AC recharge

[ikessky]

So, who here has charged their own AC system? I have a brand new compressor that I'm looking to install. Can I do it or am I going to have to break down and take it to the shop?

P.S. It is a R-134 system and the car is a 1995 Buick Skylark with a 3100 SFI.

[Justin]

Well you can install the compressor yourself, it will not run without any 134A in it. Then you can either buy a charge kit or take it somewhere and have them do it. Should be quite a bit cheaper if you've already installed the compressor.

[Cliff8928]

Ooh... notice his location - Wisconsin..... You can NOT buy R134a in wisconsin

that sucks.... if you're close enough, just go over the border to another state and buy the recharge kit..

Cliff Scott
89 BerettaGT
89 Volvo740

[Anonymous]

You can NOT buy R134a in wisconsin

WTF not? What DO they use for A/C there?

[Cliff8928]

Well, It's not legal for sale to people who are not licensed..

Cliff Scott
89 BerettaGT
89 Volvo740

[Justin]

No kidding? Man, you can buy that stuff in walmart and everything here in ND...

[Anonymous]

When you put the new compressor in, you'll need to have it evacuated so there is a vacuum in there to suck in the R134a you'll be putting in. It usually costs about $20 to have it evacuated. How far from MN are you? Its READILY available around here.

[Anonymous]

Well, It's not legal for sale to people who are not licensed..

Um, that's just plain weird. What's the logic in that?

[Streetrodder83]

R-12 is not legal for sale, if you are unlicensed. R-134a is what is used now, and can be purchased anywhere. I would take it to the shop, just easier. Because, you need to put in the right amount of oil, I can't remember which oil it is off the top of my head. I think it might be PAG, but I can't remember, plus they have the right equipment and can be done with it in 20-30 minutes if that. You can do it, but with the lack of being able to put a vacum on the system, it will work like crap.

[Cliff8928]

R-12 is not legal for sale, if you are unlicensed. R-134a is what is used now, and can be purchased anywhere.

Except Wisconsin.... you Must be licensed to purchase R134a there aswell... (In Ontario, if not all of Canada aswell too)

Oh, and the oil used in GM's R134a systems is PAG 150

Cliff Scott
89 BerettaGT
89 Volvo740

[ikessky]

Hmmm..... Sounds like I should just stop being cheap and take it in. Well, thanks for the help guys. I just need a second opinion on all of this. I don't deal with AC stuff much, but my compressor rattles terribly bad and I was able to pick up a brand new unit on eBay for $63.

[Cliff8928]

the compressor itself is EXTREMELY easy to install on a 3100/3400... it's just 3 bolts into the block and one bolt holding the hoses on.... and 1 electrical plug!

Cliff Scott
89 BerettaGT
89 Volvo740

[ikessky]

Yeah, but if I can't evacuate or recharge it myself, there's no real use in me installing it. Plus, I would be installing it at my in-laws house and then I have to drive 3 1/2 hours back to my apartment so I can be to work on Monday morning.

[jamesjaz]

if you buy it at wall-mart they have the kits that include the oil so you ould just go with that kit and follow it's instructions.


James

[Cliff8928]

if you buy it at wall-mart they have the kits that include the oil so you ould just go with that kit and follow it's instructions.


James

Once again, these kits and all the related R134A components are only to sale to licensed professionals in the state of Wisconsin...



Cliff Scott
89 BerettaGT
89 Volvo740