Questions about changing/charging my AC..

Is there any way you can just paint it in place? Otherwise it is going to be kind of a hassle. You cannot do anything until you have the freon removed. Then you need to remove the safety clips and disconnect the connections with a spring lock removal tool.

as killy said you will need spring lock removal tools. Plus you will need the system professionaly evacuated and refilled after. Just filling it after the system has been opened is awfull for your A/C system. the evacuation removes all air from the system and also removes contaminates.

If you replace the acumulator remmeber to drill a small hole in the bottom and drain the oil from it.. Measure the amount of oil recovered and add that amount of new oil plus a couple of ounces to the system when you refill it.

svttech76 said:

as killy said you will need spring lock removal tools. Plus you will need the system professionaly evacuated and refilled after. Just filling it after the system has been opened is awfull for your A/C system. the evacuation removes all air from the system and also removes contaminates.

If you replace the acumulator remmeber to drill a small hole in the bottom and drain the oil from it.. Measure the amount of oil recovered and add that amount of new oil plus a couple of ounces to the system when you refill it.

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i agree with what svttech said, and as a personal note just have someone do it professionally cause it is illegal to vent out the refrigirant........

EDIT by svttech76... Edited to fix my typos in the quoted part.. It's nice being a moderator you can fix your mistakes after it's been quoted


LOL yeah i know how it is since im a mod in my car clubs forum

I would take it somewhere and have it recharged professionally at the very least.. and if you're interested in your distant future relatives having an ozone layer to rely on, you might want to think about bringing it somewhere to be discharged too.

It's definately possible to refill yourself, as you can buy the vacuum you need to evacuate and pull a vacuum on it for around 20 bucks from harbor freight.. all you need is an air compressor, low side/high side pressure gauge, some oil, and some time.

On the 5.0 side, Jrichter (spelling?) has a really long post with all the information on how to do this. I have found throughout the years that I never can get it to be quite as cold refilling it myself. Perhaps the refrigerant you buy in a can isn't quite as good as what the professionals use. Most reputable shops (depending on where you live in the country.. i.e. AZ is REALLY cheap) will recharge with dye refrigerant for less than 100 bucks.

SMRcalidiv said:

Heres the scoop, the paint has flaked off my AC accumulator and I want to either change it out for a new one or take it out and paint it. What I need to know is; what are the little black clips on all the connections? What is the safest way to take that part off, such as how should I empty the remaining coolant? And, will a can off r134a that you can buy refill my system or should I get it refilled at a shop? thanks guys.

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You will need a special tool to get those connections apart as for the accumulator u will have to replace it if u break a line anywhere due to the bag inside of it and moisture. Ur baest bet is to not worry bout it but if ur dead set on replacing it take it to a local shop and have the evac the system. Letting even 134 which is non-ozone depleating can cost u a hefty fine if caught. If your going to crack the system up I would also recommend replacing the orface tube as well. I would trust the gauges on the cans of 134 at local stores. If you don't have a low side high side set of gauges I would recommend u taking it in and letting someone do it for u.