I have a 1999 Dodge Ram Van, and it has been decades since I have recharged the AC refrigerant in any vehicle. I just wanted to confirm two things before I do this...

That the arrow points to the low pressure port I connect the refrigerant to, and not the port about 8" to the right of it:


And that this brand/formulation is ok. I need to get a kit because I don't have the hose/connector/gauge for it, and I am trying to get one that will also seal any tiny leaks it may have:


Your wisdom and guidance is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Yes the arrow is pointing to the low port. FYI, the low and high ports are two different sizes (low being smaller) making connections pretty much foolproof.

 

Thank you. I recharged it to 40, and a visible leak popped up here - since it doesn't look like an oring I am not sure how to fix it:


Second the compressor would occasionally slow and squeal. I am not sure if that is because of the leak, or because it is dying:
​​​https://drive.google.com/file/d/11kN...w?usp=drivesdk

​​​​​​​For what it is worth the air blowing was not any colder even after filling it to 40, but that's not totally full and again there is a leak and a compressor that is suspect. I didn't want to keep filling it if the leak repair required emptying the lines or replacing the compressor.

I realize this may not be something I can fix myself, just trying to get educated before taking it in to the shop.

Thanks!

 

The compressor slowing and squealing ain't a good sign. Either pressures are getting stupid, or the compressor is indeed failing. Putting some gauges on it sure wouldn't hurt. See what pressures are doing.

As for the leak, probably are going to have to evacuate the system to fix that one... You *might* be able to tighten the fitting a bit, and get it to stop.... but, don't hold your breath on that.

 

Thank you. I am taking it to the shop tomorrow. I bought a uv flashlight so I can check for more leaks after dark, but it didn't show anything I could see around the compressor in the shade. If I could ask for input on one more question...

I pulled up the quote the shop gave me back in November, when they checked all the AC lines for me and said there were no leaks at that time but the compressor was nearing the end of its lifespan and major service would be needed within a year. Does this look legit, and are they forgetting anything that isn't included because this is a significantly expensive repair:




Thanks again. I hate to spend so much but AC is necessary where I live and it's not something I can do myself.

 

Labor is what kills ya. That, and I think their parts prices are a bit high... But, it's a shop, so, not really surprising. That is probably reasonable.... Best part is though, you don't have to fight with it, and you get a warranty.

 

Thank you That is true. I forgot about the warranty. That definitely has value to me. I thought the same, labor while expensive was reasonable but the parts seem high.

It is what it is. We will see what they say when I take it in tomorrow.

 

See if you can find a place that will work with your parts. It used to be common practice back in the day but now it's pretty rare. Still, there is a shop close to me that works with customer's parts if they're new in the box. Might save quite a bit if you can find a place to work with you. You typically won't get a warranty with it this way... but what they want $729 for would cost you <$200.

 

Yeah, I wish I could do that. But near me, there are only corporate shops so they won't use my parts - I have asked. And I believe they are quoting the full replacement kit, not just the compressor. But it's still 2x what I would pay at AutoZone/AdvanceAuto/OReillys here.

The quote was from November. I will see what they say today. I hate to go anywhere else because they have been very thorough yet quick with everything else they have done for our cars, and the head mechanic there has a soft spot for old vans.

 

Honestly I've never seen a higher quote for such work so you might test that loyalty.

I don't see how his soft spot is of any benefit to you.

To me the price is so outrageous it isn't worth doing, and it sure looks like nobody is doing you any favors. Hell I'd offer to try and fix it for free if you had the parts, under the close supervision of people on this forum, just on principle and in my own way of trying to help.

If that's not in the cards then I'd happily donate a small sum of your repairs to a shop that would work you into an honest deal. Maybe I'm out of line or beyond the scope of these forums, but I think it's rude not to object to what you're being quoted.

Just my opinion.