I had my A/C system professionally evacuated on my EK so I could replace my compressor, condenser and drier. I have cleaned my lines at home with an air compressor. My biggest question is can I recharge the system myself at home? Do I just need to add R134 and PAG oil or is there something I am missing.

 

Yes, you can do the job at home. Have you looked in the service manual? It's explained in nauseating detail there.

 

It just says have system evacuated as the last step but I already had the system evacuated before I took the compressor off. What happens with all of the ambient air in the system when I charge it up?

 

I assume you had the old refrigerant recovered because the compressor failed, which is why you also replaced the condenser. Why didn't you also replace the evaporator?

After replacing the parts and flushing the lines, you must add the appropriate volume of oil (covered in detail in service manual), place system under a deep vacuum for at least an hour, and then recharge with the proper weight of R134a (covered in service manual).

 

^ what he said, you must place the system under a vacuum anytime you open it up to the atmosphere

 

Which means unless I have the equipment I cannot do this at home?

 

If you don't have or have access to a very good vacuum pump, manifold gauge set, and accurate scale and you don't understand the directions in the service manual, then you're over your head and you should have a professional do the job.

 

you can rent the vacuum pump at autozone, Im in central florida and have loan a tooled the vacuum pump several times from autozone

it will also let you know if you have any leaks

 

If OP has access to a manifold gauge set to monitor vacuum of the closed system.

 

harbor freight coupons around for 49.99

I have one orlando is big, OP can you be more specific on location

not sure if they loan a tool the guages, they might since they have all the other stuff

 

I couldn't find a free rental for the gauge set, but I might have missed it.

 

It varies but I do recall autozone renting out pumps and gauges. So did advance auto parts.

 

Maybe it's different in your location?

Loan-A-Tool | AutoZone.com
http://www.pepboys.com/parts/tools/
Advance Auto Parts offers loaner tools for most all car projects.
Rental Tools | O'Reilly Auto Parts
CARQUEST - Loaner Tools

 

Advance Auto does sell them, but I don't believe they rent them.

 

last time I got the vacuum pump they asked me if I needed the gauge set, not sure if they meant ... to rent or buy (autozone)

 

All free rental tools are listed at the links I posted.

 

Yeah I found out I can rent the vacuum and guages so I will being doing this. Do I add PAG 46 oil to the high or low inlet of the compressor?

 

Who rents the manifold gauge set?