R-134a additive.

[fly]

Has anyone tried this stuff?. I have tried other additives in the past and was not impressed. I am thinking of getting a can to test in my wifes car. I think this stuff might really work, as it is associated with NASA and the DOD.
Seriously,this is something you can easily test with a thermometer.

[Stooge]

Fly

Like all additives, most just drain your wallet and do nothing. This additive probably has a good amount of propane. See if the can says its "flammable" - a good sign. Propane can help the system but is flammable and is hard on the seals and moving parts. If your AC system is not performing properly, do the following:

Clean the condenser (heat exchanger in front of the radiator
Make sure the evaporator in the dash is not caked with leaves and dirt (may take some disassembly)
Make sure the heater water valve on the firewall is all the way shut when in the COLD position
If still not working right (AC air should be at least 20 degrees colder than ambient air temp), check the charge.
Ensure the compressor runs continuously (cycling CAN indicate a low charge)
If the charge is low, there's a leak - find and fix
Once fixed, have the system evacuated using a vacuum pump for a couple hours - important
Recharge with oil (proper amount)
Use a charging bottle to refill with refrigerant (amount listed on nameplate under hood)

Happy Hunting

Mike

[tundrawes]

I noticed you mentioned the following

"Ensure the compressor runs continuously (cycling CAN indicate a low charge)"

Mine clicks on and off (I noticed because the rpms move up and down every few minutes when im at a stop), is this a problem?

[Stooge]

Depends on how cold or hot it is outside. You can buy a cheap, low side guage at the autoparts store to check the charge. Instructions included!!

[Brian M]

Cycling is almost always indicative of low freon. That is almost always a sign of a leak. Some people will try and tell you that cars just lose freon...but I never believe that crap.

I had a '74 Corolla that went to its grave with the same freon it came from Japan with in the system. Never needed any.

[goddsmack]

Originally posted by tundrawes
Mine clicks on and off (I noticed because the rpms move up and down every few minutes when im at a stop), is this a problem?

Normal operation, it's simply the compressor turning on and off based on the temperature increase through a thermostate, think of it as a climate control trying to stay at a particular temperature.