How to Pull a Vacuum and Recharge Your AC System - ULTIMATE GUIDE - HVAC

[@TutorialGenius]

Like and subscribe for more! All parts, tools and more information in the video description. If this video helped you, please support the channel by clicking "Thanks"! We also have memberships to our channel with great perks! kzbin.info/door/0HkS2-1Tk1ULQJj3uGbjdwjoin Thanks for watching!

[@Creator_Nater]

Very well done

[@richardgray8939]

Wow and you're supposed to be some kind of a mechanic I'll tell you you're not you're an idiot for 1 you do not Teflon tape Flair or compression fittings ever ever ever only time of use teflon tape is on a tapered pipe fitting that makes you a real dummy I'll finish watching your video but you get a big thumbs down for being a dummy basic Plumbing

[@juvillace22]

Thanks for the video and specially for the clarification about pump oil and AC oil just bought a pump and came with that oil I really thought using that oil for Ac

[@vinjens1791]

Will that gauge and vacuum pump work my heatpump in my home as well?

[@thetorturechamber]

Hello friend Im hoping you can help me 🙏🙏 I watched you video and followed precisly your methods but when I jumped the clutch and tried to get the refrigerant in it would not take in the refrigerant 😪 I worked one it allay even re vacuumed the system and redid the entire proceed but it would not suck in the refrigerant.. what am i not doing rite?? any help or guidance is very much appreciated 🙏🙏

[@bill6946]

Hello my name is Bill from Medford Southern Oregon this guy is absolute telling you the truth this the way you do it 12 years I'm in AC so I know he's right yeah yeah kudos kudos brother

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks buddy!

[@NukaPlays22]

Welcome Bill

[@JetFire9]

A lot of mistakes in this video. Bill, you’ve been doing it wrong for 12 years. Oh well.

[@iansteward4708]

Like what?

[@leonardtrump9155]

@@iansteward4708 that’s your first mistake😂 any other questions

[@richchiarito9794]

This guy should have 1 million subscribers already. Your video was so descriptive I feel confident pulling a vacuum and recharging my air conditioning system. Thank you for taking the time to list the items in the video with links. You are the man!

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and the kind comments! I really appreciate it a lot

[@JohnnyDS6557]

After watching a number of videos, you are the first to tell me that when I am drawing a vacuum, I do not draw off the PAG oil. THANK YOU. I evacuated my system (during the removal of the secondary rear HVAC unit) and wanted to know if I needed to put more oil in the front system during recharging. I bought the vacuum pump as well as the gauges and pulled the vacuum to test for system integrity and extended the vacuum time to ensure complete removal of water (since the system had been opened when ancillary pipes were removed).

[@TutorialGenius]

I'm glad it was useful! :) Yeah, many of the videos on here kinda suck, or at least, don't go into too much detail, so that's why I decided to make my own! Glad you liked it!

[@311superfly]

I disagree. Oil CAN be drawn out of system .Professional A/C machines have oil reservoir than need to to be drained. Where does that oil come from? Your system I suppose.

[@moonbongyang6460]

I've been watching videos on this topic ALL DAY while I've been working on this vehicle and this video is BY FAR, the clearest, most informative and concise one. Many thanks Cheers

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! :) I noticed a similar thing so I figured I should make a thorough video explaining it all better! Glad it helped!

[@Fordgroup00]

@@TutorialGenius Thank you for your time, much appreciated!! 👍👍

[@DTUFINOPhotography]

I agree... extremely infrmative and clear!

[@Theferg1]

When you get ready to refill your system before you start the car go ahead and purge your valve after you hook your freon to your hose and then go ahead and start to refill your system your system will take the freon without the car running!! If the freon don't want to start coming out get a pan or small bucket and put hot water in it and then set the can of freon down in the hot water and it will immediately start coming out. But you can start to put at least one can in your system before you start your car and that away your compressor will come on when you start your car and that away you don't have to go messing around with relays and fuse and things like that Hope this helps

[@catman5546]

I think you are trying a liquid charge on the high side .

[@nclivin4220]

​@@TutorialGeniusone can before starting is definitely easier

[@TutorialGenius]

One can! True! But what about toucan? @@nclivin4220

[@nclivin4220]

@@TutorialGenius toucan 😂😂😂

[@cjackfly]

​@@TutorialGenius My van is 52oz. but that info is from Google so I don't trust it. What's a good source for info on this subject?

[@RollerCam]

Flare fittings don't need teflon tape. The seal is only between the two, angled mating surfaces.

[@TutorialGenius]

FLARE fittings, yes correct, but, not ALL gauges have flare fittings ;)

[@RollerCam]

I've never seen any that DIDN'T. Yours obviously do.

[@TutorialGenius]

That's interesting! Spend some time in the field and you will!@@RollerCam

[@RollerCam]

11 years as a factory mechanic at a So Cal dealership wasn't enough to attain your level of knowledge, it appears. 😐

[@martinwinlow]

Yep, and the video poster clearly keeps tapping the threaded portion of the fitting indicating that it's the threads that need taping and this is patent nonsense (just like all the idiot plumbers out there who insist on clarting compression fitting threads with tape, too! Not to mention equally gormless people who tighten o-ring-sealed joints with a bloody spanner! Utterly pointless...)

[@mickm5097]

Thanks man. I think a lot of us appreciate the amount of detail you included in your explanation of how to vacuum and recharge an auto ac system.

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! Thank you for the kind comments 🙂

[@kennethkessler6427]

Nice work! And you included the critical step of purging the air from the service line (yellow hose) and how to deal with the compressor that won't kick on due to the low pressure switch. Bravo.

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching! :)

[@billjoseph8512]

would air still be in the low side line of gauge still after purging service line or is that small amount expected. also love the content and Russel brand sound.

[@U2BER2012]

Funny you say that; I was thinking the same thing about purging the lines!

[@subzerokstyles]

The low side line is under a vacuum with the rest of the ac system; there should not be any air/moisture in the low side line while purging the service line.

[@michaelpesqueira6911]

This is THE #1 BEST car A.C. video [out of 80 AC videos that I have viewed]. I have charged my cars' refrigerant about 20 times, but was reluctant to try to use a vacuum device until viewing your video. Your video is BY FAR, the clearest, most informative and concise one that I have seen. I greatly appreciate that your descriptions were simple enough for novice users. Thank you for all your time to create the video [preparation, filming and fabulous editing].

[@TutorialGenius]

That's great! Thank you for the feedback. I definitely gives me motivation to keep going! :) Hope you have a good Christmas holiday this year ☃️

[@gmancusa]

Thank you! Very thorough and direct with no “captain obvious” over narration. I was unsure about doing this myself until I saw this!

[@TutorialGenius]

Thank you for the kind comments! Good luck with your project! I'm sure it'll go smoothy!

[@RbNetEngr]

Thank you for making this excellent video. I rented a vacuum pump and gauges from AutoZone, just to draw a vacuum and verify that my system has no leaks and can be refilled. But I thought that refilling it would require some additional components. After watching this video and realizing that I have everything I need to recharge the system (except for the R134A), I am going to recharge it myself and save over $200 that the shop will charge to do the work.

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! :) Let us know how it goes!

[@Earthstein]

Excellent presentation. I'm sure the presenter is on the A/c mechanics hit list. Watch your back.

[@TutorialGenius]

The video was made in response to a $2200 quote. This is already the revenge! 😆💯

[@capeman10]

😁🤣🤔😯

[@jacquelinemccully912]

I have to thank you for all of your videos on repairing the AC system on a Saturn Vue. I have a 2006 Saturn Vue, 3.5L V6. Thanks to your videos, I was able to replace the condenser, compressor, dryer and expansion valve and vacuum/recharge my system. My AC is working better than ever! As a side note, I wish I would have found your video about replacing the scroll valve earlier. It would have saved replacing the other components. Thanks SO much again for all of your work and time with your videos. It is GREATLY appreciated out here!

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! I'm glad its working great at least!

[@JamesMay-bq1qv]

I don’t think this guy did not miss one thing I’m getting ready to do exactly all of that as we speak but I think all videos help a lot of us. I know I get a lot more out of watching then I actually do reading or a diagram. And especially if you have ADHD very helpful

[@TutorialGenius]

Thank you for the kind comments! I like to teach in a way that I would understand, so I guess we are the same type of learner! Good luck with the project! :)

[@bigl0892]

Thank you!! Had to replace my ac compressor and this had everything I needed to vacuum and recharge my system to include trouble shooting potential issues and purging before recharging!! No other video I watched had those little details that are apparently extremely important. Thank you again, good sir!!

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! I'm glad you're back up and running again! 💯❄️

[@rvpps2rocks]

This should be renamed "ELI5 recharging your AC". Everything makes sense and I don't have to go research what is this or that now, 🙏👍 thanks

[@TripleTTony]

I've watch 45 videos this weekend and this was my far the best, especially when using the little cans. The only difference was that you were the only one that instructed to open the high side during the vacuum cycle. But you way must be right because its working for everyone. I dont know why you shouldn't ever open the high side but it was said over and over.

[@Gruin]

Only during the Vacuum, High side Closed when Charging freon on low pressure side. The high pressure guage will still read the pressure, when valve is closed.

[@trencher7]

@@Gruindo you mean the high valve is open at the valve stem but closed on The gauge? I assume it would have to be to get pressure reading. I just ordered the kit and the high is only thing not clear to me.

[@boblevey]

Some are mechanics but not everyone is a teacher, you are both!!! I love the fuse jumper cable piece, just in case! Thank you

[@TutorialGenius]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the kind comments! :)

[@groverhardin]

No nonsense factual tutorial. Dude you are a genius!

[@TutorialGenius]

I'm glad it helped! :)

[@timmccutcheon4080]

Thank you for taking the time too provide a very educational, meaningful overview of AC.. working on my Honda's, videos like yours help understand and contribute to a successful repair

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks great to hear! Thank you for your kind comments

[@snwdn]

Jumping the compressor fuse helped me so much! Don't think I could have done it otherwise. Thank you!

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! :) Glad to hear!

[@silverstake88]

Dang. I've never seen a better description of charging a/c. Thanks much!! I'd give you two thumbs up, but KZbin only allows one....

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks! 🔥😊

[@jimjones5644]

You are the man I followed your directions and it worked like a champ hopefully the charge will hold. I put new o-rings in the high and low side compressor ports on the Subaru. Supposedly it's a known failure point. The only comment I have I think that stuff looks like smoke is coming out of the vacuum pump I think that's moisture just getting sucked out of a system. I played around with it for a little while every time I introduced air into the system and then drew a vacuum on it I saw the smoke come out of the vacuum pump.

[@TutorialGenius]

Great, im glad it worked out! The smoke you talk about, I believe I already mentioned this in the video, if its a new vacuum pump, its normal

[@-mejor-que-nostradamus-6152]

I Did A/ Few A/C In Cars, I Never Used A Vacuum, I Replaced Lines, Replaced Compressors, Replaced Condensers And Evaporator Without Doing A Vacuums And Worked Good Always. Amén.

[@ballzzinyourmouth8]

You did a few.

[@williamcharles9480]

What a thorough and concise tutorial! I'm impressed. Very impressed. You didn't miss a thing. I just had to subscribe.

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the kind comments! :)

[@easilyconfused-d9g]

one thing to also keep in mind is to check your valves with a little spit hawk tuah. if you see bubbles take a small allen wrench and quickly press on the valve to reset the valve seat. probably one of the most overlooked leaks on ac systems

[@TutorialGenius]

Yup, I believe I already covered this in the video, but I did neglect the hawk tuah part, thank you!

[@jessealanis7443]

Amazing tutorial, thank you very much. Followed all your points and got my AC running like new. Again thank you so much.

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! :)

[@olivercruztorres291]

The most complete service explained

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching! :)

[@paulmuff9883]

I’ve watched a lot of theses as I’m going to change the condenser as holed , your vide is by far the best I’ve seen, manny thanks 👍

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! I hope you subscribe to my channel soon! :)

[@glenntagaylo2339]

You don't need to bypass the AC relay to jumpstart your compressor. The pressure switch on the high side line prevented the compressor to run because it has both minimum and maximum pressure required in order to run the compressor. Neither too low nor too high on pressure isn't gonna start the compressor. I only saw +/-50psi on your lowside, I say you need to get at least 70psi and then you don't need to bypass or force the compressor to start. Works well. Hope that helps!

[@TolaTrucking]

You're a natural ...one of the best on the topic

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks for the kind comments! :)

[@shaazy]

This video, for want of a better word, is priceless! Thank you to you sir!

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@normanhall3897]

very professional. clear vocals, great camera work thanks a lot my man..great job

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the kind comments! :)

[@illbebad]

many thanks! First video I have seen that explained why I couldn't get the freon in the system (I didn't know that all the way screwed in AND out meant the can was closed!)

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! ☺

[@joegonzalez7518]

Incredible video, mate! So much attention to detail. No idea why there aren't hoards of subscribers. You wouldn't happen to be from Zimbabwe, originally, yeah?

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks for the kind comments! Slowly but surely getting momentum here on KZbin. It's a long and painstaking process, but maybe i'll get there in the end :) Never been to Zimbabwe, but I have fancied visiting South Africa; I was going to go this year

[@Purinelz]

Hey buddy thank you for that video you absolutely deserve a million dollars very detailed explain everything that makes sense to the commoner and you took your time. And you showed some scenarios. That we could try to troubleshoot. but at the enf of the day. You did a h*** of a job with the video. Thanks man.

[@TutorialGenius]

I'm glad it was useful! Good luck with your project! (I'm assuming you have one to do soon!). :)

[@josegalvarado9591]

Hello. This is a useful video, thanks. I just have a question: the vacuum pump sucks the oil too, or the oil remains inside the compressor and A/C system? Thank You. Have a great day.

[@TutorialGenius]

It won't suck the oil... I believe I already mentioned this in the video though

[@olenaerhardt7725]

@10:25 Thank you for showing how to use the Adapter in all the details.

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome!! :)

[@philipgoetz8681]

@8:16 you left the cap on the vacuum pump exhaust while it was running. Isn't that bad? Also, my vacuum pump is very similar, and the manual says to take the cap off the oil inlet while it runs.

[@thinktanium9789]

thank you for explaining why the PAG oil wont be sucked out when you vacuum, that had me confused af on other videos

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome!

[@wawan-lbg52]

It is clear tutorial... thank you . I have a question... For Honda Accord 2008 - 2012... because the condenser come with the receiver drier assembled into one. How much we need to add the PAG oil.... when we replace the condenser that come with the receiver drier . If you do not know a specific amount, in general how much usually AC technician add it.. thank you.

[@TutorialGenius]

Check the manual, it'll say the amounts of make-up oil of each component. So just add the two together

[@u.s.a.198]

Great tip jumping the compressor... thank you!

[@belmintalic7243]

What if it goes to 20 and stays there instead of below 30 when u vacuum the pressure? Great video!!

[@TutorialGenius]

Under normal conditions, meaning the system is properly sealed, and the pump and gauge set are working correctly, vacuum should pull to 30” of vacuum within the first minute and hold while the pump is running. If the system doesn’t pull down to 30” of vacuum at all while the pump is running, there’s a significant leak preventing it from doing so, or there’s a problem with the pump.

[@yoyimarti2864]

Well great step by step slow pace video for us 101 rookies lol... So now I know how to charge it back !!!!! I will now look for your extraction video process, hopefully it's this clear also cause it's my first time doing this and im not to confident messing with pressure tanks and machines!!! 😅 Even though I definitely do mecanic work... thakx again

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! 💥😊

[@GraeSkyeStudio]

Excellent vid and instruction. Thanks so much for taking the time to produce it.

[@TutorialGenius]

My pleasure! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@ronb8052]

Really a good tutorial.....very detailed and great step by step description. Thank you.

[@TutorialGenius]

You're very welcome!

[@gandl2123]

Great Video. Thanks for doing this. Helped me much...watched it twice. Done it before but been some years. Nice refresher. :)

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! :) I hope you subscribe to my channel soon! :)

[@AdrianPio-z8c]

I have a doubt, please help me with that. I could see you did vacuum in both lines low and high but when you added the ac refrigerant you only opened the blue valve and my question is: the hight pressure line don't need to be filled with ac refrigerant? Or only the low pressure line has to be filled with ac refrigerant? Appreciate you can helo to resolve my doubt. Hi from Honduras....

[@phoebedad]

Best video on this topic on all of KZbin.

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! :) Thanks for the kind words!

[@Grrrnthumb]

Wow, great video, thumbs up! One note, at 6:04 you said to use teflon tape on the pump threads, but actually that doesn't help at all, could even make it worse. Any time your threads are on brass piece attached to a hose, and they spin independent of the hose (same as a garden hose) then the washer or o-ring or rubber seal inside the hose does 100% of the sealing. Threads do zero% of the sealing because gas/air/water could just escape out the top where the threads attach to the hose and spin separate from it. The job of the threads is only to pull tight on the seal that is already there, and adding teflon just makes it harder for the threads to do their job.

[@TutorialGenius]

It's to do with the fitting, not the material type. (I.e. brass) IF you have a flare fitting, don't use it. Because the connector won't bottom out, and it CAN leak (Not always) IF you don't, then use it.

[@Grrrnthumb]

​@@TutorialGenius Sorry, I didn't mean it depends on the brass material, only that the brass piece you hold up and show us at about 6:05 spins INDEPENDENTLY of the hose. That means you do have a flare-type fitting or similar with an internal washer that does NOT want teflon tape. It is incorrect to use teflon tape on that exact fitting as you claim. It could only make the seal worse, not better.

[@TutorialGenius]

@@Grrrnthumb Yes, if you have these types of connections, then I cover this in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH-Xd6CJmd-artk

[@upaiaq]

Thanks for this and your attention to detail,I feel totally confident and am going to give this a go.

[@TutorialGenius]

You can do it! 💪 Keep us updated!

[@matthewsequoyah2665]

This is great ! ! 😃👍 You’ve taken the mystery out of working on the ac.

[@TutorialGenius]

I'm glad the video was useful! :) Thanks for watching!

[@damianfaherty1230]

A very well explained process. Thank you. It worked perfectly. I also learned a bit about R12a versus R134a using 40% less refrigerant.

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! :)

[@damianfaherty1230]

Just excellent. You answered so many questions although I still have three. I am about to replace just the condenser on a 2011 Audi A4. 1) How much PAG oil should I add (if any). I was thinking about 1oz 2) The vehicle calls for 19.5oz of R134a but that has now been replaced by R12a. The can indicates 40% equivalent to R134a. I wish to confirm that I would only use 7.4 oz of R12a. 3) I noticed that your pressure gauge seems to have different scales for different refrigerant types. Is the desired pressure different for R12a v R134a Thanks

[@TutorialGenius]

The service manual will say with regards to PAG oil. It depends on the the: make, model, and, if the new part already contains oil for: the part or the entire whole system. Many things to check with that. You need to check the manual AND the manufacturer of the part itself. I covered some of it in the video already, but not it too much detail.

[@damianfaherty1230]

Thanks very much for your speedy reply. I will hunt for the manual. Could you comment on the the other two questions. Much appreciated.

[@joelquaintance9025]

Excellent tutorial. I learned so much, that I actually think that I could do this. (Famous last words.)

[@TutorialGenius]

You can do it!!! 😊💯💯

[@mariobochynski465]

Great and very detailed video - you saved my day!

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome!

[@AndreasBusser-d2u]

fine video !!!! but i have a question ! how you know how much Pag oil you removed from system if you open high pressure side too when VACCUM the system ???

[@TutorialGenius]

The answer is already in the video!

[@grisleigh]

Educational... Thank you for taking the time to upload this video👍👍

[@TutorialGenius]

My pleasure! :)

[@KevintheSimplicity]

Very informative and thank you. When i turned the pump on and opened the high and low Manifold Gauges, I never heard the sound of the pump changing as i opened them. Any idea why? Does that tell me that the system is not pressurized at all? AC has not worked for years and i just replaced ac compressor today.

[@TutorialGenius]

I'm assuming the system was contaminated from the failed compressor? Did you flush the system before fitting the compressor? Otherwise, I guess if the pump holds negative pressure, I Wouldn't worry too much. If it doesn't, then there's a problem which may explain this

[@jenniegill97]

Great Video! When measuring the refrigerant weight for correct filling, how do you take account of the amount of refrigerant in the yellow pipe that was used to purge the pipe? Could a pipe load of refrigerant actually be quite a proportion of the specified amount, especially if it is in there as a liquid, rather than a gas, for pipe purging purposes? Or maybe the liquid refrigerant flows back into the canister under gravity before one opens the manifold to start filling, leaving only an insignificant amount of gas in the pipe? Or maybe you tare the canister once the pipe has been purged and then reconnect the canister? Also, did you purge the yellow pipe in between canisters? Thanks for any clarification given.

[@TutorialGenius]

You don't need to worry about the pipe, I think you're over-thinking it. It's almost negligible. The psi readings will tell you the pressures in your system, so go off those. Don't add x and y and hope its okay. If you add the 'correct' amount but it's slightly low on the readings, then add some more. Yes, you should always do this: RE: "Also, did you purge the yellow pipe in between canisters?"

[@greglyles4586]

Thank you for the helpful video. I have replaced the entire AC system in my 1996 C1500. New compressor, accumulator, condenser, all new switches, every thing... I followed the steps here and even jump the compressor, however, I could not get the system to take the R134A. Can you advise? Thanks!

[@ronfreeman2012]

You either wasnt under negative vaccum and wasnt able to push any in. Or your low side hose didnt press the shrader down. If you had a vaccum and it stayed under vaccum you should have sucked the can down in 3 sec

[@thetorturechamber]

Hello friend I have the exact issue with my new condenser did everything exactly as the video and jumped the clutch but it. would not take in the refrigerant. spent allday last weekend trying to get it to take it but it would not. Did you ever find a solution or what did you do to get the system to take the refrigerant??

[@wilfredoortiz3150]

Your excellent explanation I like attending school. Good job

[@TutorialGenius]

Thank you! 😃

[@boblevey]

I finally figured it out, some of the fittings had loosened up. I’ll leave this so that others might see it!! Thanks again A new subscriber, very good info. I have done all steps to pull a vacuum and when I open up the dial on the gauges manifold I get no sound change on the pump nor do I get any read like you do get to 30 , I get 0. Any thoughts would be appreciated!!!

[@Drbob90]

Does the oil poured into the compressor circulate throughout the system or do you need to put oil in the lines, dryer, condenser, evaporator separately?

[@TutorialGenius]

Yes it will circulate! :)

[@U2BER2012]

Loved this tutorial: well explained & you covered all the bases. Thank you!

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jparty8599]

Can you use this vacuum pump to extract freon from the system? What if in a year from now, I have to recharge my system again? Do I have to extract freon, contaminats, and water from the system using the vacuum pump before putting in freon again? I hope this makes sense. Thank you for the detailed video though.

[@TutorialGenius]

1. No. (Take it to a shop to get it evacuated first, then begin this video) 2. If you need to recharge, but top it up with refrigerant. It's a closed system, so technically you shouldn't have to do this after a year anyway. 3. Yes You're welcome! :) Good luck!

[@jparty8599]

@TutorialGenius Thank you very much :)

[@cariea]

Thanks for your help! I’m servicing my ac system because the condenser was punctured during other engine work. For this situation, how much of the ac components should I replace? If I only need to replace the condenser, do I need to add ac oil before charging the system again?

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad it helped! Your manual will tell you. It will also tell you the make-up PAG oil amounts for each component. Its different all for makes and models, but i believe I covered all of this in the video already

[@gustavobravo2543]

For the vaccume pulling can I also use it to take out two types of refrigerant that’s in my ac

[@LucidLoki]

Thanks for the vid!! Just one thing Im kind of confused about. I’m replacing the condenser on a BMW 335i. Will I need to pour pag oil into the condenser before reinstalling? And how much? Thanks!!

[@TutorialGenius]

Yes you do, but I already covered this in the video

[@chaser2961]

When you change a significant part of the system like a condenser or compressor you should be flushing the entire system after removing the compressor. This will eliminate all the oil except what is left in the compressor. Pour out the oil in the compressor into a measuring cup and subtract that value from what your manual says the total system oil capacity is. The difference will be what you will need to add to fill up the system. (Replace the same amount of new oil into the compressor and extra amount into the condenser or inject it into the line).

[@U2BER2012]

SAFETY QUESTION: is it possible or true that while charging through the low side, if you accidentally open the manifold valve on the high side, the can would burst under all that pressure?

[@TutorialGenius]

What would burst? The manifold gauges are designed to read the PSI on the high side, why would it burst?

[@Elcapulove]

Good morning family and thank you very much for the valuable information and for your time. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@painkillerO8]

Great video! Quick question, I had to remove the line from the compressor today to remove the engine and pressure air came out. Does that mean I need to vacuum and add Freon ?

[@TutorialGenius]

The manual says you should also replace some AC components when this happens. However, I didn't when I changed the scroll valve (I have a video on that), and it was fine. But yes, you would need to vacuum and recharge 100%!

[@painkillerO8]

@@TutorialGenius Thank you for the quick reply. it’s very cold where i am at. Should i vacuum and add freon when it warms up again?

[@robertamaro5616]

So you open all 4 or just the two handles

[@matt98eclipse]

Doing ac in my truck right now with this video. So you leave the high side gauge valves closed at all times correct????

[@TutorialGenius]

Some parts of the process you will need to read the gauges on the low and high side. Everything is explained in the video in a lot of detail

[@phantomstratocaster]

great video very smooth and informative

[@Josephbeatty]

Amazingly well done. Perfectly explained. Thank you thank you

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!

[@IlluminatingNight]

I love those Honda engines in that Vue.

[@TutorialGenius]

Same here! 🔥🔥😁

[@f34dave]

Great video, but if you could help me with a question. Is this only for recharging the system? My ac is coldish and I just want to top if of if appropriate. Ive seen people pulling vacuum on the hoses only. However if Im thinking right this would literally vacuum the refrigerate out and through the pump. Right? Just seems odd to me to trust a $50 pump with that expensive R134 or whatever! Are the pumps specially made to use on ac systems? Thank you.

[@TutorialGenius]

Is this only for recharging the system? - No. You can re-fill using the gauges, no need to vacuum. if Im thinking right this would literally vacuum the refrigerate out and through the pump. Right? - The pump is for pulling a vaccuum Just seems odd to me to trust a $50 pump with that expensive R134 - The R134 is around $6 a can, its a lot cheaper than the pump Are the pumps specially made to use on ac systems? - this one is yes

[@f34dave]

@@TutorialGenius Appreciate your time.

[@MotionDesignStudio]

In the video once you started to charge the system on the low side. Was the high side closed the entire time? Asking because I am unsure how the high side was reading a pressure when it is closed. That is the high side was closed at the connector on the vehicle. I believe it was close on the gauge side. Edit : It looks like you are charging on the low and high side. Am I correct?

[@TutorialGenius]

You charge the system via the low side. (blue)

[@MotionDesignStudio]

@@TutorialGenius , the high side gets a pressure reading in your video. I was confused and think I understand now. You have the high pressure valve connected to the car open. You have the high pressure closed on the A/C Manifold Gauge Set. This prevents the refrigerant from entering the high side. Please correct me if I got that correct. Thanks and great video.

[@Johnslist]

I've reviewed a few of these over a few years, the question I keep having is about where does the gas go when you vacuum it? Is it in the pump and needs to be released? Do municipalities or shops collect it? I can rent a vacuum pump and have asked them the same thing and no one knows (I think because around here, no one rents them, they just pay someone). Also, you say it should take 30-50 minutes to draw it down? Others say let it go for a few hours? How do you know, till it's fully negative pressure, then let it sit (maybe that's what they meant)?

[@TutorialGenius]

You take it to the shop, have it recovered, then you begin this video. The sitting is basically a leak test. A few hours is excessive

[@TheCure-b1j]

@@TutorialGenius I think it has to do with the red cap on your pump. Even though it says oil and the oil fill says air, they are pointing to the other caps. By removing the red cap, it will allow the fumes to exhaust.

[@davidl2022]

my gauge only went down to 25 psi on the mercury, is that normal? I have a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and my system was emptied on the freon when I did the air bleed

[@Ricky_Mason]

Thanks for the lesson. Well done. It's just what I was looking for.

[@TutorialGenius]

You are welcome! :)

[@joestocker660]

Definitely appreciate the detail of relays. Excellent altogether. 👍😎 Subbed

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks!🔥💯💯

[@joestocker660]

@@TutorialGeniusDid my Caravan without incident yesterday. Last night my son brought over his CRV. Even jumping relay, I eventually” noticed the condenser fan fuse was out (clutch required this as well). Once replaced, we were done in 15-20 minutes. I’ve wrenched on cars 40 years, and wouldn’t have thought of forcing clutch. Many thanks again. 👍😎😎

[@TutorialGenius]

@@joestocker660 That's great to hear!! I'm glad you got it done! Thanks for sharing with us all. Amazing!

[@troyhenry3267]

What if I haven't replaced a component in my ac system, and all I want to do is pull a vacuum and top off my refrigerant? Would I need the total amount Of refrigerant or just enough to get the pressure where it needs to be??

[@TutorialGenius]

If you want to top off your refrigerant, you don't need to pull a vacuum. You can just add the refrigerant :) (Unless there is a reason the pressure is low)

[@troyhenry3267]

@TutorialGenius isn't the reason for a vacuum pump is to remove any potential water/moisture from the system prior to filling up with R134A? I'm not sure if my pressure us low? How can I test or get a pressure reading?

[@TutorialGenius]

@@troyhenry3267 Yup, that's why I said: (Unless there is a reason the pressure is low) I answer all these questions in my AC videos. There are more in the video description also.

[@fugaz07rs]

Wouldn't it be better to fill in the lines up to certain point so when you go turn the carn on compressor can engage?

[@TutorialGenius]

That's the idea, yep

[@rayjohnson7886]

Once you turn off the valves on the gauges before turning off the pump does the high and low stay open on the vehicle?

[@TutorialGenius]

The Schrader values will be open and connected to the gauges until you disconnect the gauges

[@CodyBenge-er5dp]

I know I’m late, but is that one of those special Honda/gm Saturns? That looks an awful lot like a j series Honda v6. If so super cool, and also, very informative video!!!!!! I’m a commercial tech for reefer and diesel apu’s. Your video is awesome! I needed to re look up my knowledge on cars as I need to recharge mine and my wife’s. Your video was great.

[@TutorialGenius]

Great it was helpful! :) Yep, it's hard to miss that Honda engine!

[@dontrice8117]

Very informative and most helpful, thanks!!

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregmccarter2176]

Your the third video that is great..i know fully understand the automobile AC system..im no longer afraid to work on my ac...my 99 chevy express, has zero freon..i shall repair my own..and save a bunch of money

[@TutorialGenius]

Amazing! I'm glad it gave you the confidence! Thanks for watching :)

[@richardloach610]

If you closed the low and high pressure valves then how is it detecting the pressure in your system? Surely those valves on the manifold are between the pump and manifold not between manifold and ports?

[@TutorialGenius]

If you watch my other manifold video, it explains this in more detail :)

[@richardloach610]

@@TutorialGenius oh okay, can you send me the link to this?

[@watchdogu.s.a.8973]

@@richardloach610 The valves on the hoses are open but the valves on the manifold are closed. The valves on the manifold control the flow to/from the yellow feed line. Sadly, it seems to me after reading some comments that this gentleman prefers short answers that some people might call passive aggressive. He would rather say "ha! I've already told you that in the video and won't be telling you again. Go look it up." When that happens the person should consider unsubscribing and then go look it up on someone else's channel. I was going to subscribe to his channel but decided against it as I dislike condescending attitudes.

[@cariea]

I’m going to replace the condenser and hoses. Do I need to add oil, and how much?

[@TutorialGenius]

Almost definitely! It depends on the size of the hoses and the hardware. Its different for ALL vehicles, so check your manual, it'll say! :)

[@larrya7822]

you turned the car side low and high value to the right to open ?

[@TutorialGenius]

If you're unsure about the manifold gauges (some of them don't have stickers indicating open/closed), you can blow down them to figure out which way opens and closes the valves, then mark them with a pen :)

[@PJ-ee5mc]

Don't you also need to add back some PAG (or similar) oil into the system after the vacuum is complete? I was under the impression that evacuating the system removed some of its critically important lubrication oil.

[@TutorialGenius]

No, there is no need to add any PAG oil after the evac

[@jamesrohner3792]

Would using a larger can of R134a help getting the compressor to turn on?

[@TutorialGenius]

No, but maybe putting it in warm/hot water might force out the contents more. There's a more detailed comment in this section if you want to give it a shot

[@stevwal50]

Great video and explanation of the procedure.

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frankmontez6853]

My 15 Ford Fusion 2.5 L AC compressor clutch is burned out I can see it and its gruesome . Some mechanics say that I might get away with only clutch only repaired others say that may not work ? That will save me from much more work and expense but am willing to replace whole new compressor . i've already got the compresssor , expansion valve , desicant bag drier , o ring pack , shreader valves and caps , pag oil . Some have said they don't think it's got metal shavings contamination in condenser but a flushing would get that out if contaminated ? Others say it's better to replace condenser IF contaminated ? Any advice would be appreciated thanks

[@TutorialGenius]

Hey! It could be the clutch, sure, but you already have all those things, so why not! I believe the old condensers, yes, you could flush them... These days, generally, the fins/channels are so small that it's near impossible to flush them without being 100% it's clear of any contamination (This is why there is sometimes confusion regarding this subject). Your service manual will say what you need to replace, but I would replace it assuming it says so (Which is probably a yes). Otherwise, you'll risk ruining your new components and all your hard work!

[@efrainraya6106]

Maestro mi Chevy express van 2002 el acumulador no condensa y no tira agua abajo que será el problema

[@colleenoloughlin3970]

Hi, is the process you used in this video the way all air conditioners would be recharged provided of course that you can use a bullet piercing valve to create places to hook up the hoses?

[@TutorialGenius]

I have only worked on my house AC unit a handful of times, but generally, the same principles apply, yes :)

[@bmc5180]

I'm planning to have a shop evacuate my refrigerant so I can DIY replace my compressor and condenser. After doing so I'd like to have the same shop vacuum and recharge it for me. Will driving the vehicle after the installation of the new compressor and condenser, but before the system is charged, cause damage to the new components? I assume i could just turn the syatem to OFF, or leave the compressor's power unplugged and I'll be fine. I know i could DIY recharge it myself, but i dont wanna pay for a pump or guages.

[@TutorialGenius]

As long as the system (compressor), isn't engaged , you'll be fine! If you want to be doubly sure, unplug the harness going into the compressor so that it cannot be engaged even if you bump the knob The gauges are cheap and they are a very useful troubleshooting tool. Not just for this job, but to even check pressures are good moving forwards. It's a great part of any toolkit. I understand the logic with the vacuum pump, sure, that part could be considered a rare job