I recommend these too because I hate guessing how much extra charge to add to compensate removing the high side hose. C&D CD5050 Small Thumb Screw Core Depressor / Flow Control Valve (enter this in Amazon because when I link stuff it doesn't pull up)

They have one with a charge port too.Appion makes one too but it's quite big and usually out of stock when trying to find. 

Accidentally hit the cat emoji, my bad.

Nice blog , thanks for the info!!

I was wondering where I could find a charging assembly like that nu-calgon one. Thanks for sharing this! 
 

oh, how does that vacuum pump work for you? It’s much cheaper cost wise than a cps. 

Thanks for the info 

I’m still pretty green on the hydrocarbon stuff, but obviously it’s going to be a necessity in order to stay in business in the future. I’m curious, do you have to have a dedicated vacuum pump specifically for this set up? Or was the pump on the list just because your tech needed one anyway and they can use it for R-134a too?

@goldnkoi That vacuum pump has been good so far, I've had mine for just less than a year, so only time will tell on durability. I used to use a big Robinair vac for 14 years until the plastic broke apart from me being careless with it. I got to thinking, "Why am I lugging around a giant pump? I'm using it for small units- not house or commercial HVAC." So I really like the less space and less weight, and it vacuums just the same.

@tbennett I'm using the same pump for all refrigerants. 

I've had good luck with the  harbor freight stuff. And if it does happen to break, it's cheap enough that I won't cry.

Wow. Just got the 41868 manifold and 4175-10 charging port. They are tiny, like the easy bake oven of refrigeration tools. 

Was planning to use existing refrigerant scale, but will likely buy 61003 (or similar) just to stay extra tiny.

I’ve had good luck with harbor freight pump. Like @Koi Guy I had the same ah-ha moment. Why am I using this big old pump for a tiny system. I think for appliance repair harbor freight pump is beyond adequate. 

Word of advice don't get the yellow jacket scale it time's out in 2 minutes. It's on Amazon for like $60

1 hour ago, Nathaniel Peterson said:

 

Word of advice don't get the yellow jacket scale it time's out in 2 minutes. It's on Amazon for like $60

 

There’s no turning that option off?

11 hours ago, goldnkoi said:

There’s no turning that option off?

If there is I don't know how.

https://yellowjacket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TSB-2022-HC-Scale-Timeout_8_19_2022.pdf

That’s great info! Nice find on the service bulletin.

8 hours ago, Terry Carmen said:

https://yellowjacket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TSB-2022-HC-Scale-Timeout_8_19_2022.pdf

Wow, thanks @Terry CarmenI was about to buy a different scale. Thanks!

Went to use my can adapter, hooked up can, hooked up to compressor, open valve and it leaks at the valve handle. It only leaks when I open it and it comes out the valve seal at the handle. Boooo!!!! Had to drive to Johnstone to get a replacement to finish the job. Johnstone did an over the counter exchange for a new one.

Less than 30 uses and I stow it in foam lined case and doesn’t bounce around. So kinda disappointing. Here’s the new one- it has a bell that covers the seal.

1 hour ago, Koi Guy said:

Went to use my can adapter, hooked up can, hooked up to compressor, open valve and it leaks at the valve handle. It only leaks when I open it and it comes out the valve seal at the handle. Boooo!!!! Had to drive to Johnstone to get a replacement to finish the job. Johnstone did an over the counter exchange for a new one.

Less than 30 uses and I stow it in foam lined case and doesn’t bounce around. So kinda disappointing. Here’s the new one- it has a bell that covers the seal.

 

Is that for r600? Is that the nu-calgon charging assembly that leaked? I don’t want to invest in one if it’s junk.. which one did you get at johnstones?

3 hours ago, goldnkoi said:

Is that for r600? Is that the nu-calgon charging assembly that leaked? I don’t want to invest in one if it’s junk.. which one did you get at johnstones?

Yes, R600a. It is the Nu-Calgon charging assembly that is leaking. I bought it to go with the Nu-Calgon cans they sell at Johnstone. I also have the Yellow Jacket kit, but it does not fit the Nu-Calgon cans (I striped a can and so did a buddy). Here's the Yellow Jacket kit that's expensive and not worth the cost.

29 minutes ago, Koi Guy said:

also have the Yellow Jacket kit, but it does not fit the Nu-Calgon cans

Isn't that awesome?

I have a whole pile of adapters and I'm still not completely certain they fit all the different cans.

39 minutes ago, Koi Guy said:

It is the Nu-Calgon charging assembly that is leaking. I bought it to go with the Nu-Calgon cans they sell at Johnstone.

So the nu-calgon part from the post in your kit is the one that was leaking? 
did you buy the same one or they sell a better one at johnstones?

1 minute ago, goldnkoi said:

So the nu-calgon part from the post in your kit is the one that was leaking? 
did you buy the same one or they sell a better one at johnstones?

Yep. Same one. Looks like they did a part change because I've bought two (one for me and one for tech) and a buddy bought one, and all three of those are the same. But the new ones on the shelf are different, so it looks like they changed the part.

I don't think they sell a better one, I think it's the best they have. Well at least in store. One of the Yellow Jackets is junk- being pot metal port.

I'm still going with the Nu-Calgon, I don't have an issue with a failed tool and they changed it. Better than not changing it!

Good to know. I’ll stop by Johnstones and see if it looks like the new one in your picture. Trying to get all my r600 stuff and I want it to last, so I really appreciate you posting this

3 hours ago, goldnkoi said:

Trying to get all my r600 stuff

I have to say that I feel much better about all this confusion now that you guys are going through it too. 8-)

I felt like an idiot a few months ago when I kept ordering stuff but never had quite all the right parts that fit and didn't leak.

This R600 stuff seems a lot like they're just making it up as they go along. With the full size cylinders of r-whatver it never even crossed my mind that something might not fit, because it always fit.

Havent got into R-600 yet, but i have been thinking about it. Been looking at these kits that Relaible Parts is offering.