Recommended Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, Evacuation, And Charging Equipment

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A proper system charging station includes the following components:

A manifold gauge set.
A charging cylinder.
A bulk refrigerant supply tank.
A vacuum pump.
Hoses for connection to the automotive A/C system.
An electronic leak detector.
A thermometer.

This setup will allow you to evacuate and charge an A/C system.

For handling R-12 refrigerant, use an R-12 recycling unit (such as the Kent-Moore ACR3).

Fig 1: Identifying Kent-Moore ACR3 Recovery/Recycling Station

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

For R-134a refrigerant, a different unit is used (the Kent-Moore ACR4). These units filter and remove moisture the refrigerant, before discharging it into a recovery tank.

Fig 2: Identifying ACR Recovery/Recycling Station

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Never use any R-12 service tool, such as manifold gauge sets, on R-134a systems. Tools retain small amounts of refrigerant and lubricant. Attempting to use the same equipment on both R-12 and R-134a vehicles will contaminate the air conditioning systems. Manifold gauge sets must be constructed of the proper hose material and fitting to be compatible with R-134a. Compatible units should be labeled be appropriately.

When servicing is completed, the protective sealing caps must always be reinstalled to prevent contamination via the service fittings.

The R134a system (early models) uses a standard sight glass to view the refrigerant charge. The sight glass view may turn "cloudy" if the wrong compressor oil is used.

Fig 3: Identifying Sealing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.