My A/C wasn't working in my Blazer so I bought a canister of that A/C refill with stop leak stuff from autozone today. After jumping the low pressure switch (gauge was reading about 10-15 psi) I got the A/C system filled up. By this I mean, I emptied the entire canister into it. The gauge said I had about 50 PSI but the label said I needed roughly 55 to be "full" but I know this is a generic label.

Now my AC kicks on properly and cools the truck off, but it seems like it should be working better. I'm used to my old 04 Neon where the A/C worked so well you could make ice cubes with it on full blast. Should I pick up another canister and top off that last 5% or will it only make a little bit of a difference?

Or, is there another way I can measure to see how low my system is? (if indeed it is, for that matter)

And finally, with there still being some pressure in my A/C system, do I need to worry about it having moisture and such in there like with a normal leak?

 

You are saying that the psi is about 50 low side at idle outside on a 90 degree day? That's probably good, maybe even a little more than I like. You should see what the temps are at the vents. . You should also check the high side psi.

 

therandom, how big was the refill? I am also planning to recharge mine and wasnt sure how much id need. (doesnt come on)

 

I used a 17 oz canister and it took everything and seems to need more.

This is the canister I bought. It has the fill tube (I kept mine so I can use it if I have to buy another canister) with a gauge built-in.

Quicky Clicky!

 

Just by the feel of my hand, it seems like the temps at the vents are about 60ish, maybe mid to high 50s.

 

Dont go by feel with air temp. On an africa hot day, 70 degrees feels cool! The best way to refill a system is to weigh the charge. There is a label that shows what system capacity is. (I beleive 28 oz) DONT add more.

Very hillbilly way to see if there is enough refrigerant is to feel the accumilator (and measure air temp into the compartment).. its should be cold and sweaty. The suction line going to the compressor should also be cold and sweaty. BUT the compressor should NEVER be cold!

Definately not the perfect way to get it recharged but it will get you close.

 

So I should not go by feel... but go by feel? lol

 

get a temperature probe that sticks into the vent and see what temp it reaches

 

How much is one of those going to cost me?

 

It's called a thermometer..I use a digital one from Harbor Freight..about 5 bucks.