User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 3/2/2015 12:42:23 AM EDT
[#1]
At least you did a thorough job. Most people would just jb weld the condenser shut and add r134, and at the very most might add a new condenser and add r134 but not run a vacuum or add PAG. Sucks that it happened on such a new vehicle
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/3/2015 1:01:19 AM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T with poor performing AC. I brought it into the dealership and they tell me it is empty of refrigerant. They want $790 to replace the condenser. Get it back and the AC no longer works. I charged it with nitrogen and see it is leaking out the condenser. The dealership claims the condenser must have been damage by road debris. I bought a replacement condenser for $65, 30-lb of R134a refrigerant for $120, and some PAG oil. Front bumper removal <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Bumper%20Removed.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Bumper%20Removed.jpg</a> <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/20150215_172842.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/20150215_172842.jpg</a> Front bumper <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Front%20Bumper%20Cover.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Front%20Bumper%20Cover.jpg</a> Damaged Condenser <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/20150215_212629.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/20150215_212629.jpg</a> Rock damage, yeah right. Looks like screwdriver induced damage to me. <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Condenser%20Damage%20Closeup.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Condenser%20Damage%20Closeup.jpg</a> Removing Condenser <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Intercooler%20Mounting.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Intercooler%20Mounting.jpg</a> Removing Compressor <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Compressor%20Lines.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Compressor%20Lines.jpg</a> Compressor out <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Visteon%20VS16E%20Compressor.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Visteon%20VS16E%20Compressor.jpg</a> Flush kit: <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Nitrogen%20Tank-Regulator.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Nitrogen%20Tank-Regulator.jpg</a> Evacuating the system <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Evacuation.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Evacuation.jpg</a> Manifold gauge setup <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/R134a%20Mainfold%20Gauge.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/R134a%20Mainfold%20Gauge.jpg</a> Vacuum system down to 64 microns. Held for 30-mins with a rise to 74 micron <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Vacuum%20Reading.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Vacuum%20Reading.jpg</a> Valve core removal tools and Snap-On leak detector <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/user/AR15Texan/media/Valve%20Core%20Tool%20Leak%20Detector.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa273/AR15Texan/Valve%20Core%20Tool%20Leak%20Detector.jpg</a> If that gouge fits a 1/4" screw driver, I would be complaining to Hyundai corporate. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/3/2015 1:04:28 AM EDT
[#3]
Nice! I have always wanted to work on an a/c system but dang, the tools are expensive.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/3/2015 8:37:24 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nice! I have always wanted to work on an a/c system but dang, the tools are expensive. The vacuum pump is the most expensive but essential. Mine is Robinair 15400 4cfm 2-stage with a ballast valve. Pumps down to 25-micron. The digital micron gauge is the next expensive. Both are around $250. But there are better micron gauges out there in the $200 range. The digital scale was $140, but well worth it because I was able to get 30-lb of R134a at $120 shipped instead of $16 for 12-oz cans. I assembled the charging setup and then tare the scale. Open the valve and I can charge to 0.1-oz accuracy. Well worth it. I also bought an R-410A manifold gauges, a psychrometer, an anemometer, pipe clamp thermocouples, 1/4" core removal tools, and an infrared thermometer to work on residential HVAC. I just need an R-410A supply and recovery tank. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/3/2015 8:45:55 AM EDT
[#5]
Nice job, but why buy such a huge container of 134?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/3/2015 12:40:20 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nice job, but why buy such a huge container of 134? Cans of 12-oz at the local stores are $16+ I would of needed 3 of them. 12-packs of 12-oz online were around $65-$70, for $89.99 I got 30-lbs. Figured I was set for a while if I had AC problems with my other cars or the refrigerator. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/3/2015 1:06:14 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nice! I have always wanted to work on an a/c system but dang, the tools are expensive. Some of the tools are available from Harbor Freight for a much lower price. Probably not the best for commercial use but for a homeowner, they work fine. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/4/2015 7:19:45 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Cans of 12-oz at the local stores are $16+ I would of needed 3 of them. 12-packs of 12-oz online were around $65-$70, for $89.99 I got 30-lbs. Figured I was set for a while if I had AC problems with my other cars or the refrigerator. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Nice job, but why buy such a huge container of 134? Cans of 12-oz at the local stores are $16+ I would of needed 3 of them. 12-packs of 12-oz online were around $65-$70, for $89.99 I got 30-lbs. Figured I was set for a while if I had AC problems with my other cars or the refrigerator. Touche. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/4/2015 10:33:20 AM EDT
[#9]
FWIW, shop around on freon. I found the cans at Big Lots for less than $6 each.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/2/2015 2:04:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Why add oil? Did the oil in the system leak out? Honestly I have only charged new systems and really always wondered about the oil issue.
I have that same IR air compressor. 
I have done several systems with HF gauges and vacuum pump. They work just fine. Sometimes you can get can R134 under $10 on sale at Wally or the 99cent store. The system I do use less than two cans. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/3/2015 2:45:01 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why add oil? Did the oil in the system leak out? Honestly I have only charged new systems and really always wondered about the oil issue. I have that same IR air compressor. I have done several systems with HF gauges and vacuum pump. They work just fine. Sometimes you can get can R134 under $10 on sale at Wally or the 99cent store. The system I do use less than two cans. The oil is for the compressor and if he flushed it the old oil is gone. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/4/2015 12:36:39 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Cans of 12-oz at the local stores are $16+ I would of needed 3 of them. 12-packs of 12-oz online were around $65-$70, for $89.99 I got 30-lbs. Figured I was set for a while if I had AC problems with my other cars or the refrigerator. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Nice job, but why buy such a huge container of 134? Cans of 12-oz at the local stores are $16+ I would of needed 3 of them. 12-packs of 12-oz online were around $65-$70, for $89.99 I got 30-lbs. Figured I was set for a while if I had AC problems with my other cars or the refrigerator. Fridge uses a different type of freon . |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/4/2015 1:28:58 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nice job, but why buy such a huge container of 134? I've got 6 drums I bought for $30 each. Why not? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/4/2015 12:54:26 PM EDT
[#14]
You've made a very informative post. however, I don't believe you can credibly call this a "DIY" thread. Yes, you did it yourself but it seems you have considerable knowledge on the subject and a considerable investment in tools.
Tell me, are you an automotive professional? Are you an AC professional or HVAC pro? What is the total cost for the refrigeration tools anda gages you used for this repair? How would a true do it yourself person access tools and gages like those? Are they available for rent? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/5/2015 12:15:47 AM EDT
[#15]
What is the total cost for the refrigeration tools anda gages you used for this repair? You can get a 30lb bottle of 134 for less than $100-125, which would be way more than you need. I'm sure a few smaller cans (enough for a typical vehicle) would be around $20-30. Vacuum pump is around $100-300, depending on the brand, and gauges can run anywhere from $45 at Harbor Freight to a couple/few hundred from Snap On or similar. You also need a scale, but I know some guys who don't use them. It gets a little expensive for the DIY, but the knowledge gained in being able to do this work yourself is priceless. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/5/2015 5:26:14 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can get a 30lb bottle of 134 for less than $100-125, which would be way more than you need. I'm sure a few smaller cans (enough for a typical vehicle) would be around $20-30. Vacuum pump is around $100-300, depending on the brand, and gauges can run anywhere from $45 at Harbor Freight to a couple/few hundred from Snap On or similar. You also need a scale, but I know some guys who don't use them. It gets a little expensive for the DIY, but the knowledge gained in being able to do this work yourself is priceless. Quote HistoryQuoted:
What is the total cost for the refrigeration tools anda gages you used for this repair? You can get a 30lb bottle of 134 for less than $100-125, which would be way more than you need. I'm sure a few smaller cans (enough for a typical vehicle) would be around $20-30. Vacuum pump is around $100-300, depending on the brand, and gauges can run anywhere from $45 at Harbor Freight to a couple/few hundred from Snap On or similar. You also need a scale, but I know some guys who don't use them. It gets a little expensive for the DIY, but the knowledge gained in being able to do this work yourself is priceless. This. Plus, once you buy the tools, you'll have them for future AC repairs. AC repairs get expensive if you have to go to a shop for them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/12/2015 1:32:27 PM EDT
[#17]
Both my refrigerators and freezer have R134a as a refrigerant.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/12/2015 1:36:18 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why add oil? Did the oil in the system leak out? Honestly I have only charged new systems and really always wondered about the oil issue. I have that same IR air compressor.
I have done several systems with HF gauges and vacuum pump. They work just fine. Sometimes you can get can R134 under $10 on sale at Wally or the 99cent store. The system I do use less than two cans. I flushed the system with a solvent pressurized with my shop air. All but the compressor and expansion valve were flushed clean. I drained the compressor of all the oil gravity would get out overnight. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/12/2015 1:46:45 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You've made a very informative post. however, I don't believe you can credibly call this a "DIY" thread. Yes, you did it yourself but it seems you have considerable knowledge on the subject and a considerable investment in tools. Tell me, are you an automotive professional? Are you an AC professional or HVAC pro? What is the total cost for the refrigeration tools anda gages you used for this repair? How would a true do it yourself person access tools and gages like those? Are they available for rent? I'm not an HVAC professional. I've gained a majority of my knowledge reading books from the local library, youtube videos, EPA study guides, and the manufacturer websites. I certainly don't have the experience to recognize symptoms and troubleshoot that time in the field gets you. I've purchased and collected tools over time and watch for deals on tools I'd like to get next. The biggest expense was the vacuum pump ($300), then the digital micron Guage ($189), the scale ($149), gauges and hose$ ($139), used Snap-On leak detector ($100), R134a supply ($129 shipped), flush kit ($40), solvent ($15), vacuum pump oil ($12), and PAG OIL ($15). I would definitely say it was DIY as no one helped me or showed me how to do any aspect of this job including how to get the front bumper assembly off which was a 1-1/2 hour pain in the ass to figure out. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/13/2015 12:01:52 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I flushed the system with a solvent pressurized with my shop air. All but the compressor and expansion valve were flushed clean. I drained the compressor of all the oil gravity would get out overnight. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Why add oil? Did the oil in the system leak out? Honestly I have only charged new systems and really always wondered about the oil issue. I have that same IR air compressor.
I have done several systems with HF gauges and vacuum pump. They work just fine. Sometimes you can get can R134 under $10 on sale at Wally or the 99cent store. The system I do use less than two cans. I flushed the system with a solvent pressurized with my shop air. All but the compressor and expansion valve were flushed clean. I drained the compressor of all the oil gravity would get out overnight. Is that a nitrogen tank and regulator? Where did you get it and how much $$$? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/13/2015 1:42:19 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is that a nitrogen tank and regulator? Where did you get it and how much $$$? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Why add oil? Did the oil in the system leak out? Honestly I have only charged new systems and really always wondered about the oil issue. I have that same IR air compressor.
I have done several systems with HF gauges and vacuum pump. They work just fine. Sometimes you can get can R134 under $10 on sale at Wally or the 99cent store. The system I do use less than two cans. I flushed the system with a solvent pressurized with my shop air. All but the compressor and expansion valve were flushed clean. I drained the compressor of all the oil gravity would get out overnight. Is that a nitrogen tank and regulator? Where did you get it and how much $$$? Yes, Uniweld RHP400 - $58.55 on Amazon.com. 60ft3 Nitrogen tank and nitrogen charge - $224.56 from local Airgas branch. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/13/2015 1:53:02 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why add oil? Did the oil in the system leak out? Honestly I have only charged new systems and really always wondered about the oil issue. I have that same IR air compressor.
I have done several systems with HF gauges and vacuum pump. They work just fine. Sometimes you can get can R134 under $10 on sale at Wally or the 99cent store. The system I do use less than two cans. I've helped other people out with so many of their projects using a crappy compressor that I decided I would spend the money to get a nicer one that would never leave me wanting for air. I spent almost as much money for the two air line branches. Regulators, filters, driers, couplers, over pressure valves, automatic drain solenoid and timer, and air hoses. Then just as much in all the air tools. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
