A/C Dye Injection Gun

[charbar]

What's a good one? My SpotGun finally bit the dust today (technically I lost it somewhere in the trees behind the shop when it magically went flying from my hands, pissed me off for the last time)
Its been a POS since day one so I dont want another one of those. Looking for something that actually works. What's everyone using?

 

[Wrench97]

I have been using the caulking gun style cartridges of dye for the last couple of years .

Like this > Works in a caulk gun and this hose

 

[charbar]

That's basically what the SpotGun was. I think something was fubar'd with the hose from the start. Almost impossible to get anything to come out of it.....to the point the handle on the gun was bent to ****. I still have the cartridges that, I think, will fit in a standard caulk gun. Maybe I just need a beer to calm down and a new hose. And a hose longer than the .345 inch long one that came with the spotgun.

You use any hose in particular Wrench, or just go with the first one you found?

 

[Wrench97]

It is one that came with the first kit. it was the only set up the trucks parts store had at the time.

 

[demarpaint]

I use this one.

Wisepick R1234yf Compressor Oil Dye Injector with Snap Quick Coupler R-134a System 1/4" SAE Scale Refillable Line 2 OZ Hand Turn Screw​

 

[Super Mech]

I have the caulking gun style one from Tracerline for years. No problems at all and I go through about 3 dye cartridges a season.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Shop has a ****** caulking gun, but it does function. You are injecting dye after the vacuum, right? Trying to push it into a running system at even 30psi on the low side is just brutal.

 

[charbar]

Thanks guys.

2ndGear....the coupler could be attached to a black hole and it still wouldn't work worth a chit. But yes, there are times when I need to try to throw some in a running system. And yes, it *****

I took my hose apart for the hell of it last night and it definitely has some issues. Apparently there are two valves in there that are basically not opening. I also look like that green chick from Guardians of the Galaxy now.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I find when the hose coupler itself jams up, it's often due to o-ring issues, or the coupler is dirty/worn out. Pumping into filled systems, while sometimes required, can push the sealing rings out of place.

 

[Super Mech]

Shop has a ****** caulking gun, but it does function. You are injecting dye after the vacuum, right? Trying to push it into a running system at even 30psi on the low side is just brutal.

I always put dye into a running system and have never found it to be difficult. Maybe a better gun would help?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I always put dye into a running system and have never found it to be difficult. Maybe a better gun would help?

Probably, the shop supplies a <$5 generic caulking gun that doesn't even hold the tube properly. You have to keep the tube straight with one hand, and pull the trigger with the other. It's the ultra cheapo model, so before doing this I need to prime it by doing all this while pushing the plunger arm into my chest to push it down.

At the end of the day, I find it's simplest to just do it under vacuum. I don't do any AC related work whatsoever without a full evac/recharge by weight first so it's not an issue for me.

 

[Noltz]

We've done Spotgun, replacing them every 2 years or so. Never even considered there might be better ones actually.

Under a vacuum I have to be careful it doesn't **** the oil right out of the cartridge.

 

[Wrench97]

Thanks guys.

2ndGear....the coupler could be attached to a black hole and it still wouldn't work worth a chit. But yes, there are times when I need to try to throw some in a running system. And yes, it *****

I took my hose apart for the hell of it last night and it definitely has some issues. Apparently there are two valves in there that are basically not opening. I also look like that green chick from Guardians of the Galaxy now.

Been there, dropped one once and it cracked the cylinder, I had green fingers, forearms, knees..............................

 

[charbar]

Well I made it through the day without HAVING to use an injection gun. Although I wish I would have had it for two service calls on tractors. The guys that "just want it topped off" so they can keep going. Usually always throw a little dye in those so when I have to go back again "real quick" I can find a leak easily and actually get them talked into fixing it the right way.

Actually have to take tomorrow off and head to the city so I'll try to find a gun locally. Going to keep an eye out for the Tracerline if you like yours Super Mech.

 

[Super Mech]

Well I made it through the day without HAVING to use an injection gun. Although I wish I would have had it for two service calls on tractors. The guys that "just want it topped off" so they can keep going. Usually always throw a little dye in those so when I have to go back again "real quick" I can find a leak easily and actually get them talked into fixing it the right way.

Actually have to take tomorrow off and head to the city so I'll try to find a gun locally. Going to keep an eye out for the Tracerline if you like yours Super Mech.

I like my Tracerline. As I mentioned I’ve had it for years and it works flawlessly. I don’t know if they still make the same some but I don’t see why not. Good luck.

 

[Wrench97]

I like my Tracerline. As I mentioned I’ve had it for years and it works flawlessly. I don’t know if they still make the same some but I don’t see why not. Good luck.

Does that take the small bottles of dye or the larger one?

 

[xlowxyotax88x]

X2 on the travertine. Had one at 2 different shops the last shop the gun was going on 8 years old and never a problem