A/C Air Leak

Hello,

I followed many of the threads referring to recharging the A/C Unit. I bought a kit that has a gauge on it to tell me the pressure. When I finally got it hooked up (correctly), the gauge read zero psi. I used the can to inject the system, and it went to the blue portion of the gauge which meant it was charged. For about 2 minutes I had beautiful cold air, however I was suspicious about the zero psi. I shut off the car and can hear a distinct air leak in the A/C system. It isn't in the freon tank, or near any of the valves, nor towards the cab, it is right next to the radiator.

My question is.... What could be there which would cause the leak ie, a coupling or cooling unit, and if it is leaking as with my case, does anyone know an estimate of repairing it? There is the possibility that I could get one from another model, ( the whole AC unit or any various parts ) Would it be worth my time to do so?

Thanks

The system need to be evacuated and leak tested for a proper diagnosis, this is not usually a " dyer" type repair.

When I called the people at the local car shop, they said it needs to be filled with freon, tested with dye for a leak. I called them to let them know that the leak was near the condensor, because I can hear it. They then said I might have to replace the lines and the condensor....

How hard is it to replace all of this, if i buy aftermarket parts

Hello,

I followed many of the threads referring to recharging the A/C Unit. I bought a kit that has a gauge on it to tell me the pressure. When I finally got it hooked up (correctly), the gauge read zero psi. I used the can to inject the system, and it went to the blue portion of the gauge which meant it was charged. For about 2 minutes I had beautiful cold air, however I was suspicious about the zero psi. I shut off the car and can hear a distinct air leak in the A/C system. It isn't in the freon tank, or near any of the valves, nor towards the cab, it is right next to the radiator.

It is probably the AC condenser, or one of the AC lines/hoses going into the condenser.

My question is.... What could be there which would cause the leak ie, a coupling or cooling unit, and if it is leaking as with my case, does anyone know an estimate of repairing it? There is the possibility that I could get one from another model, ( the whole AC unit or any various parts ) Would it be worth my time to do so?

First of all, there is no such thing as an AC unit. The AC system is contains several parts, but is not available as a unit. Secondly, unless you have a lot of time, tools, equipment, and a reasonable skill level, you don't (and don't need) to replace all the parts in the system.

If the condenser is indeed the problem, it must be replaced. Normally, you would first need an AC machine to recover any freon left in the system. In your case I don't think this will be a problem. Make sure you use new o-rings on the line connections going into the condenser. You'll need to add some oil to the new condenser or you can add some when you recharge the system. You'll need a repair database to find the correct amount of oil. Once installation is complete, you'll need an AC machine to evacuate the AC system. Once evacuation is complete, you can recharge the system with the proper amount of freon. It is important to have the correct charge of freon and again, using an AC machine is the best way. After the system is charged it's a good idea to add some leak tracer dye. I believe the correct ratio is a quarter ounce of dye for every four pounds of freon. Dye is not mandatory but it's a good idea since most AC leaks are slight.

All in all, AC work is best left for a repair shop as they have the tools, equipment, experience, database...

If you do decide to do the repair (if indeed it is the condeser) remember to be careful of the radiator. The condenser will be fastened to the radiator and the core on the radiator (and condenser) is delicate.

Thanks

You're welcome.

rjkunde,

I had a problem with my post as my reply was include in your quote so I know it's hard to follow.

No, its fine, I got it. Thank you for the input. What I meant by unit was asking if it was resonable to even think about taking the lines/condenser/tank from another vehicle. From what you say however, it seems unlikely to even attempt.

Only problem here is the people down at the repair shop want money at this point..... but if I need AC that bad then Illl have to fork up money I spose.