hvac gauges

[vunger1]

can i use automotive hvac guages too work on sealed system of a refrigerator. Are the hoses on the automotive hoses compatible with shrader valves, saddle valves, etc.....?

[jumptrout]

Depends if the gauges are for the old R12 refrigerant or the R134a refrigerant.

R12 gauges will hook up.

134a will not.

[vunger1]

i have a new set and they screwed right onto the temp. saddle valve.Is there somethng else i need to look at?

[vunger1]

Here is a link to a set like mine.http://atdtools.com/3688

[certified tech group 51]

You have a temporary tap on a sealed system......Are you removing the refrigerant??? Or, repairing the system???

[vunger1]

No i just had a temporary valve and i tried that on these gauges and it fit , wouldnt the permenant fittings be the same threads as the saddle valve type fitting?.

Edited June 29, 2012 by vunger1

[certified tech group 51]

Threads are the same except for the old R-12......I hate it when you go out on a service call for not cooling ....You check the evaporator coils and see no frost pattern.......Upon spinning the refer around, you see a 'Bullet tap' on the system........The customer sez ( in a bid to save money ) " I had Bob's Used Auto Sales and Used Appliance" guy fix it " Now , ya gotta tell the customer how much it will cost to fix it correctly............. P.S................I use a ' four way ' set of gauges, ( promo pitch, Yellow Jacket.....10 years of service and a high side gauge just broke) ................. 1) high side................. 2) low side.........3) vacuum pump and 4) hook-up a refrigerant tank for a sweep charge or a vacuum gauge.......or........................ P.P.S.....use low loss fittings, less chance of non- condensables from entering the system.... .

Edited June 29, 2012 by certified tech group 51

[jb8103]

Wait a sec.

Automotive service valves for 134a are going to be either quick-connect or Acme thread. The ad said something about "manual couplers"? What, adapters or something that you aren't using for this job?