I think I want to open my AC system...
 

Since it is already pressurized (134a), shouldn't we be able to attach a tank to the line and have it evacuate into the tank without a vacumn pump?

once you attatch the tank the pressure will equalize between the system and the tank. it wont just magically suck it out (not trying to be a smart ass)

Not looking for magic. If there is pressure in the system and 0 in the tank, or better yet, if the tank has a vacuum, then attaching the tank should draw some if not all of the volume from the system.

Then I can just take it to the local ac shop and have the tack evacuated and a new vacuum applied to the tank. If I have to do this two or more times to lower the pressure in the system to where it is insignificant; that's OK with me.

A little trick I learned is to cool the tank you want the refrigerant to go into. Surround your evac tank with dry ice and that should get most of it but you may lose a bit...

Thanks, where did you get a tank?

I don't care if I lose any fluid/gas; it is R134 and I can get that anywhere. (If it were R12 I certainly would be trying to recover all I can). I just don't want to release the gas into the air.

^ i'm trying to do the same thing, i thought only 95 converted to R134?

did you ever find where to get a tank and how to remove the freon?

Never found a tank for a reasonable price (< $150). Mine was R12, Converted years ago to R134.