well...i bought a whole charging kit...and the can that came with it was a prety large one...larger than the average size i saw. i added about 3/4 of that can and that was about it. i just checked rite now and it's a 14 oz can.

 

where do you guys get the kits? are they pretty much universal in the sense that theres no one better brand?

i know kmart and walmar carries them....

 

my cans were also 14. oz. i think there's still about 1/2 left in the 2nd can (didn't seem to be able to get anymore into the system). i just left the valve on it (closed, of course) and put it aside in case i need it in the future.

 

i got mine at pep boys...i didn't really care which kit i got, as long as it had some kind of gauge

 

i bought the kit and a 2nd can at an "advance auto parts" for $40. it's just like any autozone or pepboys (rice and all ). my impression is that it's all pretty much the same, so i wouldn't worry about what you buy, just make sure it's the right type (r-134a).

 

cool....i guess i should wait until its gone...or even next summer to do it.

i only use mine on 90+ days on highway-less driving.

 

I thought you can't really overcharge your air conditioning system. Every time I do it, my car just stops pulling in the freon and when it does that you know its full. I guess using a gauge would be the safest way to go. Also, each time i recharged an a/c system i emptied it by releasing both low and high side valve, making sure not to breathe any of that stuff.

 

Overcharging the system is the same as not having any freon, the A/C won't blow cold.

 

It is illegal to release r12 into the atmosphere... so if you want to be a lawful citizen take it to a shop. They will also remove any residue oil so it wont mix with the newer kind of oil. Some don't like to mix, and some say residue is ok. It is ok to handle r134a b/c it doesnt destroy the ozone layer, it is however potentially harmful/fatal to you (like r12) if inhaled in large dosages. If you ever take apart the A/C lines to the drier, you should replace the drier... it tends to smell bad once exposed to moisture in the air. The cans at stores usually have oil included with the refrigerant so you dont have to do the math. Just remember that you do need oil for the a/c system to last... there's a ratio, I dont remember what it is though. You should also replace the o-rings(or do a leakdown) if you suspect that you are losing refrigerant.

 

Is it true that the r134a system runs at a much higher pressure than the old r12? Mechanic wants major coin to convert my buddy's old Accord from r12 to r134a.

I would think there would be a bleed valve once it reached pressure? Agreed, gauge is safest.