"Headknocker via CarKB.com" <u18602@uwe> wrote in message
news:5d3f45990daac@uwe...
> I'm asking because the AC in my '98 CRV doesn't perform like it used to so
> I
> bought one of those products last Saturday(with a gauge built into the
> unit)
> only to find the refrigerant level to be well within the specs of being
> fully
> charged. Aren't there compromises when you're only adding refrigerant to
> the
> low side? I remember my Dad telling that the correct way is to let a
> qualified shop do the work since their equipment is able to deal with the
> high side as well.
>
> --
I have always recharged my own R-12 systems successfully - "by ear"
(listening to the compressor cycling), by thermometer taped to the
evaporator suction side, by high/low guages or by sight glass. I figured I
could recharge an R-134a system by ear and guage, but I found out the
experts were right and I was out of my league.

I recommend you take it to a pro, who will empty it and put the right weight
of refrigerant in. You can do the DIY route like I did, but I can only be
sure the charge will be wrong when you are done. Mine sure was.

Mike