How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine?

Having a recovery machine to service your AC may not always be a viable option for a lot of drivers. That said there are a few things that you can do to get around the issues. In this post, we will find out how to remove Freon from car without recovery machine.

• Refrigerant For Car
• Refrigerant Recovery Machine
• Remove Freon
• Too Much Freon 
• Frequently Asked Questions

Refrigerant For Car

Whenever you turn on the A/C when the day is hot, you’ve probably wondered how it blows cold air. This is partly because of the refrigerants found inside the car’s A/C.

It is the condenser as well as the compressor that will push out the refrigerants through the system. This affects the temperature. It will also draw warm air from the cabin while also pumping in cool air.

You can find Freon under the hood or you could find it inside the compartment of the engine. One thing to note is that Freon should not come into contact with air for longer than an hour. This is because its components are extremely toxic.

Sometimes that old Acura MDX of yours may be low on Freon. Whenever you suspect that your vehicle is low on Freon your best is to have it diagnosed by a mechanic.

A Volatile Gas

But there is something that you should probably be aware of. This is because the refrigerant is quite volatile. There is therefore a need for special machinery to be able to service the A/C in your car. This also the old gases to be captured and then recycled.

It is illegal to vent the gases into the air. This is according to the regulations by the EPA.  The reason for this is that the refrigerant in your vehicle’s AC is classified as part of a group of chemicals that are known to destroy the ozone layer. These could play a part in global warming.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that the car refrigerant should never be mixed with a different type of refrigerant. To be able to service a car, there is a need for a unique type of machinery as per the type of refrigerant that is inside.

Ensure that you check your car owner’s manual and find the type of refrigerant which your car uses before you can take your car in for an AC service.

R12

The standard refrigerant used in many vehicles was R12. One of the main advantages of this type of refrigerant was that it was cheap and effective. That said, it was quickly discovered that it had a dark side. It was playing a significant part in damaging the ozone layer. This led to its ban in 1994 on new cars that were sold inside the United States.

Now that its use has diminished, the Ozone has been recovering. EPA claims that the bans could result in a full recovery of the Ozone around the middle of the 21st century.

But what if you have a classic car? This one could feature R12 refrigerant. It is still legal to drive a classic car. The good thing is that the car can be made to use newer refrigerants that do not pose a risk to the ozone layer.

R134a

The majority of vehicles on the road today will have the R134a type of refrigerant. One of the major upsides with this type of refrigerant is that it has two flammability and is much safer to use. Furthermore, it doesn’t damage the environment as the R12.

That said, judging it by our modern standards it is not the kindest to the environment. The R134a has a lot of potential for greenhouse gases.

It could end up in the atmosphere and take a long time to break down. Due to this the vehicles that are sold in the US after 2021 do not use this type of refrigerant.

R1234yf

This is the newest type of refrigerant in modern cars. The R1234yf was designed as a replacement for the R134a. Many car manufacturers have now switched over to the new type of refrigerant and many others are gradually making the change.

The main benefit of the R1234yf works similarly to the R134a. But there is a major difference, it doesn’t take as long to break down.

This results in less damage to the atmosphere. Furthermore, it is much easier to change from the R134a to the R1234yf due to AC compatibility.

Refrigerant Recovery Machine

Many people often wonder what is a refrigerant recovery machine. This is a vacuum pump that you can use to take out the Freon from the car’s engine.

Its role is to provide low levels of pressure in the cooling system of your vehicle allowing the gas that is inside to come out at high pressure. This gas will be collected in an absorber tank.

You may not always have access to a recovery machine. The good news is that there are still other options that you can explore on how to remove Freon from car without recovery machine.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine #1 – The Bicycle Pump

In case you can’t access a recovery machine and you want to remove Freon from your Toyota 4Runner, you can start by opening up the hood of your car and searching for an area where you have space between the firewall and the engine.

You should find a metal line that runs on the side of the car’s engine. You will connect your pump here.

After connecting the pump. Begin by pumping the air and allow time until you can hear a noise that is coming from the car. This should sound like hissing. This will tell you that Freon is coming out of the car’s engine.

After the Freon has been exhausted out of your vehicle engine it is important to allow a cooling time of around an hour before you can recharge the Freon. This allows the gas to evaporate from the engine.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine #2 – Vacuum Pump With Rubber Hose

Also if you cannot access a recovery machine or it is not viable to use one, you have the option of a vacuum pump that has rubber hose attachments.

You are less likely to get the engine overheating using this method. However, it is still not an ideal method in case you can access a recovery machine.

The first thing you should do is find the Freon line. This line will run along the engine of your car. Here is where you should attach the vacuum pump.

After connecting the pump begging pumping until you can hear hissing from the car. This will tell you that Freon is now escaping.

After you have pumped put all of the gas from the car’s AC, and allow the engine to cool down for about an hour. After this, you can try to recharge the car Freon. Allowing time ensures that all of the gas has evaporated from within the engine compartment.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine #3 – Using A Spark Plug Hole

If the above methods aren’t for you, there is also the option of using the spark plug hole. You will not need an electric pump or a recovery machine. This is what you should do. This is assuming yours is not a diesel truck.

Locate the spark plug hole that is on top of your car’s engine. Get a piece of wire and then connect this to the tip of one end. Stick the connected part inside the hole until you are sure it has reached the bottom.

This should result in suction which will then suck out the Freon that is in your vehicle’s engine.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine #4 – Rubber Hose And Broomstick

Yet another method for recovering Freon without a recovery machine or electric pump is using a vacuum to create suction. You can then release the gas into the exhaust system of the car. Now that this can be a dangerous method so it is not recommended.

Begin by taking out the spark plugs from the vehicle’s engine. An easier way to do this. You should spray penetrating oil inside the holes before you can take out the spark plugs. This helps in taking out any gunk or even lessening the rust.

Now you want to connect the rubber hose inside one of the holes where you took out a spark plug and then push inside until there is some resistance. Time to grab that broomstick and place this over the opposite end of the hose. This is the one that you have coned to the car.

Now begin pumping the handle of the vacuum cleaner until you notice suction. After creating sufficient suction, allow the gas out of the engine by quickly taking out the hose away from the spark plug and then sticking it onto the exhaust pipe.

You can do this plenty of times until you are sure that there isn’t any more Freon left.

After all of the Freon has come out of the vehicle’s system, allow the engine it cool for at least an hour before you can add in the new Freon. This ensures there is enough time for all of the Freon to get out of the vehicle.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine #5 – A Turkey Baster

In case you are not in the mood for any of the above methods that we have listed and you can’t access the recovery machine, or even an electric pump, a turkey baster is another good option.

However, we should point out this is not a very ideal method for testing.

The first thing that you need to do is to take out the spark plugs outside of your engine. If you want an easier time try spraying penetrating oil inside the holes before you can remove the spark plugs.

Now take the turkey baster and remove Freon out of your vehicle’s system. Ensure that you get as much of the Freon out of the system as you can.

Remove Freon

Have you decided on how to remove Freon from car without recovery machine? One thing to always ensure is whether the refrigerant is either pure or out is unpure.

You must do this to be able to tell whether you can reuse it or if you cannot reuse it and will need to get rid of it.

One way that you can find out if the Freon is pure is through the use of a purity detector. That said, you will have to make sure that you have access to a container where the refrigerant will go.

Note also that it is illegal in the United States to expose the Freon to the air.

After you have found out the purity levels of your refrigerant. It’s now time to get to go to the next step. This is to remove the Freon from your car’s system. For this process, the only thing that you will require is a wrench and a hex key.

Let’s find out just how you can take out the Freon from the car.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine – Step 1

It is important to ensure that you turn off both the heat as well as the air conditioning.

You must ensure that you have turned off the entire AC system.

This will help ensure everything goes smoothly and a whole less dangerous.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine – Step 2

Locate the suction side of the air conditioner compressor.  Also, locate the low-pressure side that has the Freon.

Keep in mind that the suction side will be on the unit on the condensing unit.

After finding both of these sides ensure that you connect the low-pressure side to the suction side. Ensure that you have hooked these together.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine – Step 3

Now, remember the wrench that we mentioned? Take this and ensure that you have closed the valve that is on the low-pressure end.

If you notice that it gets hard to use the wrench then you can try the hex key.

Now ensure that you have closed the service valve that is on the higher pressure end. You will want to make sure that you haven’t turned it too tightly though. Having it a bit open is ideal.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine – Step 4

Now it’s time to access the compressor. Find a low voltage jumper as it will play its part in this process. You are going to also find that the low-pressure end is empty.

The valve should be able to gradually empty. After it has become empty close it out using your wrench or the hex key.

How To Remove Freon From Car Without Recovery Machine – Step 5

What you never want is to find that you have closed the valve compressor. You will need to do this when the Freon has come out. It is highly important. Now make sure that the compressor doesn’t have any energy or charge left. And that’s it.

One thing to also note is that when you are removing Freon, you must be doing each of these processes as fast as well as accurately as you can.

You must do everything safely. Also, make sure you don’t interfere with the car’s electrical system which could also affect features such as Bluetooth. That said, ensure that you do the last steps fast.

Also, it is always a good idea to always have someone who will help with the few last steps and who will ensure that you remain safer.

Some Safety Tips

Have you bought a used car and want to change the Freon? Or perhaps you just want to upgrade your current vehicle.

Observing safety measures is highly important for anyone who is deciding on how to remove Freon from car without recovery machine.  The first thing that you need to do is to ensure that you already have the right equipment and tools.

These tools will include a refrigerant recovery unit, gauges, hoses as well as clamps.

Before you can start removing the Freon ensure that you have read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choose the right place to take out the Freon. This is a well-ventilated area. Freon is a gas that is toxic and could result in health issues when inhaled. If you have never done this before, you should never try to remove Freon by yourself. Let a professional handle it.

Note also that there are a variety of Freon types. There are those types that will have more concentration than others.  Some of these are highly flammable.

Protective Gear

Ensure that you have put on protective clothing including work gloves that will help keep you safe from the toxic gas. Furthermore, ensure your eyes are well protected using safety goggles.

As you handle the refrigerant you must avoid coming into contact with it or even touching it. If you find that you will need to handle it. Ensure that you have put on disposable rubber gloves.

Even with protecting clothing and gear, ensure that you do a thorough cleaning after you are done with the process.

Also, ensure that you find out the laws and regulations concerning Freon removal in your state or region. If you are not familiar with the laws. It is best to leave the job to a professional who will handle it while being aware of the laws.

You must take all of the above safety measures into account whenever you are planning on removing the Freon from your car’s system.

Too Much Freon In Car

Sometimes you could have too much Freon in your car’s system. But what could cause this?

The most likely cause is having too much of the Freon added during a service.

An inexperienced technician or one who lacks the right equipment could do this.

This could cause them to add excess Freon into the system.

Or, issues with the car compressor. You may notice that your car compressor is acting up. The car’s compressor is the unit that circulates the Freon throughout the car’s AC.

Freon will buildup of the compressor isn’t working as it should.

So what are the symptoms of too much Freon in the car?

1. High Consumption Of Fuel

Normal cars have a fuel efficiency of between 30-35 miles per gallon. That said, in case there is too much Freon inside your car, this could result in the compressor overworking.

Because of this the car will consume more fuel than normal and have a significantly reduced fuel efficiency.

2. Noises Coming From The AC

You may also notice that there are noises that are coming from the car’s AC. These could be anywhere from hissing to banging and could indicate that there is too much Freon in the AC.

This noise comes from an overworking compressor and could result in more damage if left unsolved.

3. Low Air Flow Through The Vents

Another way that you can tell that there is too much Freon in the AC is if there is reduced airflow that is coming from the vents. This can be easy if you regularly use the AC and have noticed that the airflow has gone down.

This is often due to an overworking compressor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Evacuate Car AC System

Start by depressing the car’s access valve. Next, charge the side with the low pressure, depress the access valve again, and now depress the side with the high pressure. Now charge with the refrigerant.

How Much Is Car Freon

The Freon coats can be anywhere from $40-$150 at Walmart. At Amazon, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $180. The costs will depend on the quantity and how much is required to recharge your car’s system.