DIY AC recharge or shop?

[hasoan]

OK, I know it's been a while, but I thought I'd update on what I did and the results.

First, I did get the HFT high vaccum pump. It worked great, but ended up being a waste of time and money in my case.

You can see the story explaining why here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3193431#post3193431

 

[Bobmbx]

If the system has been opened, do not just add r134a it wont cool for anything if the system is not pulled to a vacuum first...

Not true. If the system has been open to the atmosphere for any length of time, moisture will have entered and would need to be sucked out. Thats' all the vacuum does. If its been open for say, long enough to change the orifice valve, you'll be just fine closing it up and recharging with no vacuum.