Ok to recharge AC system using freon charging kit? - Dodge Diesel

mstep3 · 06-29-2009, 12:31 AM

Hi,

I have had a leak somewhere in my AC system for about 5 years now. I never have taken the time to have it repaired properly & I have had freon put in the system about 3-4 times at the shop.

The last time I had freon put in the system was about 2 years ago. I have no cold air right now so I know that all the freon has leaked out. Had no A/C for at least year and half now. Can't do it anymore though....it's too hot this summer.

If there has been no freon in the system for about a year and half & I put freon in the system myself with a freon charging kit from autozone is it possible to cause any further damage to the a/c system? I've heard that it's possible that moisture can be in the system by now & it needs to be removed.

Is there any danger in me filling the system back up with freon for the time being myself with a kit from autozone?

patdaly · 06-29-2009, 07:40 AM

Nope, best if you get a gauge set on it, but if you just fill till cold she should be OK.

Don't put anything with stop leak in it........

WestTN · 06-29-2009, 09:58 PM

Mine developed a slight leak about 4 years ago. After adding a can of freon twice over the next year I put a can in with stopleak in it. It has been fine ever since.

cLAYH · 06-29-2009, 10:44 PM

Is your system TOTALLY empty or does it still have a bit of freon in it? Check by removing the cap from the low side port and poking it with a pen. Its a shrader type valve similar to a tire. Watch yourself and only do it briefly. If you get puff of freon come out you could probably get away with trying a do it yourself recharge kit.

If nothing comes out then the system is totally empty and and air has gotten in it and it will need to be evacuated with a vacuum pump before it can be recharged. Having air in the system is really bad. Its like having air in hydraulics, just doesn't work.

mstep3 · 06-30-2009, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cLAYH

Is your system TOTALLY empty or does it still have a bit of freon in it? Check by removing the cap from the low side port and poking it with a pen. Its a shrader type valve similar to a tire. Watch yourself and only do it briefly. If you get puff of freon come out you could probably get away with trying a do it yourself recharge kit.

If nothing comes out then the system is totally empty and and air has gotten in it and it will need to be evacuated with a vacuum pump before it can be recharged. Having air in the system is really bad. Its like having air in hydraulics, just doesn't work.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. That was exactly what I was wondering about. I will check the valve & see if it still has any freon left in the system. If it's totally empty I guess I will just take it to the shop & have them do it. Think I'll get some dye put in this time & find out where the leak is so it can be fixed.

Thanks,
Mike

cLAYH · 06-30-2009, 12:16 PM

Also you should know that if you use any of the non-134 kits like Duracool or Redtek that many AC shops won't touch your system after that or charge a hefty surcharge to evacuate your system as those products contaminate their equipment.

So if you think you want to take it in for service do it before you put anything in.

mysterystench · 06-30-2009, 09:11 PM

You'll be fine. I did mine last week cause it got above 90 degrees here. I used a large can, it didnt completely fill my system but my air blows cold now. Before, it blew as hot as the air outside...

06-29-2009, 07:40 AM	#2
patdaly Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Streator Illinois Posts: 5,279 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Nope, best if you get a gauge set on it, but if you just fill till cold she should be OK. Don't put anything with stop leak in it........ __________________ "Brownie" 1997 2500 Ext.cab SLT, 4X4 auto, 3.54 gears, posilock, 98/99 steering conversion. New TC, lovin her again! Sold 3/13/2010, gone but not forgotten. "Greenie" 1997 2500 Ext. cab SLT, 4X4, NV4500, 3.54 gears, 4" MBRP Exhaust, Ready to install SB DD3250, built just 216 trucks after Brownie!

06-29-2009, 09:58 PM	#3
WestTN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sharon, TN & Okeechobee, FL Posts: 415 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Mine developed a slight leak about 4 years ago. After adding a can of freon twice over the next year I put a can in with stopleak in it. It has been fine ever since. __________________ 2001 2500 White long bed Quad Cab Sport ETH/DEE All options except 4WD, CD changer and Auto trans. Didn't want those! 164,500miles. Replaced lift pump twice. Then changed to DDRP. First set of Michelins lasted 97,681 miles.

06-29-2009, 10:44 PM	#4
cLAYH Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cochrane Alberta Posts: 1,855 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Is your system TOTALLY empty or does it still have a bit of freon in it? Check by removing the cap from the low side port and poking it with a pen. Its a shrader type valve similar to a tire. Watch yourself and only do it briefly. If you get puff of freon come out you could probably get away with trying a do it yourself recharge kit. If nothing comes out then the system is totally empty and and air has gotten in it and it will need to be evacuated with a vacuum pump before it can be recharged. Having air in the system is really bad. Its like having air in hydraulics, just doesn't work. __________________ 2003 3500, dually, SO, 6spd, full load, SBC, Edge Hot Juice,AFE intake, BD exhaust, Smarty Jr, HE351, Propane Dad's truck now: 2001.5 3500 auto, 4x4, extended cab, loaded Sport, BHAF w/shroud, Juice w/Attitude, RV275 nozzles, DTT Torque Converter and Valve body, WG turnbuckled(32psi), Holly Blue pushing into stock pump(14psi @ WOT), DSS steering system, CIPA towing mirrors

06-30-2009, 09:11 PM	#7
mysterystench Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 149 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	You'll be fine. I did mine last week cause it got above 90 degrees here. I used a large can, it didnt completely fill my system but my air blows cold now. Before, it blew as hot as the air outside... __________________ 1997 2500 4x4, 5" single stack, 5" lift, 37" goodyear MTR's, 91,000K Miles.

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06-30-2009, 12:16 PM	#6
cLAYH Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cochrane Alberta Posts: 1,855 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Also you should know that if you use any of the non-134 kits like Duracool or Redtek that many AC shops won't touch your system after that or charge a hefty surcharge to evacuate your system as those products contaminate their equipment. So if you think you want to take it in for service do it before you put anything in.