Coming back from the San Diego Tour a couple weeks ago, I noticed the AC in my truck wasn't working very well (2002 Silvarado 2500HD Duramax). I haven't done any AC work before, but a friend and I checked the pressures with a harbor freight gauge set and it was way low on refrigerant, so we put in most of a can of r134a with dye. Unfortunately, after disconnecting the manifold set, the hot side service port isn't sealing properly, doh. Sticking the plastic cap back on stopped the audible hissing, I don't expect it to actually seal things, but hopefully it'll hold long enough to figure out where else the system is leaking.
As far as replacing that service port goes, my working assumption is that doing it will require vacuuming out the system afterwards? If so, is that DIYable with a $100 HF vacuum pump (http://www.harborfreight.com/25-cfm-vacuum-pump-98076.html), or is that just asking for trouble?
I did the same thing to my '04 last summer, $12 part at NAPA and $12 air vacuum pump and I've got no complaints.
oldopelguy wrote:
I did the same thing to my '04 last summer, $12 part at NAPA and $12 air vacuum pump and I've got no complaints.
Is that one of the venturi vacuum pumps? I've read conflicting reports on whether those are good enough for AC?
Yep, just a little air ejector same as steam plants use to maintain condensor vacuum. I've used mine on several cars and aside from having to run the compressor a lot for the 1/2 hr of vacuum to pull moisture out of the dryer it's worked fine.
you can "rent" the gauges and vac pump from O'vanced-zone and their loan a tool program... it's like 150 for the pump but you get it back upon return... did it last summer when I had to replace my compressor on the volvo...
honestly I think many of us think there is more to the a/c system and think it more difficult than it really is... the worst part for much of it is getting to some of the parts to replace it and spending little time researching and understanding it.
In reply to donalson:
And know why its called a manifold set, other than when vacuuming down, the high valve remains shut at all times.
