Originally posted by Nick Buol:
OK. I am back from my local NAPA (closest place to get to over lunch) and I bought a 19oz can of R-134a with the gauge and everything on it (gauge is removable so I can use it again later if I need to) and for $18.49 plus tax, I am in business. It took me longer to read their instructions on the can (to double check) than to do it.

Note: Many people here were saying to make sure that the can is upright to ensure that the R-134a in gas form goes into the system, but the can stated to turn it upside down. The "experts" at NAPA said that those instructions were correct and that this particular can needs to be upside down.



I don't know about that particular can [right side up or down], or those experts, but it's always smart to introduce the freon into the system as a gas, not a liquid, that's why you'll find the low-side service valves near the compressor or near the filter drier/accumulator...after the evaporator has done its job of returning the freon back into its vapor form...the compressor compresses vapor, not liquids.


Quote:

All I know is that it works. Hopefully however it leaked out is a very slow leak so that I can enjoy the cool air for a while.

Note. Here is what I noticed when checking the gauge. The compressor was kicking in and then shutting off, over and over. On for a few seconds, and off for a few seconds. The reading on the gauge (before filling) would go as high as 55psi when the compressor was not running, and when it was running, it would drop down to 20psi and shut off. As I put the refrigerant in, I noticed that it didn't spike as high, and slowly started staying on more (the compressor) as it stayed above the 20psi mark. After about 5 or so minutes, it was up around 50psi all the time, and the compressor was humming along the whole time.

Thanks to everyone here for the vote of confidence, and for those that offered additional things to check, thank you too. Even at $18.49, it would have been foolish to recharge it if that wasn't the problem (again, I hope that it isn't leaking out fast)...

Nick




Good luck...and again, I don't really know much about those cans...never even knew that they started adding gauges to them, but 50psi sounds high, normally. If it's getting good and cold, don't worry about it...but if it's overcharged, it'll act almost as if it's undercharged. It won't be cooling like it should, plus your high-side will be around 275+psi...or you may just have a bit of moisture in the system, or a compressor that's a bit weak...if it seems cold to you, just ignore everything that I just wrote, enjoy the A/C and don't worry about it.

Anyway, it's kind of like a tire with a slow leak, even if you put a little bit too much air in it, it won't be that way for long...but hopefully you have a slow leak that's easy to fix when the time comes.