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Make and model don't matter here. Just wondering if anyone has experience with them either way. Doesn't it just leak right back out - unless you have just replaced components and opened up the system and now have the leak fixed for sure? I mean - if you lost what was in there before and your AC started to blow only hot air - only a REALLY gradual, small leak would maybe take a while to lose the contents of the new can, right?
Or am I wrong? Went out yesterday and turned on my AC for the first time since last year - maybe October when it was blowing ice cold - and nothing but hot air. *ugh*
If your problem is just that the charge is low, yes. They work fine. I used them for a couple years on my truck, charging about once a year. Didn't work this year, though, so now I have to get it fixed.
1. does AC comp kick in?
2. does the AC light up?
3. seen/done before. Is the temp dial on cold?
4. Yes, they do work. Your post is confusing though. It mentions complete system rebuilt then suddenly says "worked, does not work, nothing was done to it". So what is it? As it depends.
5. If you have leak, you do NOT know how small is it. It is a leak. AC system is very high pressure and "small" leaks leak out fast.
Anyhow, if comp does not kick in, you are stuck anyway. Unless you are boarder line low on freon, system will not suck it in from can as comp has to build vacuum.
O-rings in the A/C system dry out if you don't run the A/C periodically in the fall & winter. Not saying that's the source of your leak but it's common.
Problem with those DIY cans is the crappy gauge. It's easy to overcharge and cause problems.
Yes they do . My wife's 2005 Ford Expy was not blowing cold air, not even cool. I looked to having the system serviced.
$250 and up.
I did the re-charge . {READ DIRECTIONS TWICE} The ones with the gauge are better.
Still working a year latter.
Make and model don't matter here. Just wondering if anyone has experience with them either way. Doesn't it just leak right back out - unless you have just replaced components and opened up the system and now have the leak fixed for sure? I mean - if you lost what was in there before and your AC started to blow only hot air - only a REALLY gradual, small leak would maybe take a while to lose the contents of the new can, right?
Or am I wrong? Went out yesterday and turned on my AC for the first time since last year - maybe October when it was blowing ice cold - and nothing but hot air. *ugh*
Yes, they work. How long your system stays charged depends entirely on how bad the leak is.
I have one old Volvo that I add one can per year to. It works fine. Compared to the price of having the system rebuilt, I'll go this route as long as I can.
If the refrigerant leak is minor, a modest cost recharge kit may be an economical alternative to expensive component replacement.
Many folk are able to put in a recharge can and get another year ... or two ... or more ... satisfactory A/C service.
A seeping front compressor seal might be enough loss to need a top up recharge each year. If you keep the car for several more years at the cost of a recharge can per year, it's a lot less expense than replacing the compressor/receiver-dryer/expansion valve, and perhaps a hose or two.
Of course, if the problem is a major leak, then appropriate repairs will be needed to keep the system functioning.
I have found that they work, but if it is all out/empty, the system has to be vacuumed before refilling. To do this, you need the right tools and gauges.
O-rings in the A/C system dry out if you don't run the A/C periodically in the fall & winter. Not saying that's the source of your leak but it's common.
Problem with those DIY cans is the crappy gauge. It's easy to overcharge and cause problems.
That's why the compressor comes on when Defrost is selected on most cars.
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