GM related question about A/C

[beedees]

Anybody here knowhow much R134a to charge a 1995 Chev. 1/2 p.u.? Relaced some front end parts, including condenser. BTW, 4.3 V6, auto.  Thanks

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Look on the A/C decal in the engine compartment (usuallyon the compressor) to tell you how much freon & oil to use

[Chatt69chgr]

I think your GM employs the CCOT or closed cycle orifice tube style ac system which has a Accumulator on the low side.  You will need to replace this as it has the dessicant bag in it and is the device that absorbs any stray moisture that gets into the system.  It is supposed to be replaced any time the system has been opened for any time or if major components are replaced and can really mess up a system if the bag ruptures-----it's very difficult to get all the dessicant out of the system----and yours is 12 years old now.  And you will need to pull down the system with a vacuum pump before you charge it.  I used to get my Firestone dealer to evacuate and charge my system after I would rebuild it before I got a vacuum pump.  Also, usually a certain amount of oil stays in the system after it's discharged.  I don't know what this quantity is but I think the service books give a rule of thumb.  And finally, did you replace the orifice tube?  I seem to recall that when folks work on these that they like to replace that at the same time as the accumulator.  Unfortunately, sometimes a special tool is required to pull it out.   

Another potential source for the data you need would be either the dealer or maybe your local firestone or goodyear stores.  Some of these places are "protective" of what they consider to be proprietary information but it's worth a try.  And depending on how they treat you, you can factor this into your next decision or whether to do business with them.

[Bob]

PROBABLY NOT RECOMMENDED ON HERE BUT DEFINITELY CHEAPER, IS THE WAL-MART STYLE R134 KIT WITH GAUGE AND CHARGE ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS. I HAVE DONE THIS ABOUT 10 TIMES WITH GREAT SUCCESS ON GM VEHICLES.
BOB