The AC stopped blow cold air, took it to a shop they said it was a Condenser leak but, they recommended replacing the whole system. if not i could do "OK' with just the condenser replacement. Was not convinced with their response since the system had dye in it I and I had already checked for l...

To avoid problems with the GM high-side service port now and in the future, I would get rid of the troublesome "rubber ball" valve and replace it with a traditional Schrader valve fitting, available in the market, that will accept a standard gauge-set coupler. Yes, it's more work and expen...

Yes, the part in the photo appears to be a stock Ford POA valve (or Suction Throttling Valve, as we used to call them) from that vintage and not a POA eliminator. I wonder, though, whether it has been recalibrated from the original R-12 spec to that for R-134a. The pressures are different. Although ...

I've done it a few times using inexpensive gluing clamps from the local home center. Large Vise Grips will also work, but I'd pad the jaws with something so they don't damage the heater hoses.

The first thing that jumped out at me is the high-side readings, which seem very low. In that regard, what were the engine RPM and ambient temperature when testing the system? Was this converted to R-134a or is it still R-12? Does it have a full refrigerant charge? Second thing is the LP switch limi...

I agree about changing both Schrader valves. They're relatively cheap (compared to the same part from Jaguar), and you might as well do it while the system is empty of refrigerant. Don't forget that the caps do the actual sealing, so it's important to find the proper replacement parts for those as w...

I'd think body shops get in plenty of cars so equipped by now. I think some Cadillacs and Chryslers started using it in 2013. Points well taken. It seems we'll have to wait a little longer, though, for market forces to take hold, for additional companies to start producing it, and subsequently for ...

I would guess, arguably, that it's mainly a supply-and-demand issue. So far, I don't believe many vehicles in the USA use it. And those that do are relatively new and don't need A/C service yet. So not much R-1234yf is being sold to car-dealer service departments and independent MVAC professionals. ...

I'm learning that as a DIY, this AC fix is becoming more complicated then what I had anticipated. Yes, indeed...as you're discovering, it's not only complicated but also very tricky and time consuming to diagnose and repair, especially if you don't have sufficient knowledge about vehicle air condit...

Unfortunately, sealer introduced into an A/C system does more harm than good...essentially clogging up just about everything. Since at this point you've committed to replacing all but the evaporator, I would take the extra step and replace the evap as well. You could try flushing it, but the only wa...