A/C recycle machine questions
 

I did not find answers on my search here and I did download a similar manual on the Robinair website for a model 17400. But it does not address my questions. I have an old Robinair R12 model 17400A reclaim and recycle machine (the one without a built in vacuum pump)(no recharge function). This is the red/black roll out unit with a 30 lb recycle tank.

1.)When I recycle I can see liquid refrigerant flow thru the moisture indicator for a few seconds, then it goes clear. I recycled for an hour and the moisture indicator never turns green (dry). It just stays yellow (wet) (manual says replace filter/dryer). I bought a new filter/dryer for the machine, installed and vacuumed the lines per insrtuctions. Recycled again and moisture indicator still stays yellow. Do you think I have a faulty moisture indicator? if so should I bother trying to track one down from Robinair? I feel that with a new filter/dryer it should dry the refrigerant out enough after a few hours.

2.) This robinair model does not have the air purge indicator, it has an oil drain port controlled by a hand wheel and one port to connect the yellow manifold hose for reclaiming. How/when do I purge the air? oil discharge wheel?

3.) On top of the recycle tank there is a "y" connection with a blue and red handwheel with same color hoses and then a yellow hose connection, all this connects to the machine. To recharge, I quess I disconnect all the hoses (do I need to vacuum the recycle tank? if so what connection?). When recharging I quess I connect to the blue "y" connection (gas). Is this right? Thanks