I saw them @ Autozone, but was hesitant to buy it. A friend of mine used one on his BMW, and it worked well at first but I dont know how long it lasted. Anyone ever used one? Is it worth the $30 or so, or should I just take it somewhere??

 

First, make sure your car has R134a in it, if it's for your 96, it will be, there's a sticker under the hood that tells you.

Second, it will only help you if the system is not leaking, otherwise the new R134a will leak out pretty quickly and you'll be back where you were in no time.

You can try to recharge it one time with a DIY kit, it's pretty easy, make sure you get one with a gauge so you can read the pressure. Both too low and too high a pressure will result in poor cooling. Add only on the low (suction side) of the system with the compressor running (engine on and A/C on max)! If the compressor does not stay running, disconnect the connector to the pressure switch and put a paperclip in the connector to get the compressor to run. If it cools good for a while and then stops working again and the pressure is down again, you have a leak and you should probably take it somewhere to get tested/fixed.

HTH

Sam

 

it shouldnt be leaking at all..It worked fine until I pulled the condenser out when I changed the radiator. I lost all the freon then and just havent done anything about it yet. Thanks!

 

If you let all the pressure off and air in, you will need to pump it down with a vacuum pump first. It's always a good idea to change out the dryer bag in this case too.

 

what is the "low service side"? Is it the metal hose with the connection on it that is right by the radiator? Want to make sure I do this right...

 

Haven't used it on my Z, but I've used the retrofit kit on one of my beaters which had the older system and man, it worked great. Can't find a better deal at what it costs too!

 

If you've pulled the condenser and opened up the system, you'll need to attach a vaccuum pump and purge the system of air you introduced.

The air has moisture in it, and if you simply recharge the system, the moisture will freeze into ice crystals that will plug the expansion valve.

Attaching the vaccuum pump will remove most of the air, and allow the moisture to boil off.

You might be able to rent a vaccuum pump, but at this point it's probably cheaper to let a professional do it right.

 

oh ok. I didnt know that. I have been running the AC anyway (even though its not cold) since its been so hot here lately, so I didnt think there would be a problem. Thanks for the advice...

 

PGR is right about needing to evacuate the system, I thought it was simply low on freon. He's also right when he says you're probably better off letting a shop do it, it shouldn't cost very much and you'll be sure that it was evacuated as best as possible.

 

The best way to do this is to attach a vaccuum pump overnight. Or at least, have the shop attach it in the morning, so it has a few hours to boil off the moisture, then charge the system later in the day.