Reasonable price for AC recharge?

[elwesso]

In the next couple weeks I want to have my AC recharged.... for preventative maintenance, my AC works pretty good, however I dont think the charge is right..

You can tell the evaporator ices over even when its hot out... It will get really cold, and then slowly less and less airflow occurs... you turn the AC off (put it on ECON) and as the ice melts it then feels good again. Turn the AC back on and its all good for a while. Also if you've been on the interstate for a while and you open the hood, you can see ice all over the low pressure service port.. AC compressor works fine it seems, AC gets cold pretty quick... it makes a little more noise than my old one did...

Fred had the AC compressor shortly after he got the car I think, but he had it done at pepboys because it was the only place open on sundays... Its been at least 2.5 years since the AC's been looked at so i figure im overdue anyway...

Next time I go home I'm gonna try an envirolution engine flush on the motor... When i saw Zinkie's 97 Q with more miles than mine, and how clean the engine was, i had to try it. his oil had probably 2k on it and it still looked brand new, mine definitely changes color after 2k... I'm due for an oil change so we might as well try it.. DIdnt notice much difference on my old Q probably because it was so dirty, but mine isnt that dirty..

My plan was to do the AC and oil flush at the same time at the local nissan dealer.

So I ask, for a simple evacuate, vacuum, and recharge, whats reasonable??

[qship96]

I see ads for 59-79$ plus any needed 134a.dealer should charge around 1 hour labor

[Q45tech]

2.5 years?I process/test my system, vacuum, weigh, recharge, reoil every year. Just did it last week to get a jump on hot weather.

You learn a lot concerning the amount that leaks out each year..........due to flex hoses and orings.

Depending on each pressure and age R134a should leak 15-55 grams per year or say 2% when system is BRAND NEW and 6-10% per year used.

10% loss will definitely be noticeable for the sensitive

http://www.sae.org/altrefriger...t.pdf

Typical repair shop price for R12 is now over $60/lb and $15/lb for R134a.

My old R12 system [16 year old evaporator] uses 2.4 pounds or $140 worth at retail and leaks ~~ $20 worth per year depending on miles with AC on [only leaks with high pressure]. R12 system leak at 2-3 times the rate of R134a.

[3Q Jay]

Jay's garage for the price of lunch and consumables.....

a/c vac, oil injector, pag 46, manifold set, scale.......i'm only set up for 134, but on a 94----no prob.

[elwesso]

Thanks... So i think between my engine flush ($80) and the AC i should be able to get it done for under $200