Are the DIY AC recharge products worth the time and $$?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Headknocker - 14 Mar 2006 16:15 GMT

I'm asking because the AC in my '98 CRV doesn't perform like it used to so I
bought one of those products last Saturday(with a gauge built into the unit)
only to find the refrigerant level to be well within the specs of being fully
charged. Aren't there compromises when you're only adding refrigerant to the
low side? I remember my Dad telling that the correct way is to let a
qualified shop do the work since their equipment is able to deal with the
high side as well.

Reply to this Message

Jason - 15 Mar 2006 00:47 GMT

> I'm asking because the AC in my '98 CRV doesn't perform like it used to so I
> bought one of those products last Saturday(with a gauge built into the unit)
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> qualified shop do the work since their equipment is able to deal with the
> high side as well.

Have it towed to the dealership and have them fix the problem so that you
will not have this problem again. It's my guess that there is a factory
defect related to at least one or more of the injectors.
Jason

Signature

NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.

Reply to this Message

Michael Pardee - 15 Mar 2006 01:26 GMT

> I'm asking because the AC in my '98 CRV doesn't perform like it used to so
> I
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> qualified shop do the work since their equipment is able to deal with the
> high side as well.

I have always recharged my own R-12 systems successfully - "by ear"
(listening to the compressor cycling), by thermometer taped to the
evaporator suction side, by high/low guages or by sight glass. I figured I
could recharge an R-134a system by ear and guage, but I found out the
experts were right and I was out of my league.

I recommend you take it to a pro, who will empty it and put the right weight
of refrigerant in. You can do the DIY route like I did, but I can only be
sure the charge will be wrong when you are done. Mine sure was.

Mike

Reply to this Message