Automotive HVAC tool questions

[LeeG]

This is an area I know almost nothing about, and have no tools specific to this type of work. I'm looking to change that. I have a 2010 F150, and my wife's car is a 2023 Rouge, so I know I'll need both R134a and R1234yf eventually. I think I have a leaking valve on the F150, so I was looking at the Mastercool 58490 R134a Valve Core Remover/Installer Kit. For some test gauges, I was looking at Mastercool 86972 R134a 4-Way Aluminum Manifold Gauge Set with Manual Couplers, but I'd prefer getting a gauge set that work for both vehicles.

I plan on keeping this truck for at least another ten years, so I'll be doing maintenance on it for awhile, plus I help out my neighbors with their older vehicles when I can. I don't mind spending for quality tools up front, but also don't just want to waste money, so if anyone has any suggestions or advice on what to get, I'd sure appreciate it.

Also, I am interested in getting a vacuum pump. I could be used for A/C work, but also I want to do some resin casting and maybe veneer pressing with vacuum bags, and I was looking at this pump Orion Motor Tech 2 Stage Vacuum Pump, 9 cfm 3/4 hp HVAC Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump, so I'd appreciate any additional input on that.

Thanks!
Lee

 

[Snapped-off]

I would just get 3 way gauges.

Your vacuum pump link leads to a gauge manifold set, but 9 CFM is massive for automotive. Bigger than I've got for evacuating 800lb industrial circuits.

I'd be concerned with freezing any moisture during evac.

 

[LeeG]

I would just get 3 way gauges.

Your vacuum pump link leads to a gauge manifold set, but 9 CFM is massive for automotive. Bigger than I've got for evacuating 800lb industrial circuits.

I'd be concerned with freezing any moisture during evac.

I fixed the link. My main use for this pump will be non-ac stuff. If it is too much pump for A/C work, I can look at a smaller one for that if I decided to go that way. By 3 way gauges, do you mean something like this? I am totally in the dark with this stuff.

 

[Cheesy1]

Your new link goes to a vacuum pump.

4 way gusges have an extra dedicated port for vacuum, more complexity to have a component go wrong.

3 way are hi/lo/freon (or vac or whatever wise you’d hook to the center port)

I’m just a hack though. Changed out entire system for n my old civic and occasionally will ad Freon or test pressures on other cars call with my Hobo freight guage set and vacuum pump.

 

[Snapped-off]

I fixed the link. My main use for this pump will be non-ac stuff. If it is too much pump for A/C work, I can look at a smaller one for that if I decided to go that way. By 3 way gauges, do you mean something like this? I am totally in the dark with this stuff.

Your link in this post goes to the vac pump.

The 3 way manifold won't have the 4th port labeled vac. Waste of money imo, especially for auto.

 

[chinboys]

Buy what you need to diagnose and to repair the AC problems on vehicles.
Here is what I think you need:
1. An electronic refrigerant guage set (has all of the pressure temp charts for all of the known refrigerants with hose adapters for the vehicles you plan on working on.
2. A digital multimeter to measure electric resistance, and voltages of the system.
3. A reliable method to find refrigerant leaks (soapy solution to electronic refrigerant detectors)
4. A 609 EPA certificate so you can order refrigerants as well as to understand the refrigerant cycle.
5. Other tools to be used to disassemble the various components as needed.

 

[Wrench97]

Using the same gauge set on both refrigerants can be problematic because of cross contamination.
Automotive quick connects are check valves so you would have to recover/dump/bleed the refrigerant out of the gauge set before using on the other type, plus the quick connects are not the same R134a and 1234YF use different fittings as do the bottles.