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Recharging your car AC refrigerant - use just R134a, or R134a with oil?
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:14 am
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:14 am
So my car 2010 (120k Tahoe) has started not cooling the best. Been slowly getting worse over several years, but finally to the point I want to do something about it.
It still cools, but can't keep up during the afternoons now.
Pretty sure it just need refrigerant recharge. I'm going to rent a gauge system from autozone so I can measure the high and low pressure correctly to determine if it's just low refrigerant like I assume. I'll measure the temp/relative humidity and use a chart to determine what pressures should be.
But if it is a pound or so low do I need to add oil in with the R134a or get a refill container that's mixed? Or just go straight R134a? It takes PAG.
It still cools, but can't keep up during the afternoons now.
Pretty sure it just need refrigerant recharge. I'm going to rent a gauge system from autozone so I can measure the high and low pressure correctly to determine if it's just low refrigerant like I assume. I'll measure the temp/relative humidity and use a chart to determine what pressures should be.
But if it is a pound or so low do I need to add oil in with the R134a or get a refill container that's mixed? Or just go straight R134a? It takes PAG.
This post was edited on 5/11/23 at 9:15 am
4
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:15 am to NATidefan
quote:Would only be needed if there is a leak, right?
Pretty sure it just need refrigerant recharge.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:16 am to WDE24
quote:
Would only be needed if there is a leak, right?
Yeah, but it's 13 years old. I'm sure it's got a very slow leak. Not sure it's worth diagnosing the leak.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:18 am to NATidefan
quote:
Yeah, but it's 13 years old. I'm sure it's got a very slow leak. Not sure it's worth diagnosing the leak.
It may be worth seeing if the refrigerant is actually low first. I thought that was the issue with my car and it turned out it was the compressor. So adding it would have not done anything.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:21 am to statman34
Well the manifold gauge should help me determine that or other issues from what I've seen.
The compressor is running though and the low pressure line gets pretty cold, just not as cold as it should be.
The compressor is running though and the low pressure line gets pretty cold, just not as cold as it should be.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:30 am to NATidefan
Probably have a small leak, you can get the cans at an auto store and shoot a little juice in it. Shouldn't have to add any oil.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:42 am to NATidefan
Look inside the service ports (Schrader valve) caps. If you see oil, you probably found your leak.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:43 am to jpainter6174
If the condenser core is clogged with dirt, it can cause high head pressure and can keep it from cooling properly. I would say get some coil cleaner, spray it into the condenser coil fins, then rinse with a water hose WITHOUT a nozzle.
See if that improves the cooling for you. A lot of times this is overlooked.
See if that improves the cooling for you. A lot of times this is overlooked.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 9:53 am to NATidefan
quote:
But if it is a pound or so low do I need to add oil in with the R134a or get a refill container that's mixed? Or just go straight R134a? It takes PAG.
Car A/C systems only take a few once’s to be completely full. Also if you get air in the system it will not work at all. I hope you know how to use the gauges to make sure you don’t get air in the system because it’s easy to do if you are not familiar with using the gauges
Posted on 5/11/23 at 10:04 am to Miketheseventh
Does this model have a cabin air filter? My sons AC wasn't cooling that good and filter was extremely dirty, changed it and all is good now. I don't think all year models have one.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 10:37 am to NATidefan
If refilling a completely empty compressor, add oil. If just topping off, no oil needed.
You can also use 134a with dye. Made for finding leaks.
You can also use 134a with dye. Made for finding leaks.
This post was edited on 5/11/23 at 10:41 am
Posted on 5/11/23 at 10:38 am to Miketheseventh
quote:
Miketheseventh
Listen to this dude. I learned the hard way that he’s correct. Irrevocably F’d up an older car’s system thinking I knew what I was doing.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 10:41 am to NATidefan
Clean the condenser in front of the radiator really good. 13 years of crud has probably partially blocked it. I have had the same issue before with pretty much the same vehicle. Probably don't need any oil if you still have pressure in the system. Do not overpressure the system.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 11:00 am to Anonymous95
quote:
Listen to this dude. I learned the hard way that he’s correct. Irrevocably F’d up an older car’s system thinking I knew what I was doing.
Yes, I watched quite a few videos on how to do it correctly and purge the gauge lines before refilling to prevent air and moisture from getting in.
I'll try cleaning the coils as well before checking the pressures and adding any. It doesn't have a cabin air filter.
This post was edited on 5/11/23 at 11:22 am
Posted on 5/11/23 at 11:10 am to Miketheseventh
quote:
Car A/C systems only take a few once’s to be completely full
We just did my friends 2011 Chevy 1500 and it took 1.6 lbs.
There should be a sticker under the hood that tells you how much to charge it to, but that's only if you completely vacuum down the system.
If your just topping it off then, mike is correct shouldn't take much.
This post was edited on 5/11/23 at 11:12 am
Posted on 5/11/23 at 11:16 am to jpainter6174
Mine holds 2.5 lbs. That's why I'm guessing it might be a pound low max.
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