ryan.h Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 If I charge my AC system, it's dead within 12 hours. Guess I've got a leak somewhere. I installed UV dye and have not seen any leaks. I checked the lines in the engine bay and the AC compressor. So, I guess that means it's either the evaporator or condensor, right? How do I get to them? The condenser seems to be hidden in the middle of the radiator or something - I can't see squat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 The condensor is in front of the radiator. My guess is it would be leaking around the fittings, but either way check the condensor to see if you can see any holes or anything of the sort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 My current solution for leaking systems is to just replace all the O-rings, and try again. a $3 bag of O-rings covers all the o-rings in our cars, so just do it and try again. however, at your rate of leaking, you may have something major busted. keep looking! you can se the front of the condeor by looking from the front of the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Dubya Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 the condenser may be leaking and you cannot see it because it is behind the radiator, it maybe leaking from the cores, if it's leaking out in 12 hrs its a bad leak and you should be able to see it clearly once you find where it is. I would suggest looking under the car to where the evap core drains, you may see dye in the hose that runs to the ground. Also move the radiator forward and look at the condenser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuwaitliberation Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 Just to satisfy my brain here (what's left of it, that is). You are using the UV light and glasses, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan.h Posted May 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2007 Yeah, the reason I didn't see the condenser was because it was as big as the radiator! I thought it WAS the radiator. When I pulled the plastic "headlight flap things" off, I saw clearly the condenser was in front of the radiator. Anywho, I think I found the cause of my leak. When I took the cap off the high side port I heard hissing and could feel the leak. I'll have to replace the line since I don't think the valve unscrews. Never noticed it before because either the engine was running or the cap was on it. Hopefully this takes care of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan.h Posted May 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2007 Just to satisfy my brain here (what's left of it, that is). You are using the UV light and glasses, right? UV light - yes. Glasses - no. I like to live dangerously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Dubya Posted May 4, 2007 Report Share Posted May 4, 2007 Well the glasses not only protect your eyes but it also makes it easier to see the glow of the dye under the UV light. Also, you should be able to replace the core inside of that service port. You probably don't need to replace the entire line for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan.h Posted May 7, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2007 Well I replaced the line and still have a steady leak from somewhere else. I did not find any dye on the front of the condensor or at any couplings. I guess I'll check the evaporator, but I don't expect to find anything there. Has anyone had any experience with AC leak sealants? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Dubya Posted May 7, 2007 Report Share Posted May 7, 2007 major leaks are usually pretty easy to find, best way to do it really is to waste the $15 for a couple cans of 134a and then charge the system and listen for the bleed out somewhere, you should be able to hear at least a slow hiss, if not see it dripping the oil. How long has the system been down since its last charging, or what was the longest it went without the refrigerant and oil? Maybe the center o-ring on the compressor is shot, that would cause a massive leak. Get those glasses on and start looking. The drain tube for the evap core inside the dash is usually run out of a hose towards the bottom of the car, near the firewall. Check that fluid for dye as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuwaitliberation Posted May 7, 2007 Report Share Posted May 7, 2007 Just to satisfy my brain here (what's left of it, that is). You are using the UV light and glasses, right? UV light - yes. Glasses - no. I like to live dangerously. Yea, gotta have the glasses. Can't see the stuff very good without them. best way to do it really is to waste the $15 for a couple cans of 134a and then charge the system and listen for the bleed out somewhere, you should be able to hear at least a slow hiss, if not see it dripping the oil. The stuff I get is from Wal-Mart and it has the R-134a, UV Dye, Oil and a coolant additive (that works great, I might add) all in one can. You add a couple of those cans, and you will be able to see whatever it is that is leaking, no problem. It appears to be a big leak, so you shouldn't have a problem seeing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan.h Posted May 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2007 How in the hell do you get to the evaporator? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted May 10, 2007 Report Share Posted May 10, 2007 Its right below the battery. Take out the air filter, and box and hose. Then it will be staring you in the face Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan.h Posted May 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 That's the condensor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 oops read that wrong. Not exactly sure where that is. Id just follow the lines... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shyguy164 Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 How in the hell do you get to the evaporator? It's just after the heater core, depending on how you look at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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