Other than going to an independant mechanic you can talk 1 on 1 with, would you just continue going to a dealer? The service you mentioned would cost about $75 at an independent shop and would have accomplished the same goal. The AC machine isn't going to tell you if the valves are leaking because they are open when it tests for leaks.

You found the leak, you just need an evac and one of these to remove the Schrader valves. Replace both and have it refilled. The seal the pin presses against will get flat as paper and just leak over time. As a general rule I like to replace them if they're over 10 years old. They like to give out in the upper teens or during their 20s. (vehicle age).

 

I paid $200 at the dealer and the independent mechanic I scheduled quoted "a few hundred dollars" to perform the same service and change the schrader valves. There is no shop in my area that charges $75 for any service.

 

WOW I did not expect recovery machine to be just $400.

What I did - went to A/C shop to have A/C system evacuated. Paid $100.

Did fill up myself hacing invested ~ $100 into pump and manyfold (Harbor Freigh)

Given how rare I need to do it (once in 10 years) I figured this was the most economical

 

"in use valve core service tool"

You're welcome.

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Your car is two decades old. All the grease in your wheel bearings are dead. All your original bushings have have lost elasticity. Swap out the valve cores.

 

I understand the need for the right equipment, but might consider how often this equipment will be needed.

I would look at Harbor Freight: vacuum pump and gauges. I used an inexpensive kitchen scale to weigh the refrigerant. As for evacuation, that was already done as the systems had slready open up. The other occasion where the system was charged, I brought it my local mechanic whom charged me $60 to evacuate and recharge afterwards. Granted, I knew this person well. But he only did 15 minutes worth of real labor!

 

Investing in tools and equipment could be justified if the cost is similar to the service, or OP has to service many cars in a near future. I hired an indy mech (that I trust) about 17 years ago for about 100 bucks. The A/C worked for at least 12 years, then the car was sold. Even 200 bucks is still acceptable versus buying the tools and equipment, and consumable materials. If OP can't trust any mechs in his area, then I can understand his wiliness to invest and perform this service by himself.
OP, if you live in or near NYC, I can give you a phone number of a reliable indy mech.

 

It's very justifiable, I shouldn't poo-poo on buying his own equipment to do it at home. It's the same spirit of adventure and thrill I feel when I buy new tools, even if they're for one job ever.

 

After some actual modern day pricing research it sounds like the standard base rate is 1 labor hour. I'm not even sure if I remember the last time I saw an actual "A/C shop"

I have to admit I don't remember what a service shop bill looks like. With no hiccups, the actual labor for an evac/recharge and valve replacement is about 10 minutes if you include pulling it into the shop. The rest of the time is for making coffee and running to the men's room.

 

I’ve had it done a few times at my independent mechanic shop and it’s always cost around $150. The only AC shop I can think of is Rad Air. I’m not sure if that’s a national chain or if it’s local here in Ohio.