I need help from AC guy/gal

[mrwinkle13]

I was installing my bumper and accidentally disconnected my a.c. line going to the lower driver side part of my condenser (see pic) and released just about all of my Freon. I was wondering if I could just go to a parts store and just refill it with a couple of cans myself or do I need to take it to a shop? I did not run my a.c. at all after the incident of that matters.

 

[Sungod]

Did you lose all pressure? If so, you should draw a vacuum and recharge the system. You can get away with just charging the system if you caught it before it all emptied. I would probably let it all out then start from a good vacuum, but you will need a pump and a set of gauges. I am not a huge fan of harbor freight, but they do sell a cheap set as well as a vacuum pump. It might be about the same price as getting the tools and doing it yourself as buying the tools, but the plus side is you will have the tools to do it yourself next time. There are plenty of videos on youtube that will walk you through the process.

I can only imagine what a shock that must have been when you cracked that seal and the refrigerant started to escape!

 

[mrwinkle13]

Heck yeah it was a shock! LOL it was like a bomb went off. I called the dealer and they said to remove rest of old, vacuum, clean and refill would be rite at $150.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Heck yeah it was a shock! LOL it was like a bomb went off. I called the dealer and they said to remove rest of old, vacuum, clean and refill would be rite at $150.

Always replace the seal after disconnecting a line. I use a little bit of engine oil, and put a new OEM seal on.

Yeah, you will want to vacuum the entire system for about 40 min, then make sure it holds negative pressure, then refill to correct quantity and check for leaks. Takes about 1.5 hours to do the entire process.

I got my pump and gauges from HF, work ok.

 

[aude311]

Heck yeah it was a shock! LOL it was like a bomb went off. I called the dealer and they said to remove rest of old, vacuum, clean and refill would be rite at $150.

150 isn't that bad the can will cost you 50$ alone, and if you did lose all the freon you will have to turn your compressor on or get more tools.

 

[Sungod]

Heck yeah it was a shock! LOL it was like a bomb went off. I called the dealer and they said to remove rest of old, vacuum, clean and refill would be rite at $150.

$150 is a good deal. A set of gauges, a vacuum pump, and materials will cost slightly more, but then you will have the tools in case you need it again. They are not tools you will use every day or have much of a use beyond AC work. I have a vacuum pump that has been sitting in a cabinet in my garage for over 3 years.