Anyone know a safe way to empty a car a/c system? I don't need to worry about re-using the refrigerant. I don't really want to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a legit a/c system with a vacuum pump and tank. And I don't really want to have to rent a trailer to bring it to a shop to do either.
Any inexpensive ways to do it safely, as opposed to the unnamed method...
Without a vacuum pump and tank, and without bringing it to a shop, the only way I know of is the one that shall not be named...
I know an old HVAC guy who has a "recovery bucket". When he's doing rooftop AC work on a building he carries the bucket up there with him. In the bucket is a towel and a hose. He connects one end of the hose to the shraeder valve on the unit and wraps the other end tightly with the towel then sticks it into the 5 gallon bucket. The towel muffles the noise and collects any oil that comes out of the hose and of course keeps him from getting frostbite.
That method is illegal and no one would condone similar behavior.
Yeah that's what I'm afraid of. I was hoping something similar to the connect a hose method. Like if it was possible to buy cheaply just a tank/cylinder that refrigerant goes into, hook it up and let it drain into that without a pump.
The couple videos I've watched of the right way there's a whole method to purging said tank of air via the vacuum pump, etc.
Maybe I'll try separating the a/c components from what I'm removing, I.e. unbolt the compressor, and move it off the engine then try removing the engine while keeping the system sealed at first.
dan0 (Forum Supporter) said:Maybe I'll try separating the a/c components from what I'm removing, I.e. unbolt the compressor, and move it off the engine then try removing the engine while keeping the system sealed at first.
That's definitely doable on some cars. Subarus, for sure. Done it multiple times.
In reply to obsolete :
Did that on der Scheißwagen. Just pulled the A/C compressor, set it to the side, and pulled the motor. It kept all its pressure for several years, no problem.
Hopefully it's easy enough to do on a 986 Boxster...
Moving my kei truck out not paying attention I almost solved my own problem
Update, I came very close to the other way, cracked a bolt loose but didn't let anything go. Watched some engine removal videos on YouTube for the Boxster, three bolts hold on the a/c compressor accessed from the top and it can be then tied up in place and engine removed. So I'll do that to start. Still researching other ways. Might be able to get a tank and vaccuum pump for not too much to at least pull it out safely. Not a full setup to refill a system but good for now. Or maybe borrow a pump and buy the container.
I noticed that oreillys has refrigerant reclamation vessels for rent if anybody has the need.
Interesting... an O'reilly's just opened up near me. I didn't even think of that or the other big ones since they do tool rentals.
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