AC recharge
- Thread starter Duhockey
- Start date
TheDurk
Elite Member
I got a can with a guage at Wal-Mart for $23. Took the pressure from about 28 psi to 35 psi on an 80°F day. That's the max listed in the FSM (I did the conversion), but less than the can recommends at that ambient temp. It's blowing good and cold right now. I actually have to turn it down a few minutes after leaving a hot parking lot. Before I had it always on full. This is the first refrigerant charge since new in '99.
Any thoughts as to whether I should leave it as is, or blow in some more per the can (maybe 7 more psi)?? I know jackall about A/C.
Any thoughts as to whether I should leave it as is, or blow in some more per the can (maybe 7 more psi)?? I know jackall about A/C.
Last edited:
Socco
New member
If the FSM recommended values have been reached, then it should be fine. Why add 7 psi if you already have to turn it down? If it aint broke, dont fix it.
TheDurk
Elite Member
That's exactly why I stopped at 35. But people on here seem to be adding more. I just wanted to see if there were other points of view.
Singtoe
New member
I would check the system to see if you have enough Freon by using the sight glass. Using low pressure is really only looking at one side of the system. If the compressor is worn out, it will read normal to upper normal pressure on the low side and low pressure on the High side. Couldn't tell if you are only using one gauge.
You will need to people, and a flash light.
Start the 4runner up. Stand in front of the 4runner and look at the sight glass on the receiver drier. Use Flashlight to help see inside the sight glass.
Have a buddy, offspring or a spouse turn the AC on.
Should see the glass sight fill up with a liquid.
After a few seconds, the air should all be gone and a steady flow of liquid run across the sight glass.
Once you confirm that you see liquid and the bubbles are gone. Have you buddy, offspring or spouse turn of the AC. The sight should start to bubble up and then be completely gone liquid.
Here are the diagnostic ques.
If the are bubbles still present after 30 seconds or so of running you AC, you need to add Freon.
If you do not see bubbles forming after 10 seconds or so of turning off the AC, then you have too much Freon. (If you didn't add any, then this won't pertain to you)
Socco
New member
People do lots of things. Like I said, if it works, why add more? You'll make the system less efficient if you overcharge it. But what do I know? I'm just a commercial A/C & Refrigeration Technician.
Hacker
New member
Apologies for the serious necro-post, but this is the thread that pops up first when searching how to do an air conditioning recharge for a 3rd gen. It's that time of the year, so folks may be searching for it again.
I did this today, and though I'd supplement the excellent advice all ready given in the thread with a couple photos taken during the process.
Here's the location of the sight glass to initially look for the bubbles (the flashlight is pointing at it, just in front of the radiator over toward the passenger side headlight):
Here's what the sight glass looks with constant bubbles (the brass-colored circle is the outside of the window; looks like just white in the window because of the constant bubbles):
Here's the low side fill port, on the passenger side (the cap is nicely labeled with an "L"):
Here's the fill hose and gauge hooked up, checking the pressure -- in the blue just below 35 psi:
A look at the clear sight gauge with no bubbles after recharging:
I did this today, and though I'd supplement the excellent advice all ready given in the thread with a couple photos taken during the process.
Here's the location of the sight glass to initially look for the bubbles (the flashlight is pointing at it, just in front of the radiator over toward the passenger side headlight):
Here's what the sight glass looks with constant bubbles (the brass-colored circle is the outside of the window; looks like just white in the window because of the constant bubbles):
Here's the low side fill port, on the passenger side (the cap is nicely labeled with an "L"):
Here's the fill hose and gauge hooked up, checking the pressure -- in the blue just below 35 psi:
A look at the clear sight gauge with no bubbles after recharging:
TheDurk
Elite Member
^^Thanks for bringing this back. I was just trying to remember what pressure I put in last summer. I just checked, and I'm still at 35lbs/sq.in. low side and blowing 54.9°F on my new digital meat thermometer. Passed Singtoe bubble test with flying colors. So a partial recharge needed after 12 years is no sign of a larger failure.
And thanks again, Singtoe, wherever you are...
And thanks again, Singtoe, wherever you are...
GottaBeTRD
New member
this is good info! got a question though...
I'm contemplating on recharging mine. I've owned the 4runner for almost 5 years now, I've never done anything with the AC. It blows a comfortable temp in the 98 100 degree weather out here, but i'm sure it can get cooler. My work truck is older and blows a lot cooler. So would this be a sign that it could use a recharge?
I'm contemplating on recharging mine. I've owned the 4runner for almost 5 years now, I've never done anything with the AC. It blows a comfortable temp in the 98 100 degree weather out here, but i'm sure it can get cooler. My work truck is older and blows a lot cooler. So would this be a sign that it could use a recharge?
Rockdawg84
New member
not necessarily, if your work truck is older than a 93 or so then it probably has R12 and a well operating R12 system will run as much as 15 degrees cooler at the vents than a R134 system. if you are getting 60 degrees vent temps at 100 degrees outside then you are golden. if you are substantially higher then you should look at the system. For example my 98 AC works really good and right now outside it is 107 degrees and my Vent temps are right around 60 degrees. That is a 47 degree difference and it feels great. I have seen well working R12 systems produce high 30's at the vent. I miss R12:bash:
Tucson4runner
New member
Sounds like your the guy I need to see to help with my system. It's cold but not always and not as cold as it use to be
Rockdawg84
New member
Benski
Member
So the AC in my 96 doesn't seem to be blowing as cold as it used to. I checked the sight glass and it bubbled up and stayed that way while the AC was on. I bought the recharger unit with gauge and it read right at 45lb. pressure with the condenser running. That should be perfect so I didn't add any refrigerant, but it still doesn't seem as cold as it used to. I'm glad the pressure is normal and I can live with it's cooling ability. I did notice the low pressure cap was missing 6 years ago when I purchased my truck so it may have been recharged at one time.
GottaBeTRD
New member
thanks for that, I think the truck is a 2000 Ranger, Iit's piece of crap, but the A/C is wonderful!!
I have no clue what the temps are in my 4runner, it just feels like it could get cooler, I never have to really turn it off for being too cold during the day. but i like I said earlier I'm never uncomfortable from the lack of cool air either, so maybe its fine.
aeroneer1
New member
What he said. I actuallly got the same bottle from NAPA for $25. I located the window just cuz I wanted to, but I didn't even look at it. Just went by pressure and ambient temperature. The connector only fits on the low side cap, and the caps are labeled 'L' and 'H'. The high (H) cap is in front of the radiator, and the low (L) is located on the passenger side a foot from firewall.
alexfrilot
New member
I just replaced my condenser and the system is clear of freon, when I refill it does the engine need to be in or off? And if it is completely empty ill need a big can and a small can to fully fill it right?
