Discharging your a/c

[junkstang95]

I searched the forums, but I didn't find anything on discharging your own a/c. I have a 95 cobra 5.0 and I need to discharge the system. Is this done by the lowport or the high port. Also, is there anything special I need to know or consider. You can respond like I am a complete moron because when it comes to the cooling system...I am. Thanks to any replies in advance.

 

[giddyup306]

You need a recycle/recovery machine. Although you can illegaly vent it to atmosphere.

 

[junkstang95]

Not that I would do anything illegal, but if someone were to do something so very wrong,how would they go about it? I didn't think r134a was bad for the environment.

 

[88hatchblack]

you would have to accidentally let all the pressure out of the system via the schrader type valves with the motor running

 

[Daggar]

--or--

You can go to a parts store and pick up a couple of refridgerant reclamation bags. They're cheap (but can sometimes be difficult to find). You put them over the shrader valve then open em up. Seal the bag and drop it off to any reclaimation site (anyone who services air conditioners).

 

[junkstang95]

Ah, yes....reclaim bags....thank you. Now after doing this is the recharge canister w/oil in it sufficient to replace the oil that is lost during discharge?

 

[Ray III]

are you actually disconnecting something or what is your reason for discharging it?

 

[junkstang95]

No I went to recharge it because I have a slow leak, but the pressure gauge says it is already full, and my air is very warm. So I wanted to discharge it and make sure that it is empty and then try and recharge it. I don't have the funds to take to a shop right now.

 

[Ray III]

then it should be fine to get a can of R-134a w/ oil in it and charge according to the directions...

 

[jrichker]

No I went to recharge it because I have a slow leak, but the pressure gauge says it is already full, and my air is very warm. So I wanted to discharge it and make sure that it is empty and then try and recharge it. I don't have the funds to take to a shop right now.

Before you do anything, make sure the heater flapper valve isn't allowing hot air to mix with the cold air. Most of the A/C systems use a knob connected to a cable operated flapper valve to mix hot & cold air. Once you know for sure that the heater isn't putting warm air in the A/C, then think about what to do next.

If an A/C system is charged without being vacuumed down first to remove the air, it will read full of refrigerant when it isn't. That's the problem with DYI air conditioning work. Most folks don't have a vacuum pump or a set of charging gauges to properly service the system.

 

[junkstang95]

I discharged it and then used a few cans of refrigerant and now it will make your fingertips numb. If it gets warm again, I will go ahead and try the dye can and try to find the leak.

 

[Daggar]

If it does it again... take it someplace to have it vacummed down. In addition to what jrichker what talking about, there's a possibilty that you've got too much oil in the system. Sucking it down will remove the excess and allow room for the refridgerant. The dye is always a good idea, even if you don't suspect a leak.