can not locate ac freon leak.

[RustyPile]

I've been following this thread since its inception, and not once other than some dye, have I read the mention of a freon leak detector.. I've been working on automotive A/C systems for 50 years. The first tool I reach for is not dye, but an electronic leak detector and not once has it failed me. The most common item that leaks is the evaporator. it has to withstand the rigors of constantly flexing.. Next on the list is the shaft seal on the compressor and lastly is the O-rings and condenser.

Chris989, You've been at this leak for a year, have you conducted a diligent search for the leak.. Dyes, guessing, and throwing parts will not meet with much success.. Get one of those leak detectors and then PM me and I'll explain how to use it.

[chris989]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

I've been following this thread since its inception, and not once other than some dye, have I read the mention of a freon leak detector.. I've been working on automotive A/C systems for 50 years. The first tool I reach for is not dye, but an electronic leak detector and not once has it failed me. The most common item that leaks is the evaporator. it has to withstand the rigors of constantly flexing.. Next on the list is the shaft seal on the compressor and lastly is the O-rings and condenser.

Chris989, You've been at this leak for a year, have you conducted a diligent search for the leak.. Dyes, guessing, and throwing parts will not meet with much success.. Get one of those leak detectors and then PM me and I'll explain how to use it.

I have a fieldpiece detetor,,, I use it some things, it is nice, but it only work when you can reach places.


I should have replaced the evap when i did the entire system,,, What was driving me nuts was the fact it could hold nitrogen forever and not loose any PSI. My guess is the change in temp was enought to open the void and let the gas leak out???

When i did the converson,, i even isolated the evap and charged with nitrogen,, it did not leak.

Leason learned,

CHris

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by chris989

I have a fieldpiece detetor,,, I use it some things, it is nice, but it only work when you can reach places.


I should have replaced the evap when i did the entire system,,, What was driving me nuts was the fact it could hold nitrogen forever and not loose any PSI. My guess is the change in temp was enought to open the void and let the gas leak out???

When i did the converson,, i even isolated the evap and charged with nitrogen,, it did not leak.

Leason learned,

CHris

Nitrogen is not for testing for leaks.. It's used to purge the system of old freon and other gases, prior to pulling the vacuum.

BTW, check your PMs.

[chris989]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

Nitrogen is not for testing for leaks.. It's used to purge the system of old freon and other gases, prior to pulling the vacuum.

BTW, check your PMs.

I get what you are saying,,,, I use nitrogen to to purge/braze but also to isolate and test for leaks.

I tested this system and isolated part and still it never lost PSI. I posted here in the event it might help other not chase ghost in the future..


I specifically isolated the accumulator and evaporator and tested to 200 PSI and it never dropped. Anyhoo,,, no sniffer or bubbles are going to get inside the firewall suitcase. That is why the pressure/leak down test.

Thanks for all the help.
Chris

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by chris989

I get what you are saying,,,, I use nitrogen to to purge/braze but also to isolate and test for leaks.

I tested this system and isolated part and still it never lost PSI. I posted here in the event it might help other not chase ghost in the future..


I specifically isolated the accumulator and evaporator and tested to 200 PSI and it never dropped. Anyhoo,,, no sniffer or bubbles are going to get inside the firewall suitcase. That is why the pressure/leak down test.

Thanks for all the help.
Chris

Thanks for your in-depth history of this issue.

Some issues like this one are not always the normal procedure.

I was taught the A/C stuff on the early 70's Cadillac's when I was just a Teenager.

Again Thanks for sharing your Knowledge/Experience.