I need to depressurize my AC system so I can take my engine out, however I can't get it to a shop. I'd rather not vent it to the atmosphere because that's just a wee bit illegal, so does anyone know what's involved in servicing an AC system like that? Would there be a kit I can order somewhere for cheap?

Not really, you need a special equipment which is fairly expensive and you need to be certified to handle R-134A refridgerant and R-12 refridgerant depending on the year of your vehicle. My advice is to try to have a professional do it before you get hurt or in serious trouble with the EPA. Because the refridgerant is a pollutant and is under high pressures in some locations, not to mention if you get refridgerant in your eyes it can cause blindness

I accidently depressurized my AC once. Gosh I hope I'm not the one that started this global warming thing.

Chase told me today that it takes some special equipment to do it. He doesn't have said equipment. Though he said he could do it by just letting it out into the great big blue sky.

I have an extremely ghetto idea that just might work.

Since I don't have access to the equipment and I have no way to get the car to a shop to have the AC system serviced, I can get one of those do-it-yourself AC recharge kits with a removable hose. Then I'll get some metal bottles that can be sealed, empty the freon into the bottles by holding it in such a way that the air will be pushed out and as much of the freon will be captured in the bottles, then I'll seal them up and take them to the hazardous waste dump. It's better than venting it straight to the atmosphere, not ideal but might be the best I can manage. Any other ideas?

You want ghetto I'll give ya ghetto... I'd use a large capacity balloon.

You knoooooooooow, that might not be a bad idea, hahaha

That would be teh funnay

I would think that would be just as bad as venting it into the atmosphere because balloons are think and break, rip, etc easily. Dont forget to wear gloves and a face guard

The a/c system will have 2 parts to it. You have your high side pressure which will be gas, then the low side which will have the liquid. In order to understand that you need to know how the system works first. The system should not have any air, air as meaning outside air. The air inside is actually a gas known as R134A, not freon. The gas is part of the refrigerant as well as the liquid. You can't just vent it out. Depending on how long your system has set, it may have leaked out on it's own. Most places should only charge less than an hour of labor, so less than $100.
I've been a mechanic for about 8 years now. The a/c system isn't dangerous as what every thinks it is. The system is under pressure, high pressure only when running. As with anything, if you take the necessary precautions then you won't have to worry about getting hurt.

I agree with him. I do not however agree with sniperofbuffalo. I don't know about where he is from but you only need a license for R12 because it is like freon. R134a is not like freon and can be purchased by anyone at Wal-Mart or your local autoparts store. The same goes for the recharge kit. The only time you need a license is when purchasing or handling freon or R12. This is because of the tetraflourohydrocarbons (whippets).That is why everything in vehicles is switched to R134a because with an R12 leak, you will pass out going down the road. So, it is a danger to yourself and other motorists. You still should not be venting the stuff into the atmosphere.