Air Conditioning Recharge DIY?

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Jul 2, 2016 | 05:53 AM

#26

-=gRaY rAvEn=-

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From: Cape of Cod

I've also been cautioned by techs regarding the "leak sealant" type of cans as well. Glad to see the thread revived....it's that time of year.

Thanks Dave.

Jul 3, 2016 | 09:14 AM

#27

gsfent

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Quote:

Originally Posted by David.R53

Sorry. Would like to add a note of caution here. First, avoid the DIY cans of refrigerant with leak sealant. They rarely work and will dramatically increase repair costs. Pure 134A refrigerant is cheap (about $5 a can on Amazon - look for DuPont Suva).

Filling by the low pressure side pressure is extremely unreliable - but that is all the information you get from the cans with built in pressure gauge. A proper analysis is to measure both the low and high pressure sides while the compressor and condenser fan are running and adjust based on outdoor temperature. Harbor freight AC gauges work ok and are not that expensive ($48 with their coupon). You should consider that the minimum gear needed.

If you need to remove refrigerant, it has to be recovered and not vented to the atmosphere.

MINI does not give nominal pressures for their AC systems, they specify the fill by weight and it isn't a lot - 14.5 ounces plus or minus 0.5 ounces on my car.

So to do the job properly - recover refrigerant, pull hard vacuum, identify and fix leaks, fill by weight, enjoy frosty AC...

I bought my vacuum pump, recovery machine and refrigerant scale used. Don't need a fancy automatic unit. Didn't spend a lot. Probably the tools my friends want to borrow the most...

All good advice, but a minor cautionary note about filling by weight.

I had my R53 compressor replaced a few months ago by my long time trusted indy. He did it by the book. Car didn't seem to be cold enough. So I pulled out my manifold gauges (hi and low side) and ended up adding about 1/2 can until the readings looked right. Ever since them, car has been ice cold.

For high side, I use 2x ambient plus 50 psi as a guide.

Regards,
Jerry

Aug 13, 2016 | 07:55 PM

#28

kadvani

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From: Cypress

Hey everyone. I've been trying to recharge my A/C system as well. I have a 2009 Mini Cooper and I'm not sure which is the low side port to recharge the system. I'm pretty sure it's the valve with the black cover on the right side of the engine bay, near the dipstick of the car, but I'm not sure. Would someone please help me with this, thanks =).

Aug 13, 2016 | 08:02 PM

#29

David.R53

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From: Maryland

You've wandered into the wrong forum - this is for the 1st Gen MINI's - 2002 to 2007 (or so). Both high and low pressure ports are on the left hand side for the first gen cars.