Avoiding frozen hands

[Tscholten]

I am a few days away from replacing the high pressure side lines on the A/C system that contains the in-line screen filter. I understand that this is the high pressure side and therefore I would like to know the best--and least expensive--way of depressurizing the line. I know where the low pressure valve is on the low side line, but I don't think this will do anything for the high pressure line. How can I perform this work myself without the risk of a line blowing and freezing my hands? How difficult is it to disconnect A/C lines?

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Do you know that you could go to prison for ejecting that crap into the air?

A local shop can evacuate the system for a small fee.

 

[AutoSHO]

Many shops will reclaim the refrigerant for free. And, like Kenny said, if it is R12 then it is a federal offense to release it into the air. Getting it reclaimed can also get you credit towards refilling the system.

 

[SHOlocke]

also if your venting a R-134a system, do it outside with plenty of airflow. Trust me on this. While vacuuming out my system I made the mistake of leaving my garage doors closed. When I went back in to check on the car and how the vacuum was doing (got a full -1bar for 4 hours) I had to get out of there after 10 minutes cause I was having trouble breathing. And my car only had about 10psi in it cause of a slow leak.

best advice is take it to an A/C shop, let them pull it out for you. call around and find a place that will give you the same amount back into your car if you need. R-134a has nearly tripled in price recently.

 

[Mels]

Recover, Recycle, Reclaim.

System off, refrigerant pressures equalize. Inconsequential which guage port you use to release the pressure at that point.

Unless you have the equipment to pull a vacuum on the system following the repair, and weigh in the new charge, you're really better off having someone else do the job for you (in this case).

Good luck

 

[rangerj]

Check with Auto Zone in their refrigerant and refrigerant tools section. they used to sell an "L" shaped piece that was made to be pressed onto the schrader valve and vent the refrigerant. the "L" shape vented the refrigerant away from YOU.

The warnings given above are VERY IMPORTANT. Protect your eyes, your skin, and most importantly DO NOT BREATH IN THE VAPORS. Work in a well ventilated area.