OrionMotorTech OrionMotorTech 3 Way AC Diagnostic Manifold Gauge Set for Freon Charging, Fits R134A R12 R22 and R502 Refrigerants, with 5FT Hose, Acme Tank Adapters, Adjustable Couplers and Can Tap

First and foremost I, just like everyone else buying this tool, am a weekend warrior shade tree mechanic. My to go place is the local HF, however they didn't have a manifold gauge in stock neither in Tampa nor in Miami due to hurricane Michael. This particular gauge is exact same model as the cheaper version sold by Orion but comes with a can tap (I already had one so didn't care) and most importantly with couplers that can be shut close. 1/2 ACME adapter might become useful if I need to recharge my home A/C. As opposed to the HF gauge this one is missing a bleed valve for the yellow line which I overcame by unscrewing loose the gauge side of the yellow hose letting the air out. Would be nice of the manufacturer to add one. As far as the dreaded "stuck high pressure coupler" problem. I tend to believe this is simply to not understanding the basic concept of needing to shut the engine off and let some pressure out of the high pressure line hose (red) before attempting to remove the coupler. I did have a problem with the LP coupler which turned out to be a user error. In order to put it on I had to shut the valve close and then it went all the way in no problem. I purchased my CLS in June 2017. Been extremely happy with it, got rid of the airmatic suspension which made me even happier. Then in July 2018 the A/C started blowing hot air on the right. Read multiple forums which lead me to believe the problem lied in the heat core exchange valve (even though in that case the left vents would be blowing hot air). My launch icarscan scanner showed no problems. Before going through the painful heat core valve replacement process I decided to give it a try and add 3 OZ of freon. Which solved the problem immediately. Fast forward three months and the A/C stopped working again. Bought an FJC 4910 A/C UV dye, added it with a 5cc syringe inside the yellow hose, put 5 OZ of R134a with NO stop leak until the low line pressure reached 35psi and the A/C is working again. That's how I did it (I am no mechanic so might be wrong): 1. turn off the engine, close the couplers', HP and LP valves. 2. Connect HP and LP couplers. Should go in very easily. 3. Start the engine, turn on the a/c. 4.open the couplers' valves and the blue (LP) valve. Leave the red one closed. 5.close the can valve so it punctures its seal. open the valve. Let some air out from the yellow hose by loosening it up on the gauge side until you see gas bubbles in the window. 6. when the LP line pressure reaches 25-35psi (might vary a bit) close the couplers then the blue valve and can valve. 7.shut off the engine and remove the couplers. might need to open the red valve to let some pressure out. P.S. I will update the review when the A/C UV dye shows where exactly the freon is leaking. Hopefully, it is just a seal and not the compressor. I have high hopes that the gauge will be able to hold -30psi vacuum. If not then it will be shipped back.

Great but confusing instructions. Makes the job so much easier

Very good product

Good product

This was an excellent find. They seem to be high-quality gauges and great build quality. I have been using these for almost 2 years and have had any issues. The gauges seemed to be reliable.