Charging AC system
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 575
Likes: 35
From: Sandy Springs GA
Charging AC system
I have a 2016 Z06.. I want to recharge my AC system. What is the best after market AC recharge kit used on my car. I see so many products and types that I am not sure what to get that will not damage my system. I also want the type that fixes leaks if i have a small leak or not.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 387
Likes: 144
From: Pine Ridge FL
I wouldn't recommend any of those off the shelf recharge kits. I especially wouldn't recommend the AC leak stoppers as they tend to be more trouble than they are worth. If you are going to add R134 get yourself a gauge set that work on both the high/low side. As for the leak, you can add some dye or buy an inexpensive leak detector. Neither are ideal so paying a tech who has the tools and expertise might be worth it.
Racer
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 251
Likes: 125
From: Beavercreek, OH
Don't use the R-134 With Stop Leak. The Stop Leak can actually clog up your A/C evaporator and condenser. Then the fix will be expensive.
You might get lucky and it could be a O-ring seal or Schrader valve stem on the lines.
Leak detector dye can help find the leak if you're lucky.
You might get lucky and it could be a O-ring seal or Schrader valve stem on the lines.
Leak detector dye can help find the leak if you're lucky.
Roadster Madness. 😠
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,306
Likes: 2,373
From: Ventura Co Ca
SoCal Regional Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '13, '20-'21
I would take it to a well thought of shop that has an owner that appreciates cars, specializes in A/C, and save yourself a lot of time and trouble. I have two examples.
I was in the stealth car going to Vegas for a convention on a particular hot weekend, the last in August. My A/C gave out as I was passing Pasadena.
When, I got to Vegas at 17:00, the Valet told me it was 108F. Ido not even want to think what the temperature was in Death Valley.
When, I got home, I went to a recommended A/C. Two hours layer I got a call the car was ready and the relay that went out was $42.
I lost the A/C in the C4. I took it into the same place and they re-charged it. Three days later, no A/C.
He spent most of the day trying to figure out what was going on. The valve where you charged it was leaking. It was not immediately noticeable because the value had a screw-on cap to protect it.
He then found me an NOS replacement hose, with the proper part number on it, for a 1995 Convertible! It was incredible.
Now, that was a 20+ year old car. I have a 2016 that I just had the A/C serviced, because, it was going on six years. If it is not running cold, I would want someone to check it out,
jmho
I was in the stealth car going to Vegas for a convention on a particular hot weekend, the last in August. My A/C gave out as I was passing Pasadena.
When, I got to Vegas at 17:00, the Valet told me it was 108F. Ido not even want to think what the temperature was in Death Valley.
When, I got home, I went to a recommended A/C. Two hours layer I got a call the car was ready and the relay that went out was $42.
I lost the A/C in the C4. I took it into the same place and they re-charged it. Three days later, no A/C.
He spent most of the day trying to figure out what was going on. The valve where you charged it was leaking. It was not immediately noticeable because the value had a screw-on cap to protect it.
He then found me an NOS replacement hose, with the proper part number on it, for a 1995 Convertible! It was incredible.
Now, that was a 20+ year old car. I have a 2016 that I just had the A/C serviced, because, it was going on six years. If it is not running cold, I would want someone to check it out,
jmho
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,265
From: Northeast
I have a 2016 Z06.. I want to recharge my AC system. What is the best after market AC recharge kit used on my car. I see so many products and types that I am not sure what to get that will not damage my system. I also want the type that fixes leaks if i have a small leak or not.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 575
Likes: 35
From: Sandy Springs GA
The AC made a weird sound for about a week ago. The car makes the sound only when the AC is on. I took car to dealership to be check. They said the sound might be the turbo whining. They found no issues. Afterwards during very hot days the AC is cold but do not feel very cold. I assumed it might need a little charging. The products I see in the store all talk about additives to prevent/fix leaks. GM AC systems should all the same. I assumed it should be that easy to just add Freon then all is good. Reading this post seems like I need to pay someone to check my AC system. Every time I take my car to a shop they charge me the Corvette Tax. I just assumed I could purchase something off the shelf and DIY. I was only asking for what is the best product out there. Are you guys talking from experience or from worst case?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 387
Likes: 144
From: Pine Ridge FL
The AC made a weird sound for about a week ago. The car makes the sound only when the AC is on. I took car to dealership to be check. They said the sound might be the turbo whining. They found no issues. Afterwards during very hot days the AC is cold but do not feel very cold. I assumed it might need a little charging. The products I see in the store all talk about additives to prevent/fix leaks. GM AC systems should all the same. I assumed it should be that easy to just add Freon then all is good. Reading this post seems like I need to pay someone to check my AC system. Every time I take my car to a shop they charge me the Corvette Tax. I just assumed I could purchase something off the shelf and DIY. I was only asking for what is the best product out there. Are you guys talking from experience or from worst case?
Like learning that if you just go by the low side pressure there could be a restriction in the orifice which leads to over charging. I also learned that compressors have a relief valve that shoot r134, oil, and dye at great velocity. Next lesson was that AC dye sticks really well to paint. AC systems just don't need a "recharge". You have a leak that needs addressed. It's one of those things you really should get up to speed with rather than just spray and pray. If it was a crap box beater with limited life I might go for the quick fix but not with a car as nice as yours.
FYI, just to get to the low side port is going to require a bit a disassembly whereas most cars it's just right in plain sight. Extra corvette tax right there.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 414
From: Germantown Maryland
You gave the OP great advice. This is one lesson I also learned years ago when I first started working on air conditioning systems. Quite dramatic. Crazy how many folks blindly add refrigerant without any clue if it really needs it or not, or if there is a leak or not.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,265
From: Northeast
The AC made a weird sound for about a week ago. The car makes the sound only when the AC is on. I took car to dealership to be check. They said the sound might be the turbo whining. They found no issues. Afterwards during very hot days the AC is cold but do not feel very cold. I assumed it might need a little charging. The products I see in the store all talk about additives to prevent/fix leaks. GM AC systems should all the same. I assumed it should be that easy to just add Freon then all is good. Reading this post seems like I need to pay someone to check my AC system. Every time I take my car to a shop they charge me the Corvette Tax. I just assumed I could purchase something off the shelf and DIY. I was only asking for what is the best product out there. Are you guys talking from experience or from worst case?
