This question gets asked a lot. Often most a/c systems are either overcharged or undercharged. Both will cause issues to your a/c system and prevent it from operating correctly. All Restomod Air A/C systems use exactly 24oz. of R134a. When can charging most common can sizes are 12oz. each, be certain to check the can sizes before charging.
LICENSED A/C TECHNICIAN
A licensed a/c technician should be utilized for these procedures to ensure that your new system will perform at its peak and that your compressor will not be damaged.
Your radiator/cooling system is an integral part of your new system. Please ensure that you have a 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze. The heater coil must be purged (cycle heater control valve) to make sure no water (without antifreeze) is in the heater coil before you charge the a/c system.
Evacuate the system for a minimum of 45 minutes. Your new compressor must be hand turned 15-20 revolutions before and after charging with liquid. Failure to do this may cause the reed valves to become damaged. This damage is not covered by warranty.
Your new system requires 24 oz. of R134a refrigerant. Your new compressor comes charged with oil – no additional oil is needed. Ensure that the new belt is tight. Do not charge the system with liquid refrigerant.
CHARGING STATION PROCEDURES
Are you wanting to charge your a/c system with a charging station? Here are some things to keep in mind before you start.
Do not charge this system with the car running! Unlike the common procedures used for late-model vehicles (that have variable-speed compressors), this system cannot be charged with the car running. This is important – failure to follow this warning will most likely result in damaging the compressor.
Do not add oil! All new compressors from Restomod Air contain a full system charge of oil. Do not use more than 24 oz. of 134A refrigerant! 1.5 lbs. or 24 oz of R134A is what is required. Hand turn the compressor 15-20 times after charging! Failure to do this may cause the reed valves to become damaged.
HAND CHARGING PROCEDURES
Probably the most common way to charge your a/c system most builders can do this in their own garage. With that being said there is a process to doing it correctly without causing damage.
Do not add oil! All new compressors from Restomod Air contain a full system charge of oil. Do not use more than 24 oz. of 134A refrigerant! 1.5 lbs. or 24 oz of R134A is what is required.
Hand turn the compressor 15-20 times after charging! Failure to do this may cause the reed valves to become damaged. Do not shake, tilt or turn can upside down while charging! Failure to do this may cause the reed valves to become damaged and this damage. Refrigerant must come out the top of the can.
TEST THE CONDITIONS
Now that you are done charging testing the a/c system is important. These test conditions will simulate the effect of driving the vehicle and give the technician the three critical readings that they will need to diagnose any potential problems. After the system has been fully charged and tested for basic operation.
Determine the temperature outside of the car. Close all doors and windows on the vehicle. Place shop fan directly in front of the condenser. Connect gauges or service equipment to high/low charging ports. Place blower fan switch on medium. Run engine idle up to approximately 1500 rpm.
Acceptable pressure range readings are based on an ambient temperature of 90 degrees with an adequate air flow on the condenser. If you have charged the a/c system correctly your pressure readings should be as followed.
High side pressures: 150-275 PSI. Low side pressures: 10-25 PSI (in steady state)
