Update:
So after I learned how the gauge set is valved internally and that the pressures probably were not reversed but simply affecting each other cause I didn't have the valves properly configured, I discovered I was loosing freon due to a sudden pressure leak. Because there was dye in the system, I quickly discovered it was the crimp connection between the hose and the LP compressor outlet tube (with the LP port on it). It got so bad at one point that it started to hiss and by the next morning the system was empty. This happened around 10pm so I could not take it anywhere to have what was left evacuated properly. I removed the hose and put it back in my crimp tool and was able to get a little bit more of a crimp on it. I pulled a vaccum and it held but I really wanted to pressurize it with argon or something but didn't feel like making up the connections so I decided to take it to a shop where they could pressure test it (not just pull a vacuum) since it had tested OK under vacuum but leaked under pressure.
The shop says sure, we can do that. Two hours latter I get a call that it is finished and I was a little miffed because I expected them to pressure test and pull a vacuum and to leave it long enough to be sure it isn't leaking in either condition. I highly doubt I will return to them since they didn't do what I asked. (not that I take my cars to shops more than once a decade as it is)
I pick it up and they say that I fixed it. I asked if they pressure tested it and they said no... I explained that the reason I brought it to them was to pressurize it in addition to evacuating it. Got that glassy stare back like I have 3 eyeballs.
Then I get home and see the invoice says they added a NAPA 134a with oil in it. I go to NAPA and get the specification on the part number and calculate they added 4 oz of oil to the system which is factory filled with 7oz and no more is to be added. At this point I wish I had just spent the time to plumb in argon or something and pressure test it myself. But I go back and kept my cool and confronted them concerning the oil and they say, "oh the computer just uses that part number (which is for a 14oz can) but we really used our cart which has 134a only in it".
And this my friends is why I would rather bumble around these things myself.
I'm not sure if it is really fixed yet. It blows cold but whether or not it will leak is to be seen. I cleaned some dye off the area this morning that I am hoping is from them when they disconnected their hoses.
