[crayzkirk]

I watched a bunch of videos, got a sight glass and took a look at the refrigerant. It was clear and everything looked like the acceptable pictures. I understand why shops don't want to fix things this way, that AC equipment isn't cheap and no one really fixes anything these days. We are conditioned to just throw it away and buy new. Plus if the compressor goes out after replacing the valve, they are going to have to cover the cost of it. If this repair didn't work, I was going to replace the compressor anyways. I might not ever use the pump and gauges again however it's nice to know how things work and it's still fun to tinker with something as long as you respect that it can bite you.

Yeah, those two bolts ere a PITA. Had to use a wrench on the top one and the bottom one is so cramped that I was lucky to get a single click on the ratchet.