A/C Compressor replacement in DC - anyone w/ a evac machine?

[peace_of_soul]

I will be replacing my a/c compressor in the near future.
I have read this thread
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=146151&highlight=(install+replace)+a/c+compressor+hose
which was very helpful.
Before I try to tow my car to Jiffy Lube and have them do an evac/charge for me, I was wondering if anyone in the DC area had a machine for vacuuming out the R-134a that would be willing to share.
I can clean the expansion valve, remove the receiver/drier, and replace the a/c compressor and then have it towed. It is currently in the Springfield area.
Thanks for your help.
(For those of you interested in the whole saga, see this thread.)
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=224177

 

[ninedee_golf_tdi]

Get the system evacuated, do the repairs, drive it back to the shop. No towing is necessary.

 

[peace_of_soul]

Ninedee_golf_tdi, very true, no towing is necessary.

After research and suggestions from tdi enthusiasts more experienced than I, I feel confident going ahead to flush, vacuum, and recharge my system.

Before I buy a set of R-134a gauges and vacuum pump, though, I was wondering if anyone nearby in the DC metro area has one or both that they could loan me.

(I found a decent vacuum pump on Harbor Freight I could get shipped for $88 and can look on eBay for the gauges - after all, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have the tools on hand...)

 

[ninedee_golf_tdi]

Try a pawn shop... but they always ask almost what a new set costs.

 

[DannyboyUpstate]

I'm up in Albany, NY and have everything that you need and we could do the repair in about an hour.

Bit of a drive though...?

 

[owr084]

(I found a decent vacuum pump on Harbor Freight I could get shipped for $88 and can look on eBay for the gauges - after all, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have the tools on hand...)

There is a Harbor Freight store right down in Woodbridge by Potomac Mills. They also have cheaper vacuum pumps that use compressed air.

 

[peace_of_soul]

Just wanted to explain what happened. Thanks to all the guys who responded. I would really like to thank Piper 109 for loaning his pump out to me, kudos to you.

With some extensive coaching (www.autoacforum.com and www.airconditioning.com was helpful, as well) I was able to flush the hoses with mineral spirits and then special a/c flush fluid, replace the a/c compressor, clean the expansion valve, and replace the drier.

Then, I evacuated the system for 2 1/2 hours, and then charged the system with two cans of freon. I realize that leaves me about 80 grams short, but I will check the system in a couple of days to check to see how the pressure is holding. It blows cold, now, but it is october, after all, and I won't be using the a/c much.

 

[DanG144]

Good Job.

DanG

 

[ninedee_golf_tdi]

For others reading this, generally you only need to flush the system out when the compressor grenades and even then you will probably miss something causing problems in a few hours. Good practice for when you really need it though.

 

[Keven]

You can rent vac pumps and A/C manifold kits at AutoZone, I just re did the A/C on my Mustang a few weeks ago. FREE!!!

 

[peace_of_soul]

You can rent vac pumps and A/C manifold kits at AutoZone, I just re did the A/C on my Mustang a few weeks ago. FREE!!!

Not in NoVA you can't . . . we tried. Got an A/C clutch tool from them, though. Although we ended up not needing it because the clutch we ordered fell through and we ended up having to buy an all-new compressor.

(Although I can't complain there . . . worked out better in the long run, I'm sure.)