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DIY charging systems and booster kits
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desertskiesrigging
Novice
Aug 13, 2012, 7:36 AM
Post #1 of 9
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DIY charging systems and booster kits
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Have a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, uses R134A
I was curious if anyone has used the booster kits found in various automotive depts and parts stores.
Not so much referring to the DIY charging systems, more the boosters that claim to stop leaks and improve performance.
Had my entire AC system replaced a year ago but this summer does not seem to be working well. Had the suction hose replaced a month ago, still not better.
Have never worked on an AC system before and very reluctant to "learn as I go" on this, especially living in AZ
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 13, 2012, 8:04 AM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: DIY charging systems and booster kits
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A/C isn't a good place to learn by mistakes and less than proper equipment and know how is by far the most expensive and dangerous approach. Sealers or anything with a claim that it will enhance performance is downright a disaster!
Yes - In the hotter climates people do seek additional fans if possible for condenser but not fooling with the products used inside a system.
DIY and A/C do not mix. If A/C is now still working but not as well as some time ago it may have leaked some of its charge but you don't know that yet and adding more isn't called for. If found to be low then a fix is the answer,
T
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desertskiesrigging
Novice
Aug 20, 2012, 8:14 AM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: DIY charging systems and booster kits
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Sorry just getting back, been busy.
Yes, thanks for the input, do not want to charge blindly and cause more problems.
The ac compressor was replaced a year ago, fortunately covered under a svc contract. The suction hose was replaced about a month ago.
Up to this point all work was done by qualified mechanics at Brake Masters nearby who I have been pretty happy with.
It just seems to me that it could be working better. The air is cool but by no means cold.
Again, after sitting in the Az sun for several hours in August I do not expect arctic right away, but by the end of my 20 min drive home I think it should be better. I usually have it maxed and it really is not keeping up.
My concern is that the refrigerant level might still be low, perhaps was not completely topped off after the last svc, or that there is perhaps another problem, say with the condensor.
Any input on the best ways to diagnose this would be appreciated.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2012, 8:37 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: DIY charging systems and booster kits
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The capacity of the system is to produce air approximately 30 degrees cooler than ambient temp down to no lower than 35.
Use a thermometer in the center vent while you are driving on high blower and max A/C and see what the temp is. If you can hit low 50s with outside over 85, you're good. Definitely don't attempt to make it colder by adding snake oil from the parts store.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Aug 20, 2012, 8:38 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2012, 9:22 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: DIY charging systems and booster kits
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AZ sitting in full sun says volumes. The whole vehicle is hot, pavement is hot, air is insanely hot (I watch the news) so for extremes give it a break.
No kidding but open all windows that will and at least let interior cool off to something less than "Bake a Cake" heat! If this is sudden under same conditions still note the actual temps both real ambient air temp and real center vent outputs on recirculate it should drop down to comfortable.
Factors: Angle of sun, color of car, window tint, road surface, stuck in traffic getting heat from car in front of you and the list goes on.
Moving along should always be better than real slow or stop and go also,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2012, 9:26 AM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: DIY charging systems and booster kits
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Yes, everything I said was intended for after the system has stabilized, not when first started.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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desertskiesrigging
Novice
Aug 20, 2012, 3:09 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: DIY charging systems and booster kits
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thanks for input from you both.
Generally, I leave the windows down for a minute or two and live in the boonies so not that much in town traffic. Silver colored car.
I do need to do the thermometer test at the vent, just been doing the "hold the hand up" test which is not accurate. But yes, at the end of the day, the conditions are rugged to say the least.
If I get a thermometer and it tests out at around 40 at the vent I'll quit whining. If not, what is the best way to proceed. I was thinking getting a pressure gauge from autozone to test refrigerant level.
PS - radiator was flushed about two years ago, temp gauge never quite gets to halfway. I do about 12k miles a year as a guesstimate.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2012, 4:31 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: DIY charging systems and booster kits
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Thermometer: Fav of mine and in all my own vehicles all the time is the wired (faster) household or sold in automotive departments of some stores like this....
Switches from in out so you can see real incoming air at grille and output temps or move it for general interior temp. Some are under $10 bucks - faster and easier than the meat thermo types I've had meant for A/C!
T
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