About to purchase 2004 50th anniversary

[Timco]

I do residential split systems. Same issues. The compressor comes with its oil. Then if it's low or flat, I have to pull a vacuum in the system and it has to hold vac for like 30 min and not raise back up. Then a scale is used to weigh the charge being added. Vapor only to big pipe or suction (or compressor will be ruined) and liquid on the small pipe (liquid line). It can only be "topped off" when it's hot outside and the AC is running and working. Then check output air temp at vents and suction temp plus the suction side pressure based on a T&P chart. When output air is about 40* you're there.

When you top off it has typically enough oil to replace a leak in the can but if you lost a lot of oil it must be checked and replaced.

[78F350]

I am not a tech and I'm more of a duct tape and vice-grip guy than torque wrench and loc-tite. I have bought a lot of crappy old Hondas over the years that the AC had failed in. I got most of them working well again.
I would not recommend following my advice.
-See if the compressor is compressin' (jump the ground for the clutch if you have to.)
-Replace the schrader valves, and every one of the green o-rings that you can easily get to.
-Vacuum the system to get all the moisture, old/contaminated gasses out.
-Recharge with the correct amount of r134/ butane/favorite flavor of r12....

*Wear gloves & safety goggles, make sure nobody is filming, and don't breathe.
* Buy one of these:


Note to EPA: All work that I have done is under the supervision and training of a qualified HVAC A&P mechanic using approved devices.