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Frustrating Mystery leak....only leaks when engine's off

gaseousmercury on Sat August 27, 2011 2:01 PM User is offline

Year: 2000
Make: HONDA
Model: ODYSSEY EX

i've recently replaced the compressor and condenser on my 2000 honda odyssey. I also changed the drier and flushed both the front and rear evaporators. It holds a charge and I am able to drive for hours with cold a/c. However, all of the refrigerant leaks out overnight. I have changed the schrader valves and they seem to be holding. I've dyed the system and there are no new leaks and everything seems to be holding. If anyone has any ideas i would greatly appreciate it... thank you

Edited: Sat August 27, 2011 at 2:02 PM by gaseousmercury

mk378 on Sat August 27, 2011 2:14 PM User is offline

Electronic leak detector should find a big leak like this. Actually it's going to leak all the time, but you are only driving for a short time compared to how long it is parked. On the other hand, dye is carried by the oil, so it usually only finds its way to a leak and leaks out while the system is charged and running.

Check both evaporator drains for dye. Also highly suspect any connections that you recently disconnected and reconnected. Metal lines underneath a van tend to rot out.

Edited: Sat August 27, 2011 at 2:16 PM by mk378

gaseousmercury on Sat August 27, 2011 3:51 PM User is offline

THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE THE INSIGHT...CAN YOU RECOMMEND A DEPENDABLE YET INEXPENSIVE DETECTOR......THANKS AGAIN!!!

Dougflas on Sat August 27, 2011 3:57 PM User is offline

Best detector for the buck is the Inficon Tek-mate. About 150 bananas new. Flea bay has them all the time.

I know you said you replaced the compressor but.....Place a plastic shower cap or plastic bad around the front of the compressor. Let it sit overnight. Then stick the probe in there. If the detector goes crazy, you have found your leak. One of the most common leaks are compressor shaft seals especially on rebuilt/remanuf. compresssors. Even new compressors need to be run a while for the seals to seat.

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