A/C Quick Disconnect Tool and Gauge Set?

Post by **Ben850** » 11 Jul 2013, 20:05

While charging the refrigerant on the 855, the accumulator sprung a leak. It was badly rusted and I pushed it to its limit I imagine.
I plan on getting a manifold gauge set and quick disconnect tools. I figure I might as well own them. I've been asked by more than one friend to "take a look at their air conditioning". So far I am able to say " I don't have tools for that stuff".

I guess I would like to know if anyone has some recommendations for an inexpensive, but completely functional setup to do recharges, pull vacuum, and easily deal with quick disconnect couplings. Not on a daily basis mind you, but on occasion.

I have a small 2-1/2 gallon air compressor. I've seen the venturi type vacuum pumps for around $30, Manifold gauge sets starting at around $60., and quick disconnect multi-tools starting at around $7.
What to look for/stay away from etc...
A/C guys chime in if you would.

Post by **jimmy57** » 11 Jul 2013, 23:52

For what you plan to do the Harbor Freight manifold gauge set and coupling tools should serve you well. Keep the a/c gauges in a cabinet and and free of motor oil. A friend has a set and left them in his open air shop and the rubber covering of hoses was toast in a year. They work fine with no leaks with outer covering cracking off anyway.
The Lisle a/c coupling tools are pretty reasonable at the franchise auto stores and on EBay.

Post by **Ben850** » 12 Jul 2013, 05:29

Thanks, that's what I figured.
Now how about pulling vacuum inexpensively? With the size compressor tank I have, mentioned above, will this vebturi type vacuum pump serve me well? Or do I have to drop another $110. on a dedicated pump?

: These are starting around $30.; Vacuum Pump.jpg (24.01 KiB) Viewed 1642 times

Post by **jimmy57** » 12 Jul 2013, 08:11

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Stage-Rotary- ... 5d411404d8

$72 shipped.
You can carry on a conversation and it goes to full vacuum.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 12 Jul 2013, 21:30

Unless you have a huge air compressor the venturi type vacuum pump is basically worthless. It takes hefty and continuous supply of compressed air to keep it working properly. You can get the quick connect release kits at any auto parts store for around $10.00 for the set - there is nothing unique about them and your car uses the standard SAE sizes.

...Lee

Post by **Ben850** » 13 Jul 2013, 00:38

Thanks for the info. Clearly the venture type is not for me. It makes little sense to blow to suck.

Post by **abscate** » 25 Jul 2013, 09:06

I got the set and the vacuum pump at Harbor Freight on sale under 100 USD. This was with sale pricing, a box special, and a one-time 25 bucks off your sale coupon

These do come up every 3-4 months at HF though.

...and while you are butting into my fledgling AC business, you can get a 12 can pallet of R134A for 60 bucks on ebay, which sell for about 10 bucks each individually.

Now that my friends know I can do AC, Ive paid for everything two times in cash/barter.

Post by **jimmy57** » 25 Jul 2013, 10:59

Do you have Sam's clubs up that way?
30# cylinder of R134A is 90 bucks. I could kick myself for a weak moment and getting my last cylinder at the a/c parts and radiator supply I use. They had R134A for $126 FOR THE 30# tank and I assumed it had gone up everywhere. Then I go to Sam's the next time and see it for $90!!!