air conditioner recharge

[jcbogie65]

We purchased a used 2000 coleman popup. It has the Coleman Mach 8433 air conditioner. I am trying to find out what kind of freon it takes since it didn't come with any books. I want to se if I can recharge it myself?

Can anyone give me some insight?
John

[mike4947]

Unless you have the equipment to draw a vacuum on the system as well as installing shreader valves, not likely. They are a "sealed for life" system with no DIY way to add refridgerant.
FYI: even with a qualified tech doing the work it's a crap shoot as to whether or not the unit will last any apppreciable time.

[jcbogie65]

So they can not be recharged? I will have to buy a new one?

Unless you have the equipment to draw a vacuum on the system as well as installing shreader valves, not likely. They are a "sealed for life" system with no DIY way to add refridgerant.
FYI: even with a qualified tech doing the work it's a crap shoot as to whether or not the unit will last any apppreciable time.

[chasd60]

It should take R124A. If the system needs a recharge it has a leak. The system is usually crimped off and there is no way to recharge easily. You can have a schrader valve installed by an AC tech. Doing so will empty the system and allow air and moisture into it. To properly recharge the system, a vacuum needs to be pulled to remove the air, moisture and oil then the system is refilled with either a measured amount or by guage. The R124A also has an oil mixed in with it. A techician is required to find the leak and repair it prior to recharging the system.

The expense of having someone perform that work might make it cost prohibitive to have done.

[tlhdoc]

Does it cool at all?

[tknick]

HERE is the manual for your unit.  There is a fairly good troubleshooting section.  According to the manual, there are several conditions that can mimic a low charge condition.  It also states that the charge is R22.  pages 12 and 13 discuss the refrigerant recovery/charging system.  You can add schrader valves and recharge the system, but it isn't commonly done.  Follow the troubleshooting guide and maybe you'll get lucky and find out the problem is something else.

travis

[jcbogie65]

Does it cool at all?

It gets cool but not cold...we haven't been camping on a really hot day but don't think it will cool it off.