Anyone do their own car's AC maintenance/recharge?

[JasonSnake]

So, I have two old ass cars - my '94 TBird and my '97 Mark VIII. Both cars require I refill their AC systems once a year since they both have a very slow leak. Every time I get it done, it's $70-80 out the door.

I am thinking about buying my own AC recharge kit and several pounds of R134 freon so I can do this on my own while saving money in the long run.

Before I do anything, what kits or portable equipment should I look at? All I can think of is a vacuum pump, gauges with hookups, and a few cans of R134a.

some may be against this, but I would love to learn how to do this on my own, and maybe help a few people down the road save a few bucks.

 

[ibleedblue65]

Fix the leaks.

Oh and don't buy refrigerant with. Sealer in it.

 

[99cobrablack]

All I have is a vacuum pump 80 bucks, can't remember what my gauges cost, and a 30lb keg of 134 is less than 100 bucks in the right spot. And a scale unless you prefer cans (easier if you just do your own). Might do some Craigslist shopping for a sniffer, or find someone with nitrogen to pressure the system and bubble test for leaks.

 

[Lightning Lad]

I did it with my older truck and it seems to work fine for a while.

 

[Mr. Mach-ete]

I do, then again I'm a licensed master refrigeration contractor.