wrote in message ...

On Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:05:56 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:




Trust me, I am *NO* mechanic. I usually get frustrated and end up
breaking something.


You still don't know where the gas went. You will be back.

-----------------------------------------

That's true. Might have a major leak and the charge will be gone
again soon. But maybe not. It was not completely discharged. It was
just low .... about 20 psi on the low side. Should be about 36 to 40
psi. From Googling about this, apparently if an AC compressor isn't
run for a long time the seals will harden and leak. The car I bought
had been sitting for almost a year without being started or used.

The recharge "kit" refrigerant contains a lubricant and a "seal
conditioner" that is advertised to stop the leaks caused from non-use,
assuming the seal is not destroyed. They also sell replacement seals
and a UV dye and light kit that you can hunt the leak down with. I
talked to a couple of people, including my son who have recharged
their systems using the DIY kit. Been a couple of years now and their
systems are still working fine. I'll just cross my fingers. If the
compressor itself is bad (which I doubt, because it's working fine
now), a rebuilt one is $194. The recharge kit with gauge is only
$34. Even if I have to do it once a year, it's worth it.