AC trouble - How do you check this circuit?

I don't recommend cans. Good way to get air in the system.

I don't recommend hf gauges unless you're careful. They open up too much and bend the valves.

Autozone also sells. I have no 411 to give on my set yet. Hasn't been used yet.

 

I’ve heard they actually work. Hard to believe. Maybe in a pinch? Better than nothing? I wonder myself. Seems I read something about 75% effective? Might be just the thing to carry on the Truck. HF small regular unit is a good deal. I’ve got a Robinair? I think it’s called. Supposed to be the best. My Brother in Law passed, I gave his widow 50% of original cost. She had it in her garage sale with $20 price tag for 2 days. Lol. Lucky She didn’t sell it. I could have gotten it for free. It works great. It’s overkill for my use. But it’ll last forever. 30 lbs vacuum pulled for 30 minutes is suggested. I usually pull it for at least an hour. Let it set/hold for at least 30 minutes, to check for leaks. Even with mine, 29 lbs is the most it will pull down to. My friend who’s HVAC says that’s normal. 30 lbs is all but impossible to get. He was offering to loan his pump, saying it’s the best. I told him I had the big robinair. Same one he has. Everything he has, is always “the best” Lol. It will handle Commercial work. A small robinair would be nice for the Truck.

 

The hf gauges screw in too far and bend the Schrader valves.

They screw in farther then the valves push down.

 

That explains

That explains my schrader valve being bent, had a heck of a time getting it out. Broke the tool off in it. Finally carefully drilled it out. I’ll need to be careful using them. Old set had a leak, couldn’t find it. Wouldn’t hold a vacuum. New sets been fine.