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AC refrigerant recovery


greg1647545532

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I need to replace the entire AC system in a car with a seized engine. I just had the system recharged this summer so I know it's all full. I've read this isn't a diy thing, true? Is this the sort of thing a tech could do in my garage with the right equipment, or is the equipment prohibitively large? Hoping I don't need a tow just for this and I also want to do right by the environment...
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The equipment is small enough that it could be recovered in your garage. Are you hoping to reuse what you pull out or are you planning on shooting a new charge in? While it's not good for the environment, it is not illegal for a home mechanic to bleed it off to atmosphere.
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If canned air horns and keyboard duster is also 134a, I have a hard time even feeling too morally bad about releasing the stuff. (I never have had to knowingly release it though...did have one condenser puncture on accident once)

 

That's interesting, I didn't realize. I just did a bit of research, the EPA encourages people not to use r134a air dusters but that's about it.

 

I'll call a few shops, see if it's worth the hassle. Thanks for the responses.

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Most shops have a machine that’s not easily transported. There are small set ups out there but not common at all these days.

 

If you decide to release it just be mindful, the shit isn’t just refrigerant, there’s oil in it and it makes a mess, it’ll also make you sick if you breath it. This may sound like common sense but there’s a lot in there and it can come out fast. As someone who’s accidentally busted a line off while working on a car, everyone has to stop working and air out the shop, and I felt like complete shit and got sick a few times. It’s not to be taken lightly.

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