Recharging A/C... fan not coming on

Post by **xHeart** » 28 May 2019, 10:59

Good to know of Sams option in our situation. The Arctic Freeze self-sealing cans were $14.99 each at HFT.

After joining MVS Ziptie Club, I got some courage over the Memorial Day weekend and picked up a manifold gauge and a 2 stage vacuum pump from Harbor Freight -- both at 25% OFF. https://www.harborfreight.com/3-cfm-two ... acuum+pump

HFT manager did not know how to fit the yellow manifold hose over the self-sealing cans being sold there. No adapter.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 28 May 2019, 18:11

You'll also need one of those basic puncture-type valves to attach to that adapter, then you can screw the yellow hose onto that. For some reason the kit doesn't come with that valve.
One of these: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/adv ... lsrc=aw.ds

Post by **abscate** » 29 May 2019, 04:47

What’s your capacity bmdub? A 750g capacity will work well with 680g charge, exactly two cans.

Slight undercharge for hot climates, not over, is best.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 29 May 2019, 08:17

abscate wrote: 29 May 2019, 04:47 What’s your capacity bmdub? A 750g capacity will work well with 680g charge, exactly two cans.

Slight undercharge for hot climates, not over, is best.

Yup, it's 750g. Good to know!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 May 2019, 22:16

I've been buying R-134A in 30 lb jugs. It was just over $100.00 last year and I think they have crept up to about $125.00 this year. So long as you keep the canister dry it will last forever. I was buying brakes for the Suburban at O'Reilly a month or so ago and the guy in front of me paid nearly $20.00 a can for the small 12oz cans - just the cans not the kits with the hose and the gauge.

...Lee

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 30 May 2019, 09:00

Buying it in bulk is definitely a good value... it's incredible to me what people spend on the little cans. I always get it at either Walmart or Ollie's. Both have it for under $5 for a 12 ounce can. As long as it's a reputable brand that isn't filling the can with propane, it should work just fine.
The last can I bought was actually from AutoZone, it was $7.99 I think.

Post by **erikv11** » 30 May 2019, 09:46

See my post/link above about options for buying in bulk. Currently about $120 for the 30 lb cylinder but technically only a technician can buy it. A box of a dozen 12 ounce cans is currently $40 at Sam's Club, that's under $3.50 a can.

Post by **xHeart** » 30 May 2019, 11:30

erikv11 wrote: 30 May 2019, 09:46 See my post/link above about options for buying in bulk. Currently about $120 for the 30 lb cylinder but technically only a technician can buy it. A box of a dozen 12 ounce cans is currently $40 at Sam's Club, that's under $3.50 a can.

Sam's Club dozen for $40 is manageable. What is typical shelf life of these cans?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 30 May 2019, 11:55

xHeart wrote: 30 May 2019, 11:30 What is typical shelf life of these cans?

• The shelf life of 134a is at least 10 years under normal storage conditions.
– Stored in a clean, dry location that is out of direct sunlight.
– Storage temperatures keep below 126 °F (52 °C).
– Protected from mechanical damage.

Keep it in a clean, cool, dry and dark place the shelf life is indefinite.

Post by **erikv11** » 30 May 2019, 17:54

A sealed can of R-134a will last longer than we will. Once opened you probably have less than a year depending on the valve etc., if you don't use up the whole thing.