A/C Basics

Automotive air conditioning service should only be performed by trained personnel.  Service technicians should always have the proper equipment and prior instruction to perform the job correctly and safely. There are…

  Question: When should the system be flushed? Answer: We believe if the a/c system is opened for service, it's a good time to flush. A clean system…

Question:  Can I use an air powered vacuum pump instead of the more expensive electric vacuum pump? What's the difference. The purpose of a vacuum pump is to…

This article courtesy Cool Profits Magazine This is an updated version of an article which first appeared in Cool Profits Magazine. It has been reprinted here with permission…

The receiver-drier is found on systems that use a thermal expansion valve. This type of metering valve requires liquid refrigerant. Therefore, to ensure that the expansion valve gets…

One of the differences between R-134a and R-12 is the boiling points. Pure R-12 will boil at -22 degrees Fahrenheit while R-134a boils at -16 degrees Fahrenheit. If…

Desiccant is used to trap the moisture inside your A/C system. The receiver-drier and accumulator contains a bag of dessicant which is used to trap system damaging moisture.…

The following explanations that describe the flow of refrigerant were taken from the bulletin board. They were all good, and each describe the flow accurately with different emphasis.…

If your ready to vacuum an empty system, you begin by attaching the middle hose (yellow) to the vacuum pump port.  With both manifold valves turned off, attach…

I had an R12 license and lost it. How can I get a new one?It would really help if you knew who the original credentials came from. Looking…

Question: What's the story with the Micron rating of a vacuum pump? I'm assuming that smaller is better, but what does it mean as far as practical application?…

Question:  I am chargeing my 1992 ford auto air conditioning.  Looking at the pressure chart it has ambient temp, low side p.s.i and high side p.s.i.  Is high…

A complete visual examination is the first step in the leak detection process. Before you pick up that electronic leak detector, take a close look at the hoses,…

A visitor comes to us with questions about what might be wrong with the a/c in their car. It goes something like this. My air conditioning was working…

Flushing must be performed when the system is contaminated or you suspect there is debris in the system from compressor failure. When a/c compressors fail, bad things can…

When replacing A/C system O-rings, it's always recommended to lubricate all O-rings with clean 525 viscosity mineral oil.  Oil on the O-ring surface helps protect the O-ring during the assembly of fittings.  The…

We fond the answer to that question in an article which first appeared in the May/August 2001 edition of Cool Profit$ Magazine. This article was written by John…

Black Death The subject of system flushing would not be complete without discussing Black Death. This is a topic which first appeared on the AC Source web site.…

Since 1993, all technicians performing automotive a/c service for consideration must certify to the U.S. EPA that they understand how to properly handle and recover refrigerant. According to…

The evaporator provides several functions. Its primary duty is to remove heat from the inside of your vehicle. A secondary benefit is dehumidification. As warmer air travels through…

Question:  With so many oils available, which one should I use?  Is there a good universal oil? You should use the oil that matches the recommendation by the…

Many people think that you can improve performance by insulating cold refrigerant lines from engine heat. Some design engineers may even use insulation for this purpose.Hose insulation is…