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Topic: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can (Read 526 times) previous topic - next topic

R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Last and only time I charged our dash AC was in middle of 2017. It worked for couple of years.
At the time I had to replace the compressor (I think Sanden) while at it also replaced the A/C Receiver Drier.
From Walmart, I had purchased the R-134a for about $5 a can and with great help on the phone from Stump (member here) our dash AC worked great for 2 years. We are getting ready to head south to Luling, TX for Christmas (SE of Austin, TX) It is going to be hot enough but not too hot. I'd hate to run genarator to keep over head AC working during the drive. So this time, instead of renting, I purchased the pump, the guaages and  7/32oz cans of R-134a. This time I was not able to find inexpensive R-134a anywhere but somehow Autozone had it for about $7 a can. So I purchased it on line to pick it up at the store. When I went over there, Store manager apologized and gave me 7 cans of the $25 R-134a. I did not want to take it but he was very nice and adament about it. I had drove 30 mil out of my way to get to that Autozone so I took them. I'll pay it forward somehow.
Please see picture, what I have now is also has stop leak properties and on the outside instructions it indicates " This is a self-sealing can and requires a recharge hose made for self-sealing cans. We recommend the Avalanche part #AVL402CSSV Recharge Hose" My questions are, 1-) should I not use all of the stop leak cans (I need 80oz), go find regular R-134a (not easy) and mix it. 2-) Do I really need that special recharge hose? Can I not just use the A/C R134A Manifold Gauge Set I just purchased? Thank you, AL
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #1 –
It will mess up the gauges and hoses why did it lose pressure? I wouldn't want that much sealer in the system using the sealer cans vs reg. R134a
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #2 –
Quote from: craneman –
It will mess up the gauges and hoses why did it lose pressure? I wouldn't want that much sealer in the system using the sealer cans vs reg. R134a
Is it ok to use just 1 can of the sealer along with regular R134a? Would I still need a special hose? So don't use my new Manifold Gauge Set with a sealer at all?
I have no clue as to why lost pressure, but I have a feeling I did not do a good job back in 2017, I was in a hurry and hot and not sure if I evacuated the system as good as it had to be evacuated. This time I believe I can do a better job :-)
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #3 –
Use the special sealer hose or you will buy another set of gauges and hoses unless you flush them out. Pull vacuum and close valve to pump and make sure it holds vacuum. I let them sit overnight and if the vacuum is still where I left it I recharge.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #4 –
Do the above from Craneman plus what I would do is,go to Amazon and get a can of Red Angel stop leak,it is the best sealer made,put it in first after you evacuate and charge the system.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #5 –
It's a large system and 18 years old. I've never used the sealer in a AC system. Really don't know much about it. Might be great might be the biggest mistake ever, I don't know. R134a is going up in price. I asked for a couple of 30lbs cans expecting it to be 130$ each and the bill was $700. I purchased anyway thinking it won't go down in price, but know it can be purchased for less elsewhere but it on the rise for sure. I'm no longer going to do ac work without a evacuation/recycle machine. I wouldn't want to take a chance of contamination . Let us know how it works out in a couple months.
Scott

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #6 –
Quote from: John44 –
Do the above from Craneman plus what I would do is,go to Amazon and get a can of Red Angel stop leak,it is the best sealer made,put it in first after you evacuate and charge the system.
Reviews actually surprised me 👍👍 may actually try it some time.
Amazon.com: Red Angel A/C Stop Leak & Conditioner : Automotive
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #7 –
Quote from: craneman –
Use the special sealer hose or you will buy another set of gauges and hoses unless you flush them out. Pull vacuum and close valve to pump and make sure it holds vacuum. I let them sit overnight and if the vacuum is still where I left it I recharge.
Just to make sure, sequence of tasks:
1-)Run the Vacuum and make sure low pressure side holds steady for several hours/over night.
2-)Put one can of the sealer first by using a special/separate charge hose or don't use the Autozone sealer at all?
3-) Reconnect Manifold Gauge Set and charge with regular R134a.
Is this correct?

I am a bit puzzled, If evacuation/recycle machine is not used (I think most shade tree mechanics do not) when we use the vacuum pump do we just put the R134a in the air, I mean if the system has some in there but not enough to properly cool. Or the pump just vaccums out moisture and air and not the R134a?
What would happen if I vacuum first, then put in 1 can of the sealer let sit over night, vacuum again in the morning, finally fill it with regular R134a?

Thank you,
Al
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #8 –
As long as you confirm it holds vacuum overnight after the sealer is in you would then charge with regular R134a watching your register temps after getting about 70 oz. in and stop when the temps start to rise. I charged mine to get the register below 40 deg. and quit adding R134a at that time. I tried to use the pressure method and the dash was warmer and the high side was getting too high.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #9 –
Vacuum first,put the sealer in,then charge the system,putting the sealer in a vacuum and sitting overnight will do nothing,the sealer
will not work unless there is positive pressure forcing it into the leaking areas.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #10 –
Quote
Really don't know much about it. Might be great might be the biggest mistake ever,

I'm with John44. Red Angel is a great product. I used it in the rig and in one of our cars.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320
 

Re: R-134a 32oz $5 can vs $25 can

Reply #11 –
Same here with the Red Angel, when I first picked up our coach AC didn't work.  Got gauges on it and it was empty.  Evacuated and refilled only to find it empty again a month later.
Put in a can of Red Angel, recharged the system, and 2 years later, I am still good and cool.
I had never heard of the stuff before until I read about it on this Forum.  I swore it wouldn't work, but figured "give it a shot".
Boy, am I glad I did!  I was about to tear into the system to find the leak. 
The Red Angel saved the day for me.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad