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cleaning before starting to check for a leak

rojeho on Thu May 10, 2012 11:22 PM User is offline

Year: 1992
Make: BMW
Model: 318i
Engine Size: 1.9 4cyl
Refrigerant Type: R134a

I replaced the compressor and have a pretty big leak in the system while I am trying to vacuum down. I can hear a hiss from the firewall where the two lines head into the car and the evap. I replaced the o-rings there and the fittings are tight. I was thinking about trying to add a little freon with UV to try to identify the leak spot. Before I started I turned on the UV light and I get spattered glow on the tubes and on the fittings. Is there a solvent that I can use to clean everything so that I will be able to see a leak?

mk378 on Fri May 11, 2012 11:17 AM User is offline

Dye really only works well when the system is fully charged and running. It travels with the oil not the refrigerant. I suggest you put the system under very slight pressure and apply soapy water to find the leak.

As for cleaning up old dye, engine cleaner works OK for that. It is basically an oily residue.

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