Any luck using those diy a/c recharge kits?

Don't do it! They can do more damage than good. Get an inexpensive manifold gauge set from Harbor Freight and do it right.

I had a better gauge but I fill my own all the time.

Have a professional, show you how to do it.

As was mentioned... those kits will make the real repair a LOT more expensive, and there WILL be a repair in the very near future. For a number of reasons.