Hey guys, I will be installing a new a/c hard line and a new reciever/dryer on my car. I need to get the system vacuumed out once I'm done so I can recharge it myself.

I've been calling around to see what it would cost to vacuum out the system and people want to charge me $68-$78!!!

This is bullshit - I know it don't take much more than 30 minutes to do this and it's not like they have to remove anything - the valves are right on top and easy to get to.

Can I rent a vacuum pump? Autozone does not rent them. I'm getting upset over what I think is a simple job. No wonder I do my maintenance and repairs myself. :mad:

Any ideas?

You need an air compressor and a set of R134a gauges.

You need an air compressor and a set of R134a gauges.

Eric - you know I need more information! ;)

I have a cheap 134A gauge that came with a recharge kit and a couple cans of 134A. Can the air compressor take the place of the vacuum?

Eric - you know I need more information! ;)

I have a cheap 134A gauge that came with a recharge kit and a couple cans of 134A. Can the air compressor take the place of the vacuum?


No, the aircompressor hooks up to the vaccum, and that's how it creates the vaccum in the system. You might be able to use the cheap gauge, but you need to read both the high and low pressure lines at the same time.

No, the aircompressor hooks up to the vaccum, and that's how it creates the vaccum in the system. You might be able to use the cheap gauge, but you need to read both the high and low pressure lines at the same time.

Ahh - I may not go that route. After calling all those places (I even called Nissan for the hell of it - they wanted $85), I found a place that'll do it for $40, so I'll take it to them on Sunday...

hmm, care to elaborate more on why you'd want to vacuum out the system? i just refilled my car with r134a today after replacing a line, and didn't evacuate the system as you indicated. what's the worse case scenario?

let me know how this goes, i also have top replace the same line as you and a local guy wants $100-120 he said to vacume and refill the system

I just want to know if you have any problems with anything due to it being exposed to the air

hmm, care to elaborate more on why you'd want to vacuum out the system? i just refilled my car with r134a today after replacing a line, and didn't evacuate the system as you indicated. what's the worse case scenario?

Ha, you will find out in a couple of weeks. Hopefully not like I did though. Better hope there is no moisture in the system or it will stop working in like 2 weeks. Then it on compressor off compressor. After a while it will just not turn on. My compressor dumped all my freon and oil all overe the front end cause it was over pressured.