Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice

Why you shouldn’t buy an AC Recharge Kit

A DIY AC Recharge Kit is a Waste of Money

I’m not saying you can’t recharge your AC system. What I’m saying is the most DIYers think that these AC PRO kits help they diagnose their AC problems and can even help them add the right amount of refrigerant. Here’s the bottom line; an AC recharge kit is a waste of money and can actually damage to your AC system. Instead, spend a few bucks more to get the right tools to diagnose and fix your AC system.

Why these AC kits don’t work

You can’t determine the correct AC charge using just the low pressure gauge

First, the low pressure reading is not an indication of system charge. Here’s an example; if you know one half of your blood pressure reading can you tell how much blood is in your body? Of course not. If you have both pressure readings, you have enough information to know a bit more about the condition of your heart and artery system. You still don’t know how much blood is in your system, though. The same principle applies to auto AC. System charge is based on ounces, not pressure.

However, if you have a manifold gauge set, and temperature probes, you can get pretty close to the right charge by interpreting pressures and temperatures.

You don’t want an AC kit with stop leak and they all have it

AC stop leak additives rarely work. But worse than that, they contaminate the system. If you ever need to take you car into the shop for AC work, they’ll test the refrigerant. If it contains stop leak, they’ll charge extra to remove it because it can damage their recycling machines.

Make your own AC recharge kit

• To diagnose your AC system you need a manifold gauge set to read high and low pressures.
• You need temperature probes to read ambient and duct temperatures.
• You need a vacuum pump to evacuate the AC system so you can fix the leak

I recommend this kit form OrionMotorTech because it comes with a manifold gauge set, a vacuum pump, can taps, hoses, and quick connect adapters. The entire kit costs $130 on amazon

Orionmotortech AC tools

This AC recharge kit allows you to diagnose your car’s AC system, evacuate it, and recharge it.

You’ll also need a dial thermometer. Find it at amazon for $15

dial thermometer for auto AC use
Finally, you’ll need replacement refrigerant that doesn’t contain stop leak additives, like Johnsen’s (6312) R-134a A/C Refrigerant – 12 oz.
R-134a refrigerant
If you’ll be evacuating the system, it’s always a good idea to replace all the O-rings in the hose connections. AC systems require HNBR rubber O-rings. Don’t use neoprene O-rings. This complete set only costs $10 at amazon
AC HNBR O ring kit

NOTE: Ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com receives a commission on products purchased through amazon link.

© 2012 Rick Muscoplat

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat



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