A/C Manifold Gauges

[danielS6855]

Can I get some recommendations on a good set of gauges for automotive use on 134a? Everything on Amazon and other sites I’ve found is the same ole cheap junk. Yellow Jacket is nice but more geared toward building HVAC systems and I want something automotive specific.

I don’t want to spend more than necessary but I’m a buy one cry once person too so all recommendations are welcome.

Thank you!

 

[Motown]

Robbinair is another brand that has automotive gauges.

 

[boom_bap]

I bought the Orion set on Amazon and the Boltigen Self Sealing R134A Can Tap Valve. Rented a vac pump from Oriellys. It got the job done just fine. I'd recommend swapping the low side shrader if the system is discharged just for piece of mind. Those things are always the cause of leaks.

You can always rent manifold gauges from the parts store for free. There is no need to buy if you don't find anything you don't like.

 

[ScottFW]

For infrequent shade tree mechanic use the Pittsburgh branded set from HF works fine. I was actually pleasantly surprised at the quality considering it's HF. The valves don't feel sloppy, nothing leaks, etc. After charging with the specific amount of R134a called for in the shop manual, the high & low gauge readings fall within the specified ranges, and ambient & vent output temps agreed with the charts too, which is all to say that the gauges seem "accurate enough."

Ditto the Pittsburgh vacuum pump, works fine.

In addition to the can tap, you will also want a scale for weighing the specific amount of refrigerant you're putting in. Most likely you'll need one full 12 oz can and part of a second can if the system is empty.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have the Robinaire aluminum manifold set and it’s decent.

 

[Dagny]

Imperial 4 valve.

 

[Indexmill]

Yellow Jacket.

 

[demarpaint]

Yellow Jacket.

 

[crewchief888]

For infrequent shade tree mechanic use the Pittsburgh branded set from HF works fine. I was actually pleasantly surprised at the quality considering it's HF. The valves don't feel sloppy, nothing leaks, etc. After charging with the specific amount of R134a called for in the shop manual, the high & low gauge readings fall within the specified ranges, and ambient & vent output temps agreed with the charts too, which is all to say that the gauges seem "accurate enough."

Ditto the Pittsburgh vacuum pump, works fine.

In addition to the can tap, you will also want a scale for weighing the specific amount of refrigerant you're putting in. Most likely you'll need one full 12 oz can and part of a second can if the system is empty.

i have the HF stuff in my service truck. i did swap out the couplers

 

[Schurkey]

Rent from the parts-store loaner-tool program, if this is a one-and-done deal.

Consider Mastercool otherwise. They've got some wonderful tools of various kinds.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2HTIIS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

"100% U. S. designed, assembled, and tested"

I'm fairly certain that the Mac Tools-branded manifold gauge set I bought long ago is a rebranded Mastercool set.

 

[jsmeece]

I have Mastercool this set:

Mastercool MSC89661PRO Aluminum 2-Way Manifold Set with 3-in-1 Side Mount Tap Valve

Mastercool MSC89661PRO Aluminum 2-Way Manifold Set with 3-in-1 Side Mount Tap Valve at Great Prices | National Tool Warehouse

www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com

Used it several times over the past four years, no problems. Just make sure you get the correct can adaptor (if you will be using cans), all R134a cans now have that self-sealing valve (Thank you California (sarcasm intended)).

 

[stonesfan68]

You can always rent manifold gauges from the parts store for free. There is no need to buy if you don't find anything you don't like.

Rent from the parts-store loaner-tool program, if this is a one-and-done deal.

I just went through this myself. The loaner tools can sometimes be a **** shoot. You can see if a suspension tool is broken, but a failed seal on a set of gauges- not so much. The first set of gauges I borrowed from O'Reilly's had a leak. The system wouldn't hold a vacuum. The vacuum pump that I also borrowed was missing the grounding plug and the caps for the inlet connections were defective. I made the vacuum pump work with some duct tape. I then went to Autozone and rented their gauges and vacuum pump and the gauges worked, but the vacuum pump didn't work as well. So, just be prepared to go to multiple places if you go this route.

 

[jubilee]

I use HF for diagnosis, top offs, vacuum evacuation, and loan out.
I don’t trust them for vacuum leak testing.

 

[gmcgeo]

yellow jacket

Amazon.com: Yellow Jacket 42006 Series 41 Manifold with 3-1/8" Gauge, psi, R-22/134A/404A : Automotive

Buy Yellow Jacket 42006 Series 41 Manifold with 3-1/8" Gauge, psi, R-22/134A/404A: Air Conditioning Line Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[uscarry45]

Can I get some recommendations on a good set of gauges for automotive use on 134a? Everything on Amazon and other sites I’ve found is the same ole cheap junk. Yellow Jacket is nice but more geared toward building HVAC systems and I want something automotive specific.

I don’t want to spend more than necessary but I’m a buy one cry once person too so all recommendations are welcome.

Thank you!

What did you end up getting? I am in the same situation and need to buy some high quality manifold gauge setup. Do I need the manifold with sight glass? My neighbors have recommended the mastercool And snap on ones. What say you?