To: bovik@CS.CMU.EDU
Subject: Auto A/C Repair (recharge)
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 91 15:53:06 EDT
Message-ID: <2412.676669986@MONTEREY.PC.CS.CMU.EDU>
From: Matthew.J.Zekauskas@MONTEREY.PC.CS.CMU.EDU

I just had a pleasant experience taking my car (1984 Chevy Citation)
to Constantin Garage (4510 Henry, physically part of the SEI garage,
621-8497, mentioned previously in bovik d cars c repair msgs 364 &
374).  The air conditioning system had stopped working, and I knew
it had at least lost some refrigerant because connecting a pressure
gauge to the low side showed very little pressure.  The A/C had not
been working since last fall; it last failed 4 months after I
purchased the car (new) during the first serious hot spell...  one
of the high pressure line connectors had not been tightened.

I took it in and told them that the refrigerant was low, and asked
them to check the system for leaks.  1.5lbs of refrigerant was added
to the car ($15) and the system was checked with no leaks found ($25
total for labor).  After being refilled, the temperature at the
interior vents was checked and found to be within specification.
The person I talked to asked me if the car had been recharged
recently -- they checked to ensure that my symptoms confirmed their
diagnosis ("normal" seepage over time, no "leak").  If it stopped
working again they wanted to be sure I brought the car back so they
could see what happened.

I felt they were courteous, helpful, and competent.  If I need a mechanic
again, I'd go back.

--Matt

The following is the only response I got to my plea for recommendations...
I probably should have asked during the normal school year :-).

--------

Date: Thu, 16 May 1991 16:59-EDT
From: John.Pieper@IUS3.IUS.CS.CMU.EDU
Subject: Re: Auto A/C Repair Recommendations?

Bruno's in East Liberty are all-around good mechanics. I let them work
on my after-market A/C and it works good now.