you will need these with guages
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bernardembden.com/xjs/134/charging.JPG&imgrefurl=http://bernardembden.com/xjs/134/index.htm&h=375&w=500&sz=31&hl=en&start=35&um=1&tbnid=OTaUQwB9xk9qRM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcharging%2Bauto%2Ba/c%2Bunit%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN
how too link ^^^^^
E36 (1993+) A/C Condenser Replacement & System Recharging Procedure
DISCLAIMER:
It is illegal to vent R-134a in to the atmosphere. If your
car has residual R-134a in the system, you must take the car in to have it professionally evacuated. Legalities aside, R-134a is toxic! Wear gloves and eye protection when dealing with this stuff. Note, this procedure is for R-134a cars only! This means 93+ E36s. I am not responsible for anything. Below is an account of how I did it and it may not work for you …
Ok, disclaimers aside – this job is easy. I mean really easy. Just be careful. There are a lot of steps though …
SITUATION:
I bought my ’93 E36 with a busted condenser as diagnosed by a
dealer. Didn’t care at the time, Sandy Hago has great weather (especially where I live) . Anyway, I saw a condenser on ebay and decided to pick it up. A couple months later, I was ready …
DIAGNOSIS:
If your system has pressure in it, get it evacuated professionally. There are many shops that will do this and even tell you where your leak is (they use a die and a black light). My car had no pressure in it, so this step didn’t apply to me.
STUFF YOU’LL NEED:
1. A/C condenser (used, oem doesn’t really matter that much). Expect to pay less than $150.
Dealer price is $450+
2. A/C receiver/dryer (oem). Ebay has ‘em for about $45. Dealer price is $125+.
3. Gaskets. Refer to the following picture for which ones. Caution! The ETK is wrong (at least for my car) on this. The dealer was also wrong. Overbuy if you must. About $40 (I know, what a rip). I ended up getting 4 #6s and 4 8s.
4. Manifold Gauge set for R-134a. Should have a blue gauge and hose (low pressure), red gauge and hose (hi pressure) and yellow hose (refrigerant supply/vacuum). About $75-$100.
5.
Vacuum pump (oil based preferred). Don’t know where to get one. Maybe it can be rented. I borrowed one from a friend. They run for $250 I hear.
6. 3 cans (12oz) of R-134a and 1 can (8.5oz) of refrigerant oil. Available at any parts store. Total cost = $40.
7. Usual set of tools – Philips screwdrivers, hex sockets, ratchet.
8. six pack. I hate American beer, Rolling Rock is an exception though.
Total (if you buy everything) = $(150+45+40+100+250+40+10) = ~ $640.
Total (if you know someone with a pump and manifold (or rent)) = $(150+45+40+40+10)= ~ $290
Total (if you’re lucky like me ) = $(85+$40+$25+$30+10) = $190 (ebay – condenser/receiver-dryer, friend had the pump and manifold, gaskets – I know the parts guy at the
dealership, kragen sale on R-134a and oil)
Total (dealership) = $1000+ !!!
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