AC System Recharge

[bigmsm]

Hi, I had to replace one condenser on my '01 996 and planned to recharge the system myself.  I've added refrigerant to other cars but always to top-off.  Never recharged an empty system.  I assume disconnecting the condenser allowed air into the system. Is there a bleed procedure required to remove prior to recharge or is this best handled by a pro?  Thanks,

 

Michael

[Ghost Round]

If you have to ask, best handled by a pro. Vacuum and recharge shouldn't cost much unless they find a leak.

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[JFP in PA]

50 minutes ago, bigmsm said:

Hi, I had to replace one condenser on my '01 996 and planned to recharge the system myself.  I've added refrigerant to other cars but always to top-off.  Never recharged an empty system.  I assume disconnecting the condenser allowed air into the system. Is there a bleed procedure required to remove prior to recharge or is this best handled by a pro?  Thanks,

 

Michael

 

It is more complicated than you might imagine.  First of all, there is a lubricant that is distributed throughout the system, and you must add the correct amount of the oil when you replace components (the factory service manual has a table listing how much for each component).  Secondly, if you opened the system, you should replace the system's receiver dryer before evacuating and recharging it.  A new one costs about $60, but will save you a ton of headaches.

 

[bigmsm]

Thanks for the help!

[Hilux2400]

As you are going to empty it check the two long lines that run front to back.  I had a leak in mine last year and replaced both.  One had corroded where the plastic cover had been damaged and the alloy pipe was leaking.  The smaller diameter alloy pipe was also corroding below its plastic sheath.  I could not understand this as there were no visible holes in the sheath.

Edited December 1, 2016 by Hilux2400