So I'm about to change my heater core, and I know I have to discharge the ac.. I think it might be illegal, but let's say if someone accidently did it.. How would it happen? Pull the line going into the compressor? I'm not to good with the ac system, so don't use fancy words... Lol

 

It's illegal to put on a pair of gloves and stick a screwdriver in the schrader valve(lloks like an tire filler valve) because the gases that escape can freeze your skin and pollute the air. Even if you were to wear a long sleev shirt and turn your head so you didn't breathe in the gases...it would still be illegal.

For this, I'd reccomend a professional discharge.
Good luck ;-)

 

have a shop suck it dry for you, it's worth the few $$. It's freeze your ***** into ovaries cold

 

ya R134A (or R-12) is not good for the skin or lungs. Have a shop do it for your own safety

 

Most likely It gonna be R134a. However It is illegal to do what Dirtydog says. Other than that, Nothing would happen. I have accidentally discconnected the hose at the compressor many time. Anytime I did I made absolutely sure not to inhale the gasses or get it on my skin. getting it in your lungs is bad. Getting on your skin is bad also, However if you wash it off quickly, No real biggy.

EPA has yet to come knocking on my door and I am 608 and 609 EPA certified so they know i'm out there.

 

actually getting it on your skin is a "biggie" having worked with R134A and R12 it can frezze your hand (or other body parts) resulting in frost bite or amputation
please do not encourage other people to do stupid things

edit i should clarify that the refrigerant on the low side is less dangerous than on the high side

 

Whoa!! I had some flashbacks just then.

 

Where's the schrader valve at?

 

And thanks everyone

 

On one of the AC lines back by the PCM