HF AC Gauges

[shoggoth80]

So, I know... discussing the HF stuff always opens a can of worms.
However, I do find myself in relative need of gauges. I need to check the AC on my car (something I have done rarely as a pro, and we had the machines for that...). Basically, I have no AC diagnostic tools in my home kit. I first want to verify pressure. The dealer told me that I needed a new compressor. I know that dealerships have pretty strong markup on parts, and exist for profit. I am also skeptical of any diagnosis that I have not come to myself (because I wrench for a living).

The AC is a tricky thing to me, because I have rarely had cause to work on them. My cars have always been pure utility to me, post teenage years. First and foremost, if the pressure levels are NOT correct, the compressor just will not turn on.

I don't think there is a cheaper set of gauges out there. Has anyone used them? Anything regarding the quality/accuracy? I'd really like to get started on the process of fixing the issue (and even spending the money for the basic, basic stuff, I could still BUY a reman compressor, and still be ahead vs. paying the dealer). Hardest part would be finding someone to recycle the old refrigerant.

Thoughts? If it comes down to replacement, I know a guy with a machine that I can bug, but I would still rather do my own work as a general rule. The gauges get 4 stars on the website. This is for a quick-ish DIY vs. pro shop use. It's not going to see heavy duty cycles.

I did try the search, and came up nil. I appreciate the user generated input that this site provides regarding such things, and the members here run the spectrum of casual to pro.

 

[sseddon641]

Recycle refrigerant? I thought the compressor locked up because the refrigerant all leaked out and the low pressure switch failed to open?

 

[FigureItOut]

Compressor will run on low pressure, down to a certain point. That being said, I suspect that very few A.C. pros have owned the HF gauges so I'll throw in my two cents.
I used them for simple fills for a while, and while I have nothing to compare them to, I was overall happy. They didn't seal great sometimes even with thread tape. Also the valves seemed finicky to me, like turning the valve and watching the flow in the sight glass didn't match up well. The rubber protector on gauges was loose and flimsy. I have no way of knowing the accuracy, but I can say that each time I used them the A.C.performed much better.

If you're wanting to just get a quick and dirty low side pressure check for very cheap, you could just buy a can of the fill stuff at Wal-Mart that has a little gauge on it. The more expensive cans have a reusable gauge that you keep then you're supposed to just buy the plain cans.

 

[Kenskip1]

I am a member of this site called Chrisfix. Anyway he uses this set. I hope this helps, Ken

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SZ4QFW0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shoggoth80]

Recycling refrigerant... the machines at work have canisters attached that collect refrigerant. I've only ever had to evac systems for cannibalization (fleet mechanic), not for repair... I was told that the container could be recycled when full. Could be the boss was also full of ****. I'm definitely NOT an AC expert, and even in my usual duties, don't deal with it (most postal vehicles don't have AC).

Thank you for the kit link. That's a pretty good deal.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The HF gauges work fine in my experience.
No advantage to my mastercool set.