When recovering refrigerant using a vacuum pump

[OHMS LAW]

Using a small vacuum pump, what would I need to recover, besides gauges

 

[pattenp]

The right kind of recovery machine.

Using a small vacuum pump, what would I need to recover, besides gauges

*

 

[monkeyspanners]

Using a small vacuum pump, what would I need to recover, besides gauges

Something to get the bits of shrapnel out of your face

Vac pumps not designed for pressure, the exhaust need to be open to atmosphere.

You'll need a recovery machine, but if you are not familiar with working with refrigerant as it appears you are not, you would be better to hire a professional, especially with the price of refrigerants these days.

 

[55bigblockcid]

Using a small vacuum pump, what would I need to recover, besides gauges

You need someone who knows what to use for the job and is qualified to perform the job.

 

[crazy wheel]

besides the knowledge.....(probably best found in at your local HVAC shop)

at the minimum you would also need the following...

this: http://compare.ebay.com/like/130858213732?_lwgsi=y&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/30-lb-400-P...385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7b156c21

and this: http://www.drillspot.com/products/1379811/Approved_Vendor_5PWF9_Charging_Scale?shoppingcode=bing

 

[acmikee]

you need a reclaim machine and you need to be certified.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Well I am trained in ac they wouldn't sell vac pumps for the process if it wasn't safe..

 

[crazy wheel]

Well I am trained in ac they wouldn't sell vac pumps for the process if it wasn't safe..

then go for it

be sure to video tape it

OF COURSE I'M KIDDING

 

[pattenp]

If you're trained in A/C then why are you asking this question?

Well I am trained in ac they wouldn't sell vac pumps for the process if it wasn't safe..

 

[crazy wheel]

 

[crazy wheel]

a vacuum pump is only used to evacuate a system....
it is not used for recovery of refrigerant....

a recovery machine is used to recover refrigerant....

 

[OHMS LAW]

I'm asking because I'm new to the trade, I'm trying to do my brother a favor, it's why I asked before I did it. That's what this place is right?

 

[OHMS LAW]

Also I guess I should have mentioned its a 2001 civic with 134. No worries tho I ran in to my instructor from my school and I'm just going to do it at school with all the proper equipment

 

[crazy wheel]

I'm asking because I'm new to the trade, I'm trying to do my brother a favor, it's why I asked before I did it. That's what this place is right?

I'm sure it is fine to ask.
And you were given proper answers.

You were fixing to get hurt, that is not what this place is for.
I am sure that nobody would want to see that happen

 

[OHMS LAW]

Thank you kind sir

 

[pattenp]

I wouldn't have asked why you are asking if you'd said you were just learning A/C. You inferred you were trained, not being trained. That's why it seemed odd to me.

I'm asking because I'm new to the trade, I'm trying to do my brother a favor, it's why I asked before I did it. That's what this place is right?

 

[danielzig]

Is it even necessary to recover 134a from a vehicle? Seems that it would be a moot point seeing as how much you would actually recover.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[kamesama980]

Is it even necessary to recover 134a from a vehicle? Seems that it would be a moot point seeing as how much you would actually recover.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

Yes, it's required by law that R134 is NOT vented to the atmosphere. The only way to remove it without venting it is to recover it. The fine starts out a couple grand if the EPA finds out you release it to the atmo and goes up depending on how much. more if it's done at a shop (or school) and if you're licensed/certified you can lose that.

BTW R134 is being phased out as R12 was 20 years ago. Soon enough it won't be manufactured anymore and only old stock and recovered refrigerant will be available like R12.

 

[pattenp]

The EU is now phasing out R134a. US auto makers have until 2017 model year then need to use the new HFO-1234. There will still be a need for R134a because it's unclear if the HFO-1234 can be used as a replacement in a R134a system. My understanding is there will most likely be no ban on R132a but possibly a high tax/fee tacked on to the price to discourage people from buying it to fill leaky systems instead of having leaks repaired.

Yes, it's required by law that R134 is NOT vented to the atmosphere. The only way to remove it without venting it is to recover it. The fine starts out a couple grand if the EPA finds out you release it to the atmo and goes up depending on how much. more if it's done at a shop (or school) and if you're licensed/certified you can lose that.

BTW R134 is being phased out as R12 was 20 years ago. Soon enough it won't be manufactured anymore and only old stock and recovered refrigerant will be available like R12.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Trained in a/c and doesn't know what the difference between a recovery machine and a vacuum pump are...

yeah, that's some crazy **** right there....

Bet he throws in one of those "hail mary in can" leak sealants into the ac system from wallymart before it's all over with...

 

[pattenp]

Gee... give the OP a break. He said later he was in training and was going to work on it in school.

Trained in a/c and doesn't know what the difference between a recovery machine and a vacuum pump are...

yeah, that's some crazy **** right there....

Bet he throws in one of those "hail mary in can" leak sealants into the ac system from wallymart before it's all over with...

 

[ironmutt]

Yes, it's required by law that R134 is NOT vented to the atmosphere. The only way to remove it without venting it is to recover it. The fine starts out a couple grand if the EPA finds out you release it to the atmo and goes up depending on how much. more if it's done at a shop (or school) and if you're licensed/certified you can lose that.

BTW R134 is being phased out as R12 was 20 years ago. Soon enough it won't be manufactured anymore and only old stock and recovered refrigerant will be available like R12.

no 134a is here for a while guy at robenair just told us that the 1234 stuff is being cancelled because of the high pressures and low performance said it will be phased out by 2015 on all makes . we just bought a new recovery machine and were looking at getting the hybrid model so we could do the 1234 and he said dont even waste the money . epa allows for small amount of 134 vent to atmosphere if he is doing it at home he can crack the system , pull a vac after then refill with small cans but it willnot be as acurate as a machine or using a scale

 

[danielzig]

Yes, it's required by law that R134 is NOT vented to the atmosphere. The only way to remove it without venting it is to recover it. The fine starts out a couple grand if the EPA finds out you release it to the atmo and goes up depending on how much. more if it's done at a shop (or school) and if you're licensed/certified you can lose that.

BTW R134 is being phased out as R12 was 20 years ago. Soon enough it won't be manufactured anymore and only old stock and recovered refrigerant will be available like R12.

I ask since I seem to remember one of those little pressure bottles for dusting your keyboard was actually a small can of 134a.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Thanks for the responses. I was able to use a Robinair recovery machine at my school and no mr Tar Heel I'm not some dumb kid, that's why I asked, instead of posting an "oh **** look what I did help" thread. But either way I'm installed and blowing cold with out the use of your autozone sealant.

 

[crazy wheel]

Thanks for the responses. I was able to use a Robinair recovery machine at my school and no mr Tar Heel I'm not some dumb kid, that's why I asked, instead of posting an "oh **** look what I did help" thread. But either way I'm installed and blowing cold with out the use of your autozone sealant.

awesome, glad you got it going

 

[kamesama980]

The EU is now phasing out R134a. US auto makers have until 2017 model year then need to use the new HFO-1234. There will still be a need for R134a because it's unclear if the HFO-1234 can be used as a replacement in a R134a system. My understanding is there will most likely be no ban on R132a but possibly a high tax/fee tacked on to the price to discourage people from buying it to fill leaky systems instead of having leaks repaired.

That's 4 years from now. Cars are starting to ship with it: Some Chryslers and a Cadillac IIRC unless plans changed due to the shortage from the plant in China that was the only mfr of it. like R12 started being phased out in '91 or '92 but was still manufactured and could still be installed till '96. There isn't a ban on using R12 but it cannot be used on new installations/vehicles and can't (legally) be manufactured. Since the automakers get CAFE credits for vehicles using it, there's some motivation. "oh you're 1 mpg short of your target....well that's ok since you used 1234 refrigerant"

I know it runs within 5-10 psi range of R134, (one of the goals outlined when they set up the project to find a replacement for R134) I haven't heard if it's chemically compatible with the seals and whatnot. I'm sure someone will come up with a conversion kit either way. Anything to make a buck.

 

[pipsters]

VW gave the finger to Dupont and is trying to set up a system using CO2.

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2013/03/12/automakers-develop-co2-based-air-conditioning/

Ironically there are some studies that show R1234yf to be flammable. Propane as a refrigerant is cheap and efficient, yet is banned in residential units because it's flammable. Yet we have furnaces installed in homes as well that burn gas, propane, oil, etc.

I understand the EPA wanting to protect our environment, I agree it's important, but they seem to be lacking a lot of common sense.

 

[kamesama980]

Yup, flammability is the primary concern with 1234. I didn't know anyone was arguing that it wasn't at least slightly flammable. It doesn't contain propane but is in the same family (had to double check myself). Theres something else in cars that's more flammable and in larger quantities tho...oh that's right, the FUEL. Yea CO2 is the main competitor, mainly from the Europeans. The downside is that you have to run a few thousand PSI to make it a superfluid before it works. That means every component has to handle those pressures, compresser, condenser, evaporator, lines, o-rings, compresser, recovery equipment, etc. ANY leak is a major leak and no more throwing in a $10 can of refrigerant from Autozone. The upside: it's just CO2. not harmless but not as bad as many alternatives. Both have drawbacks. Won't it be fun if we end up with 2 new refrigerants in service...now the AC shops have to have 3 recovery machines, 3 sets of gauges and tools, 3 systems (well 134 and 1234 are pretty similar) to understand, 3 supply tanks (or a CO2 generator...like N2 generators for tires but much higher pressure)