| ACPro [message #213453] |
Sat, 06 July 2013 09:09  |
LNelson
Messages: 335
Registered: December 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
Karma: 0
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I searched this forum before asking this, but no luck. Has anyone used the AC Pro kit (they advertise them on TV) to recharge their AC? My E-II has already been converted to 134 and on my last trip last week, no AC! Thought someone might have used it. There is a You Tube video/review that gave it favorable marks. Thanks in advance.
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
[Updated on: Sat, 06 July 2013 09:10] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: ACPro [message #213486 is a reply to message #213458] |
Sat, 06 July 2013 13:19  |
djeffers
Messages: 219
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
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Larry,
The quick connect fitting that comes with the AC Pro R-134 kit doesn't fit our '78 GMC coach as it still uses R-12. Your fittings were probably changed or adapters fitted when your coach was converted to R-134.
[quote title=Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 06 July 2013 10:42]| LNelson wrote on Sat, 06 July 2013 10:09 |
You are much better off getting the real tools and learning to do it the right way.
Matt
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I agree with Matt that it is always better getting the real tools and learning to do it the right way. His suggestion to go to Harbor Freight and get an AC manifold is a good one. Matt posts many fine comments.
I picked up an AC Pro kit for our 2004 Chevy Malibu Classic when it got low after nine years, even though I do have most of the right tools.
I think the AC Pro kit is a good introduction to beginner's AC maintenance.
The AC Pro R-134 kit has a nice re-useable Freon can tap, hose, low pressure side gauge and AC system quick connector with it. The gauge has a rotatable temperature index for setting the gauge and the gauge seems to be quite accurate.
You only need to know the low side pressure requirement for your system and you can easily and quickly put some R-134 back into the system and if there are no other problems, get it "close enough for government work", as the old saying goes.
The AC Pro Help phone number people I spoke with were knowledgeable and very helpful. I called them up to see what they had to say. They can give you the correct pressure for standard R-134 systems. Of course, your coach isn't standard and they might not know the pressure, but perhaps your conversion has a note for that.
Our 2004 Chevy set to 48 lbf/sq in for the temperature and humidity that day. The humidity correction made less than a pound difference. AC Pro's information agreed with that from my factory service manual. Better getting some R-134 back into the system than to let it get too low.
If your system has lost most or all of its R-134, you really need to get the leak repaired before replenishing the refrigerant.
When I want to be more precise with an AC system, like on our coach or other vehicles, I hook up my AC manifold to the high and low pressure sides of the AC system and refrigerant can, put a large box fan on high in front of the AC condenser at the radiator air intake, start the engine and turn the AC on high with the windows open and a thermometer in the cold air outlet, take a humidity reading with my Sling Psychrometer, read the ambient temperature with a good thermometer, use the factory service manual to determine the low and high side pressures and get to work.
If I think I have a leak in the system I will use my electronic leak detector to locate leaks. Often it is just an O-ring. Once repaired, I use my vacuum pump to evacuate the system, add a can of refrigerant and sniff again. Then if leak tight, I let it stand under vacuum for 24 hours and if the vacuum doesn't drop, refill refrigerant to capacity and pressure specs and leak test again.
At other times, I just use a quick fill connector on the low pressure side to prevent running low on refrigerant. The AC Pro gauge with temperature index will get you pretty close and the connector will only connect to a low pressure side fitting. Humidity readings are usually just a minor adjustment to the low pressure side setting.
Follow all safety precautions when dealing with pressurized refrigerant systems.
Just a couple of ways we maintain our AC systems, and we most often go the lazy man route. Hope this helps.
Don and Susan Jeffers
78 Eleganza II Cad 500 MPFI
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| Re: ACPro [message #213507 is a reply to message #213486] |
Sat, 06 July 2013 17:50 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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If that is the approach you want to take,
Go to Wally World in the Automotive section. They have a can topper with a trigger and a gauge for around $17.00. It will accept 3-134 can and also Duracool cans. When using it you attach it to the service port and read the current pressure directly. If you want to add refrigerant pull the trigger. Relaease the trigger to read the charge again. Also R-134 at Walmart is the cheapest place I know of.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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