Air Conditioning Recharge not a DIY

[blktoptrvl]

So, It's getting hot here in the south.

And the AC in the X5 has not been keeping up.

I decided to recharge, but instead of buying a little can of refrigerant to destroy my system with, I decided I wanted to do it the right way by checking to see if the current system holds pressure, vacuuming the system to remove air/water and old refrigerant, then adding oil, sealant, dye, and new refrigerant back into the system.

Can't do it. There are too many obstacles to this supposed DIY job. If you have a different experience, please let know.

First, I will assume that you agree that the job should be done correctly and within the EPA rules (not releasing the old gas into the atmosphere).

Problems...

• I cannot find a good manifold set to do the job with. I've tried two manifold sets, they both leak. The first from the hoses, the second from the block. OK, I "only" paid $59 for the Manifold, but really is it too much to ask that they don't leak? After all that is critical to their use. I see other kits available for $49 - $250 but they all look like they are manufactured by the same folks.
• I cannot get a small tank to vacuum the old gas into and even if I did, there is no place to take the gas. A Small tank is about $80. But then what. I called around and the AC shops tell me they cannot take the gas because they don't know where it came from/what it is.
• I can get a shop to evacuate the system for me, but for what they charge for this service, I might as well get them to recharge too. The shops that are willing to evacuate my system for me, charge the same amount as they would to do a evac, test, and refill. About $99.
• There are no recycling shops to take the old 134A. In my town, I can easily recycle old motor oil, but although you are not permitted to "otherwise" dispose of these items, nobody private or government will accept:
  • Antifreeze
  • R134A, R12, or any other refrigerant.
  • Pressure treated wood.

For all the trouble, I have come to the conclusion that this is one job that is not worth the trouble. Tomorrow, I will go have the system professionally sucked out and refilled. Hopefully they will find that the system is still tight and all the components are good. Otherwise I will have to pay the $99 to get it tested, Replace whatever is broken, then pay another $99 again to evac and refill.

Bummer.