Recharging AC After leak?

I have a big leak in my AC Condenser so I plan on replacing it. All the coolant (REFRIGANT DAMMIT) is leaked out, once I replace the condenser can I use an AC Pro recharge kit with a gauge and load back up my coolant? Thank you guys!

 

Coolant? Your AC system uses refrigerant. No unfortunately because you need to pull all the air out of the system so you would need a vacuum pump. Its easier just to pay someone to do the recharge part but the condenser isn't hard to replace yourself.

 

Agreed, you need to pull a vacuum. Don't use that A/C Pro crap. Just take it to a professional.

It will save you $ in the long run.

 

Oh, & yes it's called refrigerant, not coolant. You put that in the radiator.

 

Always replace filter dryer when you do this a vacuum should always be pulled before recharge you definitely don't want any air or moisture in any ac system it will not work good or may not work at all without vacuum done first.

 

I agree that you should replace the drier and although it is best to take it to shop to have it vacuumed and recharged with the correct amount of refrigerant if you don’t have the funds to do that you can rent a vacuum pump from parts store for free once it’s returned. You just need to see how much refrigerant the system holds and try to put the correct amount in which is difficult without a scale but you can get close. If you do it yourself don’t forget to lube your o-rings and add the proper amount and type of oil for components replaced.

 

Yeah meant refrigerant

 

You can rent a vacuum pump and a manifold kit from Autozone or another part store for free. Just did this on my 3rd gen 4runner 5vz V6

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fsm-spec-for-5vz-ac.833564/

Good resources I used also:

This is @turbodb 's writeup:

https://adventuretaco.com/guide/replacing-the-a-c-compressor-on-a-5vzfe-tacoma-tundra-4runner/#:~:text=A/C PAG46 Oil - 8oz,various parts of the system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlRE0Zeeyrc

If you DIY - do NOT screw in the shrader valve connectors all the way! My low side got stuck open until I read that it will make them stick open and only thread them in until the pressure registers on the manifold. Wow that really was lame!

(I'm talking about these)

 

^^There you go^^! Always put those caps back on. Those schrader valves always seem to leak.

Thanks Anthony

 

For real! I guess it makes sense since it’s been there for 27 years - only found a couple instances of it happening online but another person said to tap them with a screw driver just enough to make it release a puff of refrigerant and it seats itself a bit better than if you were to see a small amount of refrigerant bubbling out.

 

If you do it yourself, as mentioned above you'll have to pull a vacuum on the system for atleast 30 mins if not longer. It's a good idea to replace your dryer when ever you encounter a flat system or compressor failure. Sometimes the dryer is a part of the condenser. If you use one of those "substitute" recharge kits, which is fine make sure to read the cans as you'll only need like 30%-50% of the charge you would need with r134a. If you use r134a then obviously charge it to spec.

Not trying to discourage you from using the substitute stuff if that's all you can get as I have no problems with it and currently am running it in two of my vehicles but understand that alot of shops will refuse to touch it and/or charge you a small fortune for dealing with a "contaminated" system.

When using those cans I like to put in enough to get it close but still shy and then top it off by watching the vent temps. Warmer than 4*C(35*F) but colder than 7*C (40*F) is the goal. If you have a sight glass then charging it until the bubbles just barely clear is also fine with r134a. If using a substitute refrigerant then ignore or black out the sight glass as clearing it with a substitute refrigerant will almost ensure you overcharge the system

 

Oh hell yeah bro!! I've done every bit of work on my truck by myself so I definitely would rather me do it than pay a bunch to a shop. Thank you for the video links too man. I really appreciate it