Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Provided by www.ACkits.com

We've updated our forums!
Click here to visit the new forum

Archive Home

Search Auto AC Forum Archives

I have a leak and i cannot find it....

mrvmax on Sat June 07, 2008 5:31 PM User is offline

Year: 1996
Make: ford
Model: f350
Engine Size: 7.3
Refrigerant Type: 134
Country of Origin: United States

My a/c stopped working (only blew warm air and the compressor would only cycle on for a couple seconds and then go back off) so when I checked out all the lines/connections I had a lot of oil where my high side fitting was. I found the high side fitting leaking so I replaced it and the o-ring. I also lubed the fitting with nylog. I replaced all the o-rings I can find, at the compressor, drier, pressure switch and connection to the condenser. My vac pump will not pull down lower than 26" after about 10 minutes of use. If I close the gauges then the vacuum starts dropping instantly indicating a leak. I checked my gauges are there are not any leaks on them. I was going to replace the drier so I decided to pressure up the system with 20psi of air before I replaced the drier so I could find the leak. I soaped all connections and I cannot find any leaks. No fittings are bubbling when I add a soap/water solution. When I pressure it up it held 20psi but I cannot hold vacuum. Any ideas on where I may be leaking? Any problem areas? I am trying to figure out how to isolate each component (evap, condenser) to check separately. Any ideas?

Chick on Sat June 07, 2008 8:07 PM User is offlineView users profile

did you check the front of the condenser for any oily spots? Sometimes a stone can cause a leak, also need to check the evaporator, and if you have a steel accumulator with the "blanket" on it, remove the blanket and look for rust.. That should start you off...

-------------------------
Chick
Email: Chick

---------------------------------------------

Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

mrvmax on Sat June 07, 2008 9:53 PM User is offline

I have soaped down the entire drier ( a little rust but no leaks). I also pulled off half the cover to the evap and soaped that down, I did not see any bubbles (of coarse I couldn't see half of the evap since I didn't pull the whole cover off). The evap looked in good shape. I would think that with 20 psi I could see a leak but I cannot find any. I also soaped down the entire compressor and I do not see any leaks. I guess I'll have to check the condenser better, I'll try and soap the entire condenser (I mainly checked the end of the tubes). The only place I found oil was on the high pressure fitting so I though that was it.
I tried evacuating again and I could only get down to 26". When I isolated the gauges it dropped down to 12" within 10-15 seconds. I still have a leak but I cannot find it to save my life. I used the o-ring kit I bought at AMA a couple years ago for my Toyota Corolla. Are the o-ring sizes that much different that I really need o-rings for Ford? I notice that the Ford kit is part number CP3012 and the Toyota is CP3008. Since I changed out all the o-rings I thought maybe I put the wrong sizes in causing my leak.

Travis on Sun June 08, 2008 12:15 AM User is offlineView users profile

I think you used the wrong orings.

-------------------------
1993.5 Single Turbo Toyota Supra 714RWHP
1985 Suburban
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

chris142 on Sun June 08, 2008 12:26 AM User is offline

Quote
Originally posted by: mrvmax
I would think that with 20 psi I could see a leak but I cannot find
No way. It's off pressure is very close to the ambiant temp. I test them @ 150-200 psi.

mrvmax on Sun June 08, 2008 8:21 AM User is offline

What is the highest pressure I can use when I pressure up from the low side? Today I plan on pulling my grill so I can see the full front side of the condenser. If my leak is not there it will have to be the evap. That is a pain to get to but I may pull it.

mk378 on Sun June 08, 2008 12:44 PM User is offline

I agree probably a wrong o-ring that shifts and opens up a leak under vacuum, but seals (fairly well anyway) against pressure. Compressor shaft seals might do this sometimes too.

Back to Automotive Air Conditioning Forum

We've updated our forums!
Click here to visit the new forum

Archive Home

Copyright © 2016 Arizona Mobile Air Inc.