"Tom Adkins" <nospam@centurytel.net> wrote in message
news:0_qdnRhPSNW77vLbnZ2dnUVZ_ualnZ2d@centurytel.n et...
>
> You are correct, www.autoacsystems.com is a great site. The FAQ section is
> excellent for DIYers that aren't familiar with servicing their AC system.
> Straight, correct answers and no marketing. Myself, I'm partial to
> www.autoacforum.com. There's a great bunch of guys there, many of them
> MVAC professionals, who are always willing to help a DIYer fix their AC
> (the right way). The site sponsor, Arizona Mobile Air, is a great supplier
> of MVAC parts and equipment at excellent prices and excellent quality.
> (I'm not connected to AMA, just a happy customer).
>

Ah! Thanks for the link, Tom. A few of the topics explained my trouble with
trying to recharge "by ear" and thermostat/guage: the system response is
very slow. Much was made of the need to go slowly (we were adding about an
ounce per minute steadily and not allowing the system nearly enough time to
settle) and the ease of overcharging when doing this. Theoretically, the add
and check process will work with enough cooling of the condensor - the
article recommended a wind tunnel! Doing it by weight makes a lot more
sense.

Mike

 

"Tom Adkins" <nospam@centurytel.net> wrote in message
news:0_qdnRhPSNW77vLbnZ2dnUVZ_ualnZ2d@centurytel.n et...
>
> You are correct, www.autoacsystems.com is a great site. The FAQ section is
> excellent for DIYers that aren't familiar with servicing their AC system.
> Straight, correct answers and no marketing. Myself, I'm partial to
> www.autoacforum.com. There's a great bunch of guys there, many of them
> MVAC professionals, who are always willing to help a DIYer fix their AC
> (the right way). The site sponsor, Arizona Mobile Air, is a great supplier
> of MVAC parts and equipment at excellent prices and excellent quality.
> (I'm not connected to AMA, just a happy customer).
>

Ah! Thanks for the link, Tom. A few of the topics explained my trouble with
trying to recharge "by ear" and thermostat/guage: the system response is
very slow. Much was made of the need to go slowly (we were adding about an
ounce per minute steadily and not allowing the system nearly enough time to
settle) and the ease of overcharging when doing this. Theoretically, the add
and check process will work with enough cooling of the condensor - the
article recommended a wind tunnel! Doing it by weight makes a lot more
sense.

Mike

 

"Tom Adkins" <nospam@centurytel.net> wrote in message
news:0_qdnRhPSNW77vLbnZ2dnUVZ_ualnZ2d@centurytel.n et...
>
> You are correct, www.autoacsystems.com is a great site. The FAQ section is
> excellent for DIYers that aren't familiar with servicing their AC system.
> Straight, correct answers and no marketing. Myself, I'm partial to
> www.autoacforum.com. There's a great bunch of guys there, many of them
> MVAC professionals, who are always willing to help a DIYer fix their AC
> (the right way). The site sponsor, Arizona Mobile Air, is a great supplier
> of MVAC parts and equipment at excellent prices and excellent quality.
> (I'm not connected to AMA, just a happy customer).
>

Ah! Thanks for the link, Tom. A few of the topics explained my trouble with
trying to recharge "by ear" and thermostat/guage: the system response is
very slow. Much was made of the need to go slowly (we were adding about an
ounce per minute steadily and not allowing the system nearly enough time to
settle) and the ease of overcharging when doing this. Theoretically, the add
and check process will work with enough cooling of the condensor - the
article recommended a wind tunnel! Doing it by weight makes a lot more
sense.

Mike

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
> "Tom Adkins" <nospam@centurytel.net> wrote in message
> news:0_qdnRhPSNW77vLbnZ2dnUVZ_ualnZ2d@centurytel.n et...
>> You are correct, www.autoacsystems.com is a great site. The FAQ section is
>> excellent for DIYers that aren't familiar with servicing their AC system.
>> Straight, correct answers and no marketing. Myself, I'm partial to
>> www.autoacforum.com. There's a great bunch of guys there, many of them
>> MVAC professionals, who are always willing to help a DIYer fix their AC
>> (the right way). The site sponsor, Arizona Mobile Air, is a great supplier
>> of MVAC parts and equipment at excellent prices and excellent quality.
>> (I'm not connected to AMA, just a happy customer).
>>
>
> Ah! Thanks for the link, Tom. A few of the topics explained my trouble with
> trying to recharge "by ear" and thermostat/guage: the system response is
> very slow. Much was made of the need to go slowly (we were adding about an
> ounce per minute steadily and not allowing the system nearly enough time to
> settle) and the ease of overcharging when doing this. Theoretically, the add
> and check process will work with enough cooling of the condensor - the
> article recommended a wind tunnel! Doing it by weight makes a lot more
> sense.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
Mike,
I'm glad it helped and you got the answers you needed. That's what that the
contributors there try for.
I missed the "wind tunnel" reference, but the cooler you can make the condenser, the
better the system will cycle added refrigerant (stabilize).
Charging "by ear" can work once you develop a "feel" for it. That's how I do it (I
always use a scale for accuracy and reference it to verify or tweak my "feel"). The
big problem in a public forum is how to describe to someone how you "feel" the system
is fully charged. It's like trying to describe "how tight is snug? or how much is
"just a little bit".
Yup, doing it "by weight" is the easiest, most accurate way.
Keep reading, there's lots of good "nitty gritty" information there.
While you're doing that, I'm going to re-familiarize myself with
www.autoacsystems.com. Last time I was there, the site was really new. They've added a
lot more content since then. Thanks for the reminder.

Tom

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
> "Tom Adkins" <nospam@centurytel.net> wrote in message
> news:0_qdnRhPSNW77vLbnZ2dnUVZ_ualnZ2d@centurytel.n et...
>> You are correct, www.autoacsystems.com is a great site. The FAQ section is
>> excellent for DIYers that aren't familiar with servicing their AC system.
>> Straight, correct answers and no marketing. Myself, I'm partial to
>> www.autoacforum.com. There's a great bunch of guys there, many of them
>> MVAC professionals, who are always willing to help a DIYer fix their AC
>> (the right way). The site sponsor, Arizona Mobile Air, is a great supplier
>> of MVAC parts and equipment at excellent prices and excellent quality.
>> (I'm not connected to AMA, just a happy customer).
>>
>
> Ah! Thanks for the link, Tom. A few of the topics explained my trouble with
> trying to recharge "by ear" and thermostat/guage: the system response is
> very slow. Much was made of the need to go slowly (we were adding about an
> ounce per minute steadily and not allowing the system nearly enough time to
> settle) and the ease of overcharging when doing this. Theoretically, the add
> and check process will work with enough cooling of the condensor - the
> article recommended a wind tunnel! Doing it by weight makes a lot more
> sense.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
Mike,
I'm glad it helped and you got the answers you needed. That's what that the
contributors there try for.
I missed the "wind tunnel" reference, but the cooler you can make the condenser, the
better the system will cycle added refrigerant (stabilize).
Charging "by ear" can work once you develop a "feel" for it. That's how I do it (I
always use a scale for accuracy and reference it to verify or tweak my "feel"). The
big problem in a public forum is how to describe to someone how you "feel" the system
is fully charged. It's like trying to describe "how tight is snug? or how much is
"just a little bit".
Yup, doing it "by weight" is the easiest, most accurate way.
Keep reading, there's lots of good "nitty gritty" information there.
While you're doing that, I'm going to re-familiarize myself with
www.autoacsystems.com. Last time I was there, the site was really new. They've added a
lot more content since then. Thanks for the reminder.

Tom

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
> "Tom Adkins" <nospam@centurytel.net> wrote in message
> news:0_qdnRhPSNW77vLbnZ2dnUVZ_ualnZ2d@centurytel.n et...
>> You are correct, www.autoacsystems.com is a great site. The FAQ section is
>> excellent for DIYers that aren't familiar with servicing their AC system.
>> Straight, correct answers and no marketing. Myself, I'm partial to
>> www.autoacforum.com. There's a great bunch of guys there, many of them
>> MVAC professionals, who are always willing to help a DIYer fix their AC
>> (the right way). The site sponsor, Arizona Mobile Air, is a great supplier
>> of MVAC parts and equipment at excellent prices and excellent quality.
>> (I'm not connected to AMA, just a happy customer).
>>
>
> Ah! Thanks for the link, Tom. A few of the topics explained my trouble with
> trying to recharge "by ear" and thermostat/guage: the system response is
> very slow. Much was made of the need to go slowly (we were adding about an
> ounce per minute steadily and not allowing the system nearly enough time to
> settle) and the ease of overcharging when doing this. Theoretically, the add
> and check process will work with enough cooling of the condensor - the
> article recommended a wind tunnel! Doing it by weight makes a lot more
> sense.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
Mike,
I'm glad it helped and you got the answers you needed. That's what that the
contributors there try for.
I missed the "wind tunnel" reference, but the cooler you can make the condenser, the
better the system will cycle added refrigerant (stabilize).
Charging "by ear" can work once you develop a "feel" for it. That's how I do it (I
always use a scale for accuracy and reference it to verify or tweak my "feel"). The
big problem in a public forum is how to describe to someone how you "feel" the system
is fully charged. It's like trying to describe "how tight is snug? or how much is
"just a little bit".
Yup, doing it "by weight" is the easiest, most accurate way.
Keep reading, there's lots of good "nitty gritty" information there.
While you're doing that, I'm going to re-familiarize myself with
www.autoacsystems.com. Last time I was there, the site was really new. They've added a
lot more content since then. Thanks for the reminder.

Tom

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
> I have a clue: outside of dealerships that have to do A/C, we have only one
> shop left in our college town of 50K people that still does auto A/C. Some
> of that is undoubtedly because of equipment costs to conform to modern
> requirements, but I'm sure the hassles you describe are a factor.
>
> I fancy I have a good feel for when I have a handle on a situation and when
> it is walking all over me. I felt good about R12 and I felt lost when I
> tried recharging R134a. Others may feel differently.
>
> I understand your distinction between "non-failure" and "success." Just
> because something works similar to the way it was designed to doesn't mean
> it is working right.
>
> Mike

You may be right. I can't say that I would shut down my "cottage business" due to
hassles caused by Interdynamics products, but they certainly add to the frustration.
The "real" AC repair shops likely deal with it as a part of doing business.
That one shop in your town that still does AC would likely be more affected by
customer perception (caused by ID products?) than by compliance issues. The
requirement to have a certain machine hurts initially, but usually pays for itself
quickly if the shop is busy. This is, of course, assuming that the shop specializes in
Heating/ Cooling repairs and is not a "general" shop that does MVAC too. Small local
"repair" shops really labor under the regulations for MVAC service. That's why many
don't do it these days.

I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I can always
spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is especially true in my personal
life. I have 2 teen daughters that I adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant
me the serenity...

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
> I have a clue: outside of dealerships that have to do A/C, we have only one
> shop left in our college town of 50K people that still does auto A/C. Some
> of that is undoubtedly because of equipment costs to conform to modern
> requirements, but I'm sure the hassles you describe are a factor.
>
> I fancy I have a good feel for when I have a handle on a situation and when
> it is walking all over me. I felt good about R12 and I felt lost when I
> tried recharging R134a. Others may feel differently.
>
> I understand your distinction between "non-failure" and "success." Just
> because something works similar to the way it was designed to doesn't mean
> it is working right.
>
> Mike

You may be right. I can't say that I would shut down my "cottage business" due to
hassles caused by Interdynamics products, but they certainly add to the frustration.
The "real" AC repair shops likely deal with it as a part of doing business.
That one shop in your town that still does AC would likely be more affected by
customer perception (caused by ID products?) than by compliance issues. The
requirement to have a certain machine hurts initially, but usually pays for itself
quickly if the shop is busy. This is, of course, assuming that the shop specializes in
Heating/ Cooling repairs and is not a "general" shop that does MVAC too. Small local
"repair" shops really labor under the regulations for MVAC service. That's why many
don't do it these days.

I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I can always
spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is especially true in my personal
life. I have 2 teen daughters that I adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant
me the serenity...

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
> I have a clue: outside of dealerships that have to do A/C, we have only one
> shop left in our college town of 50K people that still does auto A/C. Some
> of that is undoubtedly because of equipment costs to conform to modern
> requirements, but I'm sure the hassles you describe are a factor.
>
> I fancy I have a good feel for when I have a handle on a situation and when
> it is walking all over me. I felt good about R12 and I felt lost when I
> tried recharging R134a. Others may feel differently.
>
> I understand your distinction between "non-failure" and "success." Just
> because something works similar to the way it was designed to doesn't mean
> it is working right.
>
> Mike

You may be right. I can't say that I would shut down my "cottage business" due to
hassles caused by Interdynamics products, but they certainly add to the frustration.
The "real" AC repair shops likely deal with it as a part of doing business.
That one shop in your town that still does AC would likely be more affected by
customer perception (caused by ID products?) than by compliance issues. The
requirement to have a certain machine hurts initially, but usually pays for itself
quickly if the shop is busy. This is, of course, assuming that the shop specializes in
Heating/ Cooling repairs and is not a "general" shop that does MVAC too. Small local
"repair" shops really labor under the regulations for MVAC service. That's why many
don't do it these days.

I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I can always
spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is especially true in my personal
life. I have 2 teen daughters that I adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant
me the serenity...

 

Tom Adkins wrote:

Pardon my barging in on a perfectly good AC repair thread, but...

>
> I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I
> can always spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is
> especially true in my personal life. I have 2 teen daughters that I
> adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant me the serenity...

You don't need serenity, Tom. You need to stop marrying women that you
can't get along with.

I'll let you in on a little secret: There are ways to get laid without
marrying the bitches. ;-)

--
-Fred W

 

Tom Adkins wrote:

Pardon my barging in on a perfectly good AC repair thread, but...

>
> I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I
> can always spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is
> especially true in my personal life. I have 2 teen daughters that I
> adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant me the serenity...

You don't need serenity, Tom. You need to stop marrying women that you
can't get along with.

I'll let you in on a little secret: There are ways to get laid without
marrying the bitches. ;-)

--
-Fred W

 

Tom Adkins wrote:

Pardon my barging in on a perfectly good AC repair thread, but...

>
> I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I
> can always spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is
> especially true in my personal life. I have 2 teen daughters that I
> adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant me the serenity...

You don't need serenity, Tom. You need to stop marrying women that you
can't get along with.

I'll let you in on a little secret: There are ways to get laid without
marrying the bitches. ;-)

--
-Fred W

 

On Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:48:03 -0400, Fred W <malt_hound@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>Tom Adkins wrote:
>
>Pardon my barging in on a perfectly good AC repair thread, but...
>
>> I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I
>> can always spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is
>> especially true in my personal life. I have 2 teen daughters that I
>> adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant me the serenity...
>
>You don't need serenity, Tom. You need to stop marrying women that you
>can't get along with.
>
>I'll let you in on a little secret: There are ways to get laid without
>marrying the bitches. ;-)

As I once heard somewhere: Why get married? Just find a woman you
hate and buy her a house.
--
Dan.

 

On Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:48:03 -0400, Fred W <malt_hound@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>Tom Adkins wrote:
>
>Pardon my barging in on a perfectly good AC repair thread, but...
>
>> I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I
>> can always spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is
>> especially true in my personal life. I have 2 teen daughters that I
>> adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant me the serenity...
>
>You don't need serenity, Tom. You need to stop marrying women that you
>can't get along with.
>
>I'll let you in on a little secret: There are ways to get laid without
>marrying the bitches. ;-)

As I once heard somewhere: Why get married? Just find a woman you
hate and buy her a house.
--
Dan.

 

On Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:48:03 -0400, Fred W <malt_hound@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>Tom Adkins wrote:
>
>Pardon my barging in on a perfectly good AC repair thread, but...
>
>> I too have a good feel for when a situation is walking all over me. I
>> can always spot it starting "back there somewhere". This is
>> especially true in my personal life. I have 2 teen daughters that I
>> adore, and 2 ex-wives that...well..., God grant me the serenity...
>
>You don't need serenity, Tom. You need to stop marrying women that you
>can't get along with.
>
>I'll let you in on a little secret: There are ways to get laid without
>marrying the bitches. ;-)

As I once heard somewhere: Why get married? Just find a woman you
hate and buy her a house.
--
Dan.