A/C Recharge Question

Last year, when I was replacing my head, for reasons that I do not wish to divulge, I accidentally loosened a bolt near the lower right of the radiator (facing the front of the car). Well, I was greeted with a large PSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I immediately tried to tighten the bolt, but the leak did not fully subside (not sure what the deal was with that, exactly).
Well, of course, now I have no A/C. I was going to try and get by a little longer with just open windows, but today I was reminded of what Memphis summers are going to be like.
So, question is, what exactly do I need to recharge with? Autozone has the plain, store branded R134a, but then there's also other brands with added boosters or PAG oil.
Is there anything else I need to worry about as a result of loosening that bolt?

you might need to get a new o-ring for the fitting you loosened, but you should be fine otherwise. You shouldn't need any oil at all, unless it run out with the Freon, but I doubt it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ontarian_frog

you might need to get a new o-ring for the fitting you loosened, but you should be fine otherwise. You shouldn't need any oil at all, unless it run out with the Freon, but I doubt it.

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Pretty sure you're right about the o-ring. I just added a bit (well, a whole friggin' can) before I remembered to check the leak. Sure enough, I just wasted a can and did my part to ruin the environment.

Edit: I think the circled bolt might be what I loosened (It's been a while. I need to get back under there to verify).

Attachment 6642

well, as long as the system wasn't exposed to open air, you should be fine. (if it WAS exposed to open air, things will start to get REALLY Spendy, as you'll have to replace the Receiver/Dryer, as the dessicant inside would have been ruined due to exposure to the moisture in the air, you'll have to pull a Vacuum and make sure it holds for 30 minutes to an hour to make sure there are no other problems lurking with your A/C System, and then you'll charge the system according to the specs that are on the label that's attached to the Airbox Lid.)

You will need to go to the dealership and bring your registration inside. They might need you serial number to make sure exactly what o-ring you need. I know I needed to when I changed the condenser on my Wave.

A new o-ring is indeed what I need. There's a green o-ring in there that's now in two pieces.
Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is that piece? I just want to know what I ask for when I go in.

Thanks!

Again, I apologize for my apparent neediness ;) but I went to the dealership to get an o-ring. They sold me part number 94535504 which is listed as "F-SEAL" on the invoice. Given the fact that they charged $9 and some change (it's the most expensive parts counter around, but also the closest to me...) I'd really like to know for sure that this is the right part before I stick it on.
Is anyone able to verify that for me?
Thanks!

FYI for anyone that has this issue: The o-ring is a part of GM part number 96539372 (A/C Hose). The o-ring itself is 94535504. I know that there are two different hoses depending on your VIN, I'm not sure if the o-ring differs between the two. The dealer told me the part was listed as discontinued in the system, but there are several places online that still carry it.

No way to know really unless the part number was looked up using the VIN. Unless someone works at a dealership, no one will be able to tell you for sure if it's the right one or not.