A/C Recharging Method

Push-Button Dispensing

With Measure & Charge (MAC-134) and EZ Charge (SD-134), dispensing refrigerant is as simple as pressing a button. You just connect the hose to the low-pressure port, press the button on the can to fill (to "charge") and release to stop. With Measure & Charge, releasing the button will automatically give you a pressure measurement on the in-line gauge (which is re-usable). Both let you store unused refrigerant for later. Both contain the appropriate proportions of refrigerant and oil, as well as System-Safe leak sealer. See full instructions on this site or on the can.

Trigger Dispensing

With the Quick Charge charging gun (QC-1CS and QCK-2CS), you simply connect the hose to the low-pressure port, screw a can of refrigerant into the Quick Charge, squeeze the trigger to dispense and release to stop. Quick Charge will automatically give you a pressure reading on the built-in gauge. Quick Charge is completely re-usable. See full instructions on this site or on the package.

Direct Charge Dispensing

With High Mileage Top-Off (HMT-1DC), you simply press the direct charge fitting onto the low-pressure port to fill 6oz. of refrigerant & oil (in the proper proportion). Great when all you need is a small amount of refrigerant to top off your system. We recommend using our EZ Gauge (GEZ-1) to measure pressure before and after charging to ensure proper pressure for peak cooling. See full instructions on this site or on the can.

Screw-in Can Tap Dispensing

Several of our recharging kits use the traditional method of dispensing, tapping a can. These kits are models RKR-7, RKR-5, RGM-134, GBM-134, and MB-134. This method involves screwing a can tap with hose onto a can of refrigerant, partly unscrewing to dispense, and screwing in again to stop. With the RKR-7, RGM-134 and GBM-134, you can check pressure with the in-line gauge. The RKR-7 and RKR-5 can be used in two ways: to either retrofit (convert) an A/C system using R-12 refrigerant to a system that can use R-134a refrigerant, or to recharge a system that already uses R-134a. See full instructions on this site or on the package.

Refrigerants

Regardless of the type, all air conditioning systems function according to a basic law of physics that states ‘a fluid absorbs heat as it changes from a liquid to a gas, and a vapor releases heat as it changes from a gas to a liquid.’ In an A/C system, refrigerant is the transfer medium used to absorb the heat inside the passenger compartment and release it to the outside air. Refrigerant is a tasteless, odorless gas with an ability to change state rapidly within a specific temperature range. It is also oil soluble and non-corrosive. While there are scores of refrigerants on the market, there are only two types approved by vehicle manufacturers: R-12 and R-134a.

R-12, commonly referred to as Freon, has long been used as the refrigerant in all automotive A/C systems. However, R-12 contains chlorine, which is the primary cause of ozone layer damage. Consequently, legislation was passed calling for a halt in R-12 production by 1996. Long before the phase-out of R-12 began however, the automotive industry conducted extensive research and development to find an environmentally friendly alternative. They ultimately selected R-134a as the new refrigerant, and began using it in vehicles as early as 1992.

R-134a is similar to R-12, in that it absorbs, transfers, and releases heat efficiently. It is also non-flammable, and mixes well with oil, just like R-12. However, R-134a does have some unique characteristics.

• R-134a requires a special synthetic lubricant since it does not mix with mineral oil (standard R-12 lubricant).
• R-134a operates at higher discharge pressures than R-12. Therefore, systems using R-134a may not cool as well as R-12 when the vehicle is idling for extended periods (e.g. heavy traffic).
• R-134a and R-12 cannot be mixed, which is why separate equipment is needed to service vehicles using either refrigerant.

Depending on the vehicle, refrigerant capacity can range anywhere from about 28 ounces (1.75 lbs.) to as much as 64 ounces (4.00 lbs.) or more. To avoid an improper charge, always consult the manufacturer's specifications for refrigerant capacity. An improper charge will cause reduced system performance, and may even result in system damage.

Refrigerant Oil

In order to function properly, an A/C system requires the appropriate type and amount of oil. In addition to lubricating the compressor, refrigerant oil also maintains the operation of the expansion valve on systems so equipped. Since the oil is transported through the system by the refrigerant, it has to be compatible with the type of refrigerant being used. Mineral oil is the lubricant used for all R-12 systems, while R-134a systems use synthetic oils such as PAG (polyalkylene glycol) and POE (polyolester).

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