Yellow Jacket 42004 Series 41 Manifold with 3-1/8" Gauge, psi, R-22/404A/410A

My home AC system's evaporator began freezing up recently. This is often an indication that the system is undercharged, most likely due to a leak. I've had service companies come out in the past to fix this system (too frequently, unfortunately) but the quality of the work is always hit and miss. Plus, we're in the middle of AC season and I usually end up waiting up to a couple of weeks for a tech to come out. As much as I keep promising myself that I'll pay people to do the stuff I don't want to do, I often end up doing it myself. OK, DIY it is.I've worked on plenty of mobile AC systems in the past but not very many residential systems. My R22 gauge set is probably 40 years old, doesn't have superheat/subcool temperatures for R410a, and all the hoses needed to be replaced. I decided to go ahead and buy a gauge set.I looked at some that were half the price of this set. They had a 4th port to connect a vacuum pump and a sight glass (both nice features that this gauge set doesn't have), but the reviews were OK at best. R410a is a relatively high pressure and moderately expensive refrigerant and the last thing I wanted was to have a leak or worse. I settled on Yellowjacket as I've used their stuff in the past and it's a good combination of affordability and quality.This is a pretty good set of entry-level gauges. They're legible, the quality seems to be fine, and the handwheels for the valves are metal. I have an R134a gauge set with plastic handwheels and one disintegrated after a relatively mild hit so I've grown to LOATHE plastic handwheels.Using them was straightforward. I connected them to the condenser, purged the lines and connected a tank of 410a. I topped the system off with liquid refrigerant through the low-side line and it was very easy to throttle the valve to prevent hitting the compressor with a big slug of liquid refrigerant. It was also easy to read the temperature on the gauge to get the amount of superheat just right.I'm probably going to add a valve core depressor on the end of the high-side hose. Removing that hose from the condenser dumps a lot of liquid refrigerant and gave me a slight case of frostbite on my index finger. A valve core depressor allows you to close the Schrader valve before removing the hose. Not necessary but it does make working on the system a little nicer.I also recommend getting a bottle of Nylog Blue and lubricating all the fittings on the hose with it. Nylog is a lubricant that helps the fittings seal. It makes threading the connections together easier and reduces the chance of a leak. Again, not necessary but nice to have. I put a tiny drop on the rubber seal in each end of the three refrigerant hoses and a bit more on the threads.Oh, and I found the leak. Looks like I'll be replacing a leaky Schrader valve core on the low-side service port... as soon as Amazon delivers my core removal tool. If I keep this up, I'll have an entire HVAC shop's worth of tools in my garage.

I've just completed installing and properly tuning a split system air conditioner and evaporator coil to work with my existing gas furnace. I bought the equipment, the R410a, and about $1000 worth of specialty tools (no shortcuts) - almost all online (95% Amazon). I did this - after loads of research - because I wanted to ensure that my specific installation wishes would be fulfilled. And I still saved $1500 over the lowest bid (and that guy completely ignored a specific request).The Manifold is the centerpiece of a good set of HVAC tools, so don't skimp out here. This thing reeks of quality, and I'll be proud of mine for years to come.The seals on the hoses and the chambers work so well and without force. The gauges are big and convenient. The swiveling hook is a standard feature, but a great idea, and I love the 5' hoses, even for residential systems.If you really want to do it right, you'll get a set of thumbscrew core depressors to go with this if you're working with Schrader valves, but this set has everything you need to get started. Great manifold.

Great qualityValue for your moneyEasy use

Tried and true, and will last forever

It is as you see it. Came undamaged, and works fine.

Nice set of gages

Used to check refrigerant pressure and add refrigerant to a mini split heat pump. Was easy to use. Fittings are high quality and gauges are top notch. No reason it shouldn't last a lifetime.

They work as they should