Adding Freon

[KimoJames]

Howdy!

Thanks in advance for your help!

I have a 2007 National Pacifica QS40C pusher.

Seems like my freon is low. Anyone ever do this yourself? Where's the best place to go to have it done? Where is the freon port?

Thanks,

James

[aether_one]

If you have to ask where the "freon port" is you need to take it to an auto air shop.

[wa8yxm]

If you can find your Air Conditioner plumbing one pipe is big and one is small (to/from the compressor) Follow the large pipe to the port.

And it is not Freon any more, Freon is R-12 we now use 134A in most units and there is a new one as well for newest units

Refrigerant.. that is what R means. Refreigerant.

[WinnieView]

Originally Posted by KimoJames

Howdy!

Thanks in advance for your help!

I have a 2007 National Pacifica QS40C pusher.

Seems like my freon is low. Anyone ever do this yourself? Where's the best place to go to have it done? Where is the freon port?

Thanks,

James

In many cases the ports are located behind the front cap by the passenger foot well and have colored plastic caps.

[KimoJames]

I appreciate your help. Nice to know there are decent folks here.

[hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

And it is not Freon any more, Freon is R-12 we now use 134A in most units and there is a new one as well for newest units.

Actually, "Freon" is a specific brand name owned by the Chemours Company and comes in many different numerical designations based on specific chemical make up including R-12, R-134a and many others.

There are also other brands of refrigerant designated R-12 and R-134a that are not marketed under the "Freon" name brand.

Just a bit of trivia for the day.

[Sbrownstein]

Adding refrigerant to an auto system is not all that problematic. Most auto parts stores sell 1 pound canisters of R-134a for a reasonable price...if your unit uses 134A. You need to confirm it and you will find the directions on the can. Hook it up, shake the can and run the AC. If your unit uses 134A (more than likely but the cap will tell you) it might take more than just one can on a pusher. As long as you are using the right refrigerant...you really won't harm anything by trying. Often there is a sight glass in the liquid line (small line.) The idea is not to see any bubbles of gas refrigerant on that side. If you add a can and it does nothing, you should take it to a refrigeration shop that does auto units. Generally the problem is a leak in the compressor shaft seal from not being used. Modern autos run the AC when they run the defrost so that the compressor gets exercised in cold seasons.

On an auto system, green caps should denote 134A. On a residential system, however, green means R-22, which is being phased out in favor of 410A (pink). The gasses are never interchangeable.

[KimoJames]

Thanks for all of the kind responses. Manual says R134a so I purchased a can of arctic freeze with the reusable gage built in. I'll crawl under there tomorrow and hope the low pressure port is easily spotted and reached. Seems much simpler than many of the things I've done on this rig.

[Sbrownstein]

You are going to want to look at this...unless you just wait for it to start cooling. Your gauge reads the Low-pressure side...fat line.

[KimoJames]

Originally Posted by Sbrownstein

You are going to want to look at this...unless you just wait for it to start cooling. Your gauge reads the Low-pressure side...fat line.

Thanks Scott! The Arctic Freeze actually has a little dial that you adjust to the ambient temp and then fill till it hits that line. They seem to have thought of everything.

James

[hohenwald48]

I took mine to an a/c repair shop because the dash air wasn't working after I bought it (used). It had about 3 pounds too much Freon in it. I guess the previous owned bought a few of those cans and did a DIY fix.

[KimoJames]

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

I took mine to an a/c repair shop because the dash air wasn't working after I bought it (used). It had about 3 pounds too much Freon in it. I guess the previous owned bought a few of those cans and did a DIY fix.

That's pretty funny! lol

The DIY stuff I bought is pretty idiot proof (thank goodness) as there is a gage built in. If it has too much pressure it says to take it to the pros. Too much REFRIGERANT would make too much pressure. I just like doing these things myself. The feeling of a successful repair makes it all worthwhile. Impressing the wife - priceless.

Thanks!

James

[JLWoodward]

So for what it’s worth here’s my two cents worth.
Not sure how long you’ve had coach as far as knowing its history of service etc
in short grab a can of the r134a with the hose and gauge and service it.
If that don’t fix it stop right their don’t add any more Freon or any leak stop.
Reason I say this is if it’s that low where one can won’t fix it you have a leak and theirs no way of knowing what qty oil is left in system.
Adding more Freon at that point risks burning compressor due to oil starvation and plus you still have a leak. If a can fixes it. Great. If Low again next time out. Needs leak found. Fixed, system flushed and correct oil added then reserviced with Freon

[KimoJames]

Despite the one post from the guy who seemed to be having a bad day, this was by far the easiest DIY job on my rig so far. The "freon port" was located under the passenger side dashboard. I easily accessed it sitting upright under the "hood". Manual called for R134a. Arctic freeze comes with a gage, contains leak stop and agents to help with water and oil. It's expensive but I felt it was money well spent. SHe took the whole large can and that got it just in the "filled" zone but not up to the optimal level given the ambient temperature at the time I did it. However, the air was ice cold and it was terrific not to have to run my generator and house A/C.

So, if you are thinking about doing your own "freon recharge", don't let unsupportive cranks dissuade you from something my 11 YO could have done. Easily. Just do it! Buy the right refrigerant and follow the instructions. You will have ice cold air in a jiffy,

Cheers,

James