AC problem - what does this reading mean?

I do have a harbor freight vacuum pump of dubious provenance/efficacy, so that's a go.

IMO the whole vacuum thing is just bonus fanciness. I've rescued plenty of busted AC systems without all that vacuum stuff.

Good point about oil tho. There's probably a bunch already kicking around in the system - I wouldn't want to overfill. Any ideas on that procedure?

 

I always stay away from dealers when I can help it, I prefer to go to LKQ or fleet pride to get parts.

The truck is a 2014, but it's lived a hard 6 years. Definitely not getting rid of it because AC is shot tho. I'm gonna push this beast until the engine falls out at 2 million.

 

Wha? Is it to make it smell like lemons?

 

I already have a new ish condenser and drier. Might as well do expansion valve, it's like 30 bucks. The thing is, I don't want this whole ordeal to turn into 2 days of downtime, that's why I was just planning on doing it myself on a 10 hour break in the back of some TA somewhere.

Can you please elaborate on the balloons thing? I am quite confused. I

 

Eh, LKQ is also like 200 bucks, so I just jam it in there redneck style and if I mess it up it's no big deal and a learning experience. Freightliner is prolly like $700 and I would be too nervous to do it myself.