I replaced the ac compressor in my Mazda 3 and now need to recharge the system. I was going to take it into an ac shop to have it charged, but they're not available until Monday, so now I'm thinking of borrowing the vacuum pump and manifold gauge set from O'Reilly's and just doing it myself, for less money.
However, I read some comments about how you shouldn't use the same manifold gauge set with different refrigerants and oils or you risk contaminating your system. Of course, I have no idea what has been done with a set of gauges borrowed from the parts store. Should I really be worried about cross contamination or are the amounts left behind in the tubes such trace amounts that it doesn't matter?
I guess I could also buy a cheap set of gauges from Harbor Freight, but then I wouldn't be saving any money on the recharge.
However, I read some comments about how you shouldn't use the same manifold gauge set with different refrigerants and oils or you risk contaminating your system. Of course, I have no idea what has been done with a set of gauges borrowed from the parts store. Should I really be worried about cross contamination or are the amounts left behind in the tubes such trace amounts that it doesn't matter?
I guess I could also buy a cheap set of gauges from Harbor Freight, but then I wouldn't be saving any money on the recharge.