OK, so I finally got a replacement condenser in the car after the initial condenser that I ordered came busted. The car has been open for at least a week. I bagged the open ends of the system tubing, and removed the drier and put the caps back on it. I'm assuming that it was still salvageable.

Here's the question. I pulled a vacuum for a 1/2 hour on the system, then turned the valves off at the manifold and shut off the pump. I waited another 1/2 hour and the vacuum held! Great. I don't have time to recharge the car right now. I shut off the quick release valves and removed them at the low and high ports and I'm assuming I have left the system in a state of vacuum?

That's the question. Did I leave it in a vacuum state? Do shrader valves work both ways? I would think it does not? But what do I know?

Is it beneficial to leave the car in this state for a day or two, before I can get back to it to recharge? I'll pull another vacuum, perhaps way longer than the half hour, I just didn't have time to complete the job and I figured leaving it in a vacuum state was better than starting all over?

What do you guys think?

 

In theory the Schrader valves should keep it in vacuum. I don't see any flaws in your theory. It should be fine till you're ready to fill it. It'd be good to see if it's still holding a vacuum.

 

Vee,

I agree, the valves will hold vacuum and preclude airborne moisture from getting in the system and contaminating the receiver drier prior to you getting it recharged. I've changed my compressor this week (thread to follow soon) and have had a vacuum in the system since last July. It was still holding when I changed the compressor.

Good luck

Paul

 

Sorry guys, brain fade.

 

Reattached the manifold this morning and when I opened up the valve, the system was indeed still under a heavy vacuum, according to the gauges.

I have restarted the vacuum pump and will evacuate for a few hours.

Wish me luck. The symptoms my AC has had points to a faulty expansion valve.

 

After charging up with 34.25 oz of r134a, my car is blowing 50F at idle and 42F when driving.

I suspect I have been losing charge through my high side schrader valve, which I replaced. (my high side line was rebuilt due to a leak at the crimp a long time ago)

I can't say that my manifold needles were swinging like they show in the YouTube videos, but the needles do slowly move, and the air is cold, so I hope everything is working as it should. If not, the only things left to replace is the compressor and the switch!