Enviro-Care Tips
1. Check for a/c sticker which should indicate the size of the a/c system. Most newer cars have 1.75 lbs. systems. The sticker is useful but not necessary as you use your gauge to charge the system to its proper level. Refrigerant cans include 1 pound of refrigerant. All other products include 3/4 lbs of refrigerant.
2. Connect kit to low side of a/c system. On R-134a systems the low side has the smaller fitting, on the older R-12 systems it is the bigger of the two. The adapter can only connect to the proper fitting.
3. Start car and put the a/c system on maximum.
4. For standard fill-ups for a system that is low in refrigerant it is suggested to use Stop Leak first, if more is needed you can use refrigerant. You can preserve refrigerant cans for months by use of the tap.
5. If a minor leak is suspected Pro Seal is suggested. You may then put stop leak or refrigerant if needed.
6. If a part has been changed or the system has been dry for an extended period Oil Charge is suggested first.
7. Only put one can of Stop Leak or Oil charge in any system unless the system is bigger than 4 lbs. All standard size cars and trucks have smaller systems. A second Pro Seal can may be used if leak has not been sealed.
8. Pro Seal will have a high efficiently rate on systems that take 48 hours or more to leak completely. If you can hear or see a leak repair is needed. To be more efficient when dealing with empty systems, you may first use a refrigerant can, check the psi pressure, and come back a day or two later to verify the pressure. A decision can then be made on what best to do.
9. Allow car to run several minutes before putting first can in to allow system to expand properly. Check pressure. Shake can well, put first can in, all cans must be kept upside down. Allow one minute for all cans to empty and another 2 minutes after each can to allow system to expand. Check pressure again. Put more if needed. When done let car run several minutes. With Pro Seal you must let the car run for 20-30 minutes with the a/c system on maximum.
10. When charging more than one can, on the second, third, or so on.. Slowly let the refrigerant in putting temporarily opening and closing the tap. Cold air is being put into the system and fast charging of more than one can can temporarily freeze the inside of the system. This will not cause any damage but can affect how fast the a/c will blow cold. Take your time when putting more than one can. Open for a few seconds, close for another few, and so on..
11. The optimum psi range on the gauge is between 30-45 psi. Do not go above 50 as you will overcharge the system. Please note that outside temperature such as in Autumn or Spring will affect the reading. Colder air will show lower pressure. Therefore in Spring or Autumn, or on a cold day, use between 25-35 psi.
12. If the system is low the compressor may recycle, showing a rising and lowering psi pressure. The actual pressure in the system is when the needle hits the bottom of the range. The compressor should stay constant when in the 30-45 psi range, some cars however may keep recycling.
13. If the system is fully charged and the system is not blowing cold. Safely and quickly touch the high side. Warm is acceptable but if very hot it indicates a blocked orifice, a filter in the system, and this filter must be changed at a low cost. Over time these small filters get dirty and may get hot on older vehicles.
14. When the a/c system is running it will indicate on the gauge a high pressure. If the a/c system is on and running on maximum and the pressure is still very high. Check the compressor, the inner part should be turning. If not turning it may be seized, turn vehicle off and try turning it with your hand. If that is not the problem it could be a connection or fuse problem. If the compressor is turning however, the system is then either overcharged or blocked.