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I had to change the gaskets where the lines attach to the back of the compressor due to a leak that lost the systems charge quite awhile ago...need to know what to do to charge it...can't seem to get the A/C clutch to engage...is there a trick I need to know...it worked fine before but it has been over a year since it lost its charge...(long story)

The A/C clutch will not engage with zero pressure in the system.

I figured that so I hooked up a can and put some in but it still wouldnt engage...in the old days you just jumpered the pressure switch but this one has three prongs not two like the oldies...LOL...I miss the simple times

You need to have a vacuum put on the system before it will take a charge. Just bring it to the AC shop.

Exactly what andrew said you need a vacuum pump to suck all the air out of the system.

Image taking an empty pop bottle and you tried to blow air into it, you would have a heck of a time getting extra air (or in this case AC refrigerant) into the bottle. But if you sucked all the air out of the bottle 1st and then pumped your refrigerant in to it, it would then take a few cans to fill the bottle (or AC system in your case) back up. Hope this makes sense.

I purchased my AC vacuum pump from Harbor frieght for about $90 and a set of AC gauges for $40. I just got done changing my AC compressor 2 weeks ago. If you are going to go to this extent. would recommend changing the Orifice tube at the same time its only $2. It is located in the AC line between the high port and the low port on the ac. Just unscrew the black nut between the 2 ports using 2 wrenches. Make sure you make note of what DIRECTION the new orifice tube goes in. The orifice tube is not only an important part of the AC system but also works as a filter for the AC system and this filter can become clogged.

1. change orifice tube
2. once you vacuum out all of the air from the ac system keep your gauges connected. Make note of where your needles are in the negative. After about an hour I check back to make sure the needles have not moved. this will ensure you do not have a leak again.
3. once you have confirmed no leaks add your refrigerant and enjoy your ICY cold air.

If you dont want to buy the equipment then you may want to just take it somewhere. I just talked to someone and they said they paid $150 to get their ac recharged.

Good luck

I just had mine done on a project car and it was $100 out the door. Included vacuuming the system, orifice tube, and 2lbs of freon.

Thank you...I have the equipment available to vacuum it down...good advice all...Thanks

mine took 2.5lbs to make both sides icy cold.