My truck's AC is low on Freon (shows all the classic signs but still functions). There are two schools of thought on recharging;Have a shop evacuate and recharge the system based on weight for an exact charge.Charge it myself with one of the kits that has a built in, temperature compensating gauge (no sealant).The latter is disparaged by pro's as being too easy to over charge the system and damage the compressor. Shops claim they have countless customers come in with destroyed systems.I'm curious what other folks have experienced? Did you do it yourself and if so, any issues?Also, anyone know what a shop charges for an R134 recharge and is there anything else that should be done like check the orifice or replace the drier? Thanks in advance,Scott

I've done mine in my old truck. I over charged it by a little bit. No big deal. I just gassed a little off and good to go. The shop wanted to replace basically the whole system. That was not going to happen and it works fine now.If you do it yourself my suggestion is to go slow. Put a bit in and drive it for a bit and check it out. Too low? Put a bit more in and drive it...………...

Using a little common sense can keep you from damaging pressures. I'm sure there are some that just hold the trigger until they can't get anymore freon in the system. If it is a temporary fix, charge it yourself. No point in spending ~$120 knowing it's going to leak over the next couple months. If the charge will last till next summer, a can from Wal-Mart is a very appealing price.

I have used the little can before with no ill effects. Remember, if it is low it has a leak, you may make it work but it still has the leak.

K Charles wrote:I have used the little can before with no ill effects. Remember, if it is low it has a leak, you may make it work but it still has the leak.That's part of the dilemma, it's 16 y/o and slightly low (still works - kinda). I wonder if you can ask for much better than that. I suspect that if they went looking for a leak, it would be impossible to find if it took this long to get low.

$10 for a recharge can of refrigerant is a pretty cheap experiment before taking it in. If it works for a while, you win. If it doesn't, you needed to take it in anyway.

Truck AC service question | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

ScottG
Nomad
Jun 11, 2018
K Charles wrote:
I have used the little can before with no ill effects. Remember, if it is low it has a leak, you may make it work but it still has the leak.

That's part of the dilemma, it's 16 y/o and slightly low (still works - kinda). I wonder if you can ask for much better than that. I suspect that if they went looking for a leak, it would be impossible to find if it took this long to get low.
K_Charles
Explorer
Jun 11, 2018
I have used the little can before with no ill effects. Remember, if it is low it has a leak, you may make it work but it still has the leak.
boogie_4wheel
Explorer
Jun 11, 2018
Using a little common sense can keep you from damaging pressures. I'm sure there are some that just hold the trigger until they can't get anymore freon in the system.

If it is a temporary fix, charge it yourself. No point in spending ~$120 knowing it's going to leak over the next couple months. If the charge will last till next summer, a can from Wal-Mart is a very appealing price.
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Jun 11, 2018
I've done mine in my old truck. I over charged it by a little bit. No big deal. I just gassed a little off and good to go. The shop wanted to replace basically the whole system. That was not going to happen and it works fine now.

If you do it yourself my suggestion is to go slow. Put a bit in and drive it for a bit and check it out. Too low? Put a bit more in and drive it...………...

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Truck AC service question

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