replace the belt tensioner that froze up and spit the belt off haha! Found it hanging off the end of the crank between the balancer and timing cover. I thought I could see the pulley turning from the top, but when I looked up from the bottom what was going on was very obvious!

It's blowing 34F out of the vents. $120 worth of parts and it's fixed. I'm happy with that!