[s-cars] AC recharge

[David Giannandrea]

Teddy,

I just rebuilt my A/C system on my 93 S4. It hasn't been tested in peak
summer heat yet, but so far it is performing very will. Here's what and why

Dehydrator ~ $80-140 - a pain to get to for sure. This manual says to
replace at about 5 years. The internal dessicant wears out.

Orifice ~ $5 - mine was in the plenum area. Just release a hose and pull it
out. It looks perfectly fine but a good A/C shop should also blow out this
hose. I think there was a re-design too. Probably not critical except to
make sure there are no particles interfering with its operation.

R-12 ~ $$$ - You should get credit for your recovered fluid. I've been told
that R-12 is best. Lower head pressure, better refrigerant.

Oil ~ $5? - The only way to have the proper amount in the system is to blow
it out, replace the dehydrator, re-fill.

David G.
Tehachapi, CA (home, cooler climate)
Edwards, CA (work, hotter than hell/Bahgdad)