DarkCharisma

...Long story short, I replaced my rad with the alradco replacement back in November or so, and undid the bolt that holds the hard line from the compressor to the condenser/cooler thing up front.

I sealed it back up, of course, but now I have no AC, and it's become hot.

Do I need to have the system evacuated first, or can I just buy a few cans of r134a and fill 'er up?

DarkCharisma

Note, that **** HURTS when it gets blasted into your eyes. FYI

Skidmarcx

Not that you couldn't just recharge it... The proper way would be to pull it into a vacuum for minimum 30 mins first

ramair 1

iTrader: (2)

anytime the system is open ,you must have it vacuum pumped out, any air /moisture in the line and it wont cool properly or at all.Good luck

Stone17

iTrader: (3)

Dont forget to add PAC oil to the system before you vacuum.

cgroh89

iTrader: (15)

Pull it in to a vaccum and ensure that nothing you use contains sealents or "extra cold super special air"

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

Get it done professionally. Those cans are junk.

Stone17

iTrader: (3)

Autozone rents out the vacuum pump for $150

Cadzilla

iTrader: (3)

I knocked a hole in my condenser and all the refrigerant spewed out...looked like chartreuse goo. You're right, it hurts like hell and burns your skin in general.....I didn't get it directly in my eyes but the mist got me pretty good as I tried to muffle the spray with shop towels...

I was apprehensive at first about recharging but I watched a few videos about it on youtube. Pretty straight forward. I wasn't sure how much oil I lost so I got one can with 1 oz in it, and one additional can of just 134. Based on the math I did, it was only going to take 2 cans. It actually took a bit less less than 2 cans from completely empty to charged.

Basically you rent the pump and the 3 dial gauge from autozone like stone17 mentioned. Put a 30 min vacuum on it, then let it sit for 15 min and make sure it holds the vacuum. This pulls out any moisture in the system. Some recommend waiting overnight to confirm 100% no leaks but it's not really necessary. Once confirmed no leaks, you shut off the red and blue lines at the housing, connect the yellow to the can, purge the atmospheric air with the valve on the housing, and charge with the can upright through the low side. I used a small pan of warm water to speed up the evacuation of the refrigerant.

It all depends on the ambient temp to determine the charge numbers, but in the end I got low 30s degree air from the vents at around 70 degrees ambient. Still blows cold as ice... my total out of pocket for the recharge was only about 30 bucks.

All the extra cold air stuff is a scam, just get the cheap stuff. (I read that) the 134a formula is regulated so there's no good or bad type...

DarkCharisma

Thanks for the advice. I just got off the phone with the local Cadillac dealer, they quoted $120 for a vac and recharge... Seems worth it just so I don't eff it up.

Stone17

iTrader: (3)

Please replace the a/c valve core. It only cost about $5 but you can't change untill the A/C freon is out.
You have two. One on the low line and High pressure line.
The a/c valve core dont hold up that long.