2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge

In article <482b4$42e3227f$180fead6$2514@msgid.meganewsservers.com> "Ray
O" <rokigawa.DeleteThis@tristarassociatesDOT.com> writes:


>The AC system uses refrigerant, not coolant. Coolant is used in the cooling
>system (radiator).

>The proper refrigerant is R134-A. In order to properly recharge the
>refrigerant, you will need a set of AC gauges (high and low pressure) and
>the knowledge to interpret readings and have access to a vacuum pump and
>refrigerant recovery machine. You should also wear proper eye protection in
>case a loose connection spews refrigerant.

The operative word in the paragraph above is "properly". This guy sounds
like he may be a certified air-conditioning man (or knows someone who is
and/or maybe does this for a living).

>Hooking the small refrigerant cans to the incorrect (high pressure side)
>connector could cause them to burst,

True, but not very likely. The connectors are way different and won't even
come close to fitting.

> resulting in serious injury, which is
>why pros call them suicide cans.

Yes, I've heard the term, but from my own perspective it's mostly a scare
tactic to dissuade the easily-influenced from attempting it themselves.
Indeed there's a danger anytime you're dealing with anything under
pressure and yes, the refrigerant is particularly dangerous because it can
blind you or cause serious (3rd degree) flesh burns. (Proper clothing,
proper eye protection)

Some sage advice: If you're a putz, klutz or a schmuck who is all thumbs
or who is pretty much a stranger around common mechanics hand tools, DON'T
TRY THIS. If you cannot change a tire or a fan belt, DON'T TRY THIS. If
you cannot change your own oil, DON'T TRY THIS!

>The low pressure connector is on the line
>coming out from the evaporator near the firewall and the high pressure side
>will be on the line coming out from the compressor.

But of course they both connect to the compressor, so the novice, who
doesn't know what the evaporator looks like, is still confused. Equally
confusing, both high and low pressure lines connect to the compressor. Low
pressure is the suction side and high pressure is the discharge side. With
the engine running and A/C on, the low pressure side (the side that you're
wanting) will be noticeably cold to the touch. If it's not slightly cold
already, then adding a can of R134a is unlikely to help or to help for
very long. (in other words, it's beyond your fixing by adding a can of
refrigerant)

Also, never add a 2nd can. If adding *1* can of R134a doesn't help then
the problem is much more serious. Time to get out your checkbook or find a
credit card with $300~$1500 of room left on it and go take your beating.
Either way you have a leak or something more serious. If 1 can of
refrigerant fixes it, chances are it's a slow leak. If 1 can doesn't fix
it, chances are it's a major leak or other more serious problem.

Some final words of caution;
1. never-ever turn the can upside down while adding refrigerant.
2. Always wear safety glasses
3. Have the engine running with the A/C set on MAX COLD and fan speed on
HIGH.

Install the little hose adapter on the can and then tighten the little
screw-in thingy on top. Screw it all the way "in" snug but not super
tight. Connect the other end of the little hose to the low-pressure,
suction (cold) side of the system. It snaps on like an air hose fitting,
it doesn't screw on. There is "pressure" on both sides of the coupling so
it will normally make a little "pfffft" sound when you connect it. Now
hold the can upright (the adapter hose-thing should be pointing up) and
then unscrew the little screw-in thingy on the top of the can about 6~8
turns. All of a sudden *THE CAN* will feel very cold and your A/C clutch
should engage and latch-in (stay engaged). Wait about 1 minute (60 secs)
then re-tighten (clockwise... righty-tighty) the screw-in thingy down snug
again. Then disconnect the little hose from the suction line ("Pffffft"
normal) and replace the screw-on cover (valve cap). You're done.

Note well: At this point **THE CAN** will have a noticeable amount of
refrigerant remaining in it. This is normal. However, there is not enough
pressure to be reused (or to add more), so don't bother trying. Also, it's
illegal to "vent" the leftover refrigerant from the can to the atmosphere
so you can get your little $5 hose adapter back (but everyone does it).
You're "supposesd" to take the can with the adapter hose still attached
and sealed in to a freon recycling center where they can recapture the
refrigerant without venting it to the atmosphere. When you FIND such a
place, you be sure and let the rest of us know. True any "licensed" A/C
shop "could" do that for you, but you've just beat them out of a few
hundred bucks so don't expect to be welcomed with open arms.
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

"New Owner" <wdg@[206.180.145.133]> wrote in message
news:eg57e1p72543acfh2hf2aajn9bo4g974e9@4ax.com...
> In article <482b4$42e3227f$180fead6$2514@msgid.meganewsservers.com> "Ray
> O" <rokigawa.DeleteThis@tristarassociatesDOT.com> writes:
>
>
>>The AC system uses refrigerant, not coolant. Coolant is used in the
>>cooling
>>system (radiator).
>
>>The proper refrigerant is R134-A. In order to properly recharge the
>>refrigerant, you will need a set of AC gauges (high and low pressure) and
>>the knowledge to interpret readings and have access to a vacuum pump and
>>refrigerant recovery machine. You should also wear proper eye protection
>>in
>>case a loose connection spews refrigerant.
>
> The operative word in the paragraph above is "properly". This guy sounds
> like he may be a certified air-conditioning man (or knows someone who is
> and/or maybe does this for a living).
>
>>Hooking the small refrigerant cans to the incorrect (high pressure side)
>>connector could cause them to burst,
>
> True, but not very likely. The connectors are way different and won't even
> come close to fitting.
>
>> resulting in serious injury, which is
>>why pros call them suicide cans.
>
> Yes, I've heard the term, but from my own perspective it's mostly a scare
> tactic to dissuade the easily-influenced from attempting it themselves.
> Indeed there's a danger anytime you're dealing with anything under
> pressure and yes, the refrigerant is particularly dangerous because it can
> blind you or cause serious (3rd degree) flesh burns. (Proper clothing,
> proper eye protection)
>
> Some sage advice: If you're a putz, klutz or a schmuck who is all thumbs
> or who is pretty much a stranger around common mechanics hand tools, DON'T
> TRY THIS. If you cannot change a tire or a fan belt, DON'T TRY THIS. If
> you cannot change your own oil, DON'T TRY THIS!
>
>>The low pressure connector is on the line
>>coming out from the evaporator near the firewall and the high pressure
>>side
>>will be on the line coming out from the compressor.
>
> But of course they both connect to the compressor, so the novice, who
> doesn't know what the evaporator looks like, is still confused. Equally
> confusing, both high and low pressure lines connect to the compressor. Low
> pressure is the suction side and high pressure is the discharge side. With
> the engine running and A/C on, the low pressure side (the side that you're
> wanting) will be noticeably cold to the touch. If it's not slightly cold
> already, then adding a can of R134a is unlikely to help or to help for
> very long. (in other words, it's beyond your fixing by adding a can of
> refrigerant)
>
> Also, never add a 2nd can. If adding *1* can of R134a doesn't help then
> the problem is much more serious. Time to get out your checkbook or find a
> credit card with $300~$1500 of room left on it and go take your beating.
> Either way you have a leak or something more serious. If 1 can of
> refrigerant fixes it, chances are it's a slow leak. If 1 can doesn't fix
> it, chances are it's a major leak or other more serious problem.
>
> Some final words of caution;
> 1. never-ever turn the can upside down while adding refrigerant.
> 2. Always wear safety glasses
> 3. Have the engine running with the A/C set on MAX COLD and fan speed on
> HIGH.
>
> Install the little hose adapter on the can and then tighten the little
> screw-in thingy on top. Screw it all the way "in" snug but not super
> tight. Connect the other end of the little hose to the low-pressure,
> suction (cold) side of the system. It snaps on like an air hose fitting,
> it doesn't screw on. There is "pressure" on both sides of the coupling so
> it will normally make a little "pfffft" sound when you connect it. Now
> hold the can upright (the adapter hose-thing should be pointing up) and
> then unscrew the little screw-in thingy on the top of the can about 6~8
> turns. All of a sudden *THE CAN* will feel very cold and your A/C clutch
> should engage and latch-in (stay engaged). Wait about 1 minute (60 secs)
> then re-tighten (clockwise... righty-tighty) the screw-in thingy down snug
> again. Then disconnect the little hose from the suction line ("Pffffft"
> normal) and replace the screw-on cover (valve cap). You're done.
>
> Note well: At this point **THE CAN** will have a noticeable amount of
> refrigerant remaining in it. This is normal. However, there is not enough
> pressure to be reused (or to add more), so don't bother trying. Also, it's
> illegal to "vent" the leftover refrigerant from the can to the atmosphere
> so you can get your little $5 hose adapter back (but everyone does it).
> You're "supposesd" to take the can with the adapter hose still attached
> and sealed in to a freon recycling center where they can recapture the
> refrigerant without venting it to the atmosphere. When you FIND such a
> place, you be sure and let the rest of us know. True any "licensed" A/C
> shop "could" do that for you, but you've just beat them out of a few
> hundred bucks so don't expect to be welcomed with open arms.
>
Very good observation about the scare tactics. IMO, if someone can't even
find the AC connections which are usually out in the open, they shouldn't be
attempting recharging the system, which is why I give my scare lecture.
Your advice was much kinder than mine.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

In addition to the sound advice already given (e.g., if you have to ask the
question, you should not even think about doing this yourself), the first
question should address the point that the system is leaking somewhere and
just adding refrigerant will be a waste of time and money and eat more ozone
in the atmosphere. A five year old car should not normally be leaking. I
would suggest taking it to a professional.
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

In article <47a5a$42e4153b$180fead6$10702@msgid.meganewsservers.com> "Ray
O" <rokigawa.RemoveThis@tristarassociatesDOT.com> writes:


>Very good observation about the scare tactics. IMO, if someone can't even
>find the AC connections which are usually out in the open, they shouldn't be
>attempting recharging the system, which is why I give my scare lecture.
>Your advice was much kinder than mine.

Thanks Ray. When writing that I actually had a "vision" of my Jewish
lawyer-friend attempting it. He's really a swell guy and great personal
friend, but absolutely the poster child for the bookworm with the
tape-wrapped banged thumb. The man could seriously injure himself with a
child's rubber hammer.

It's his nature and background to try to save a few bucks here and there
and I respect him for that, but you'd think he'd eventually learn his
limitations. With very few exceptions everything he's tried to do to avoid
having to pay someone to do for him has either resulted in skinned
knuckles, snagged/torn pants or ruined shirt or "doing it wrong" and
damaging what he set out to pinch pennies on, with the net result costing
him more than if he'd hired it done in the first place. He keeps his cars
only until the warranty runs out for obvious reasons.
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

"New Owner" <wdg@[206.180.145.133]> wrote in message
news:fk0be15okb34etij7deomdk32qup2eff47@4ax.com...
> In article <47a5a$42e4153b$180fead6$10702@msgid.meganewsservers.com> "Ray
> O" <rokigawa.TakeThisOut@tristarassociatesDOT.com> writes:
>
>
>>Very good observation about the scare tactics. IMO, if someone can't even
>>find the AC connections which are usually out in the open, they shouldn't
>>be
>>attempting recharging the system, which is why I give my scare lecture.
>>Your advice was much kinder than mine.
>
> Thanks Ray. When writing that I actually had a "vision" of my Jewish
> lawyer-friend attempting it. He's really a swell guy and great personal
> friend, but absolutely the poster child for the bookworm with the
> tape-wrapped banged thumb. The man could seriously injure himself with a
> child's rubber hammer.
>
> It's his nature and background to try to save a few bucks here and there
> and I respect him for that, but you'd think he'd eventually learn his
> limitations. With very few exceptions everything he's tried to do to avoid
> having to pay someone to do for him has either resulted in skinned
> knuckles, snagged/torn pants or ruined shirt or "doing it wrong" and
> damaging what he set out to pinch pennies on, with the net result costing
> him more than if he'd hired it done in the first place. He keeps his cars
> only until the warranty runs out for obvious reasons.
>
Was it Clint Eastwood who said, "a man got's to know his limitations."
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

On 23 Jul 2005 22:36:03 -0400, Gordo <UseLinkToEmail DeleteThis @AutoForumz.com>
wrote:

>Hi - I am new here and would like to recharge my AC. Can someone tell
>me where the cap/connector is located? I purchased coolant in a can
>and would like to recharge myself. Any tips would be greatly
>appreciated. Thank you - Gordo


Perhaps I will show my lack of knowledge, but I thought the A/C
systems in today's autos were closed systems and unless you have a
leak, there isn't any reason to "recharge".

If you have a leak, before you recharge, you definitely need to fix
that!

Am I mistaken on the recharge part??

Thanks.
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

"Curtis Newton" <cnewton-removeme.TakeThisOut@akaMail.com> wrote in message
news:9bhde1pleeu2sddnnogbstr8f4t34epdil@4ax.com...
> On 23 Jul 2005 22:36:03 -0400, Gordo <UseLinkToEmail.TakeThisOut@AutoForumz.com>
> wrote:
>
>>Hi - I am new here and would like to recharge my AC. Can someone tell
>>me where the cap/connector is located? I purchased coolant in a can
>>and would like to recharge myself. Any tips would be greatly
>>appreciated. Thank you - Gordo
>
>
> Perhaps I will show my lack of knowledge, but I thought the A/C
> systems in today's autos were closed systems and unless you have a
> leak, there isn't any reason to "recharge".
>
> If you have a leak, before you recharge, you definitely need to fix
> that!
>
> Am I mistaken on the recharge part??
>
> Thanks.

The systems are closed but it is natural for some refrigerant to leak over
time. The proper procedure is to evacuate the system with a vacuum pump and
refrigerant recovery device and then recharge.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

Well I did it, it was very very simple and it worked excellent! Thanks for all of your advice. Gordo
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

On Tue, 26 Jul 2005 23:29:46 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawa RemoveThis @tristarassociatesDOT.com> wrote:

>
>"Curtis Newton" <cnewton-removeme RemoveThis @akaMail.com> wrote in message
>news:9bhde1pleeu2sddnnogbstr8f4t34epdil@4ax.com...
>> On 23 Jul 2005 22:36:03 -0400, Gordo <UseLinkToEmail RemoveThis @AutoForumz.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>Hi - I am new here and would like to recharge my AC. Can someone tell
>>>me where the cap/connector is located? I purchased coolant in a can
>>>and would like to recharge myself. Any tips would be greatly
>>>appreciated. Thank you - Gordo
>>
>>
>> Perhaps I will show my lack of knowledge, but I thought the A/C
>> systems in today's autos were closed systems and unless you have a
>> leak, there isn't any reason to "recharge".
>>
>> If you have a leak, before you recharge, you definitely need to fix
>> that!
>>
>> Am I mistaken on the recharge part??
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>The systems are closed but it is natural for some refrigerant to leak over
>time. The proper procedure is to evacuate the system with a vacuum pump and
>refrigerant recovery device and then recharge.


Gotcha, thanks for the explanation.

Curt
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge 

"Curtis Newton" <cnewton-removeme.RemoveThis@akaMail.com> wrote in message
news:l0ife1ti99scf8nih7bgs5t4m7bacrqa7t@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 26 Jul 2005 23:29:46 -0500, "Ray O"
> <rokigawa.RemoveThis@tristarassociatesDOT.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Curtis Newton" <cnewton-removeme.RemoveThis@akaMail.com> wrote in message
>>news:9bhde1pleeu2sddnnogbstr8f4t34epdil@4ax.com...
>>> On 23 Jul 2005 22:36:03 -0400, Gordo <UseLinkToEmail.RemoveThis@AutoForumz.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>Hi - I am new here and would like to recharge my AC. Can someone tell
>>>>me where the cap/connector is located? I purchased coolant in a can
>>>>and would like to recharge myself. Any tips would be greatly
>>>>appreciated. Thank you - Gordo
>>>
>>>
>>> Perhaps I will show my lack of knowledge, but I thought the A/C
>>> systems in today's autos were closed systems and unless you have a
>>> leak, there isn't any reason to "recharge".
>>>
>>> If you have a leak, before you recharge, you definitely need to fix
>>> that!
>>>
>>> Am I mistaken on the recharge part??
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>
>>The systems are closed but it is natural for some refrigerant to leak over
>>time. The proper procedure is to evacuate the system with a vacuum pump
>>and
>>refrigerant recovery device and then recharge.
>
>
> Gotcha, thanks for the explanation.
>
> Curt
>
You're welcome!

--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 RX300 Air Conditioner Recharge