Now I put the new accumulator ($49.99) on and also the new orifice tube ($2.95) in the bottom tube of the evaporator. Next I checked all the connections and reconnected the guage set. I then ran the vacumm pump for about 3 min to get a vacuum reading of 29". At this point close both valves on the guage set, turn off the vacuum pump and go have another beer. Wait 15 min or so and check to see if the system held the vacuum. In my case no problem, but if the vacuum dropped first step is to close the service valves on the back of the compressor and repeat the test. If it holds that time the leak is in the compressor, if not it's in one of the lines, connections, or coils. If there are no leaks, it's time for the 3 step evacuation.

Owner caption June 2003 · Photo 11 of 25