Southern FL, GA, AL, LA, MS, TN, SC, NC,......AR

How can I track down my A/C leak? Any cool tricks?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 06:33 PM
  #1  
CashDudeHomie's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 1
Default How can I track down my A/C leak? Any cool tricks?

I've tried UV die, I tried spraying soapy water on all of the connections. It still leaks out in a few hours. I tried listening for a leak and heard nothing. It's a 2000 Silverado. Any common leaks on this model? Any tricks I can use before taking it to a shop and getting my wallet raped? Thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 06:40 PM
  #2  
gao8302's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: Kenosha WI
Default

I work at a heating and cooling shop and you cant charge it with nitrogen.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 06:46 PM
  #3  
CashDudeHomie's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 1
Default

I was charging it with R134A.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 10:02 PM
  #4  
454navyss's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (46)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,106
Likes: 2
From: Providence Village, TX
Default

you will be able to see the nitrogen, i have also seen people use a green dye to track down leaks
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 10:23 PM
  #5  
CashDudeHomie's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 1
Default

He said "cant" Do you think that was a typo? Can I use nitrogen?

I put 2 charges of the green dye, and it doesn't show up anywhere!! But it is leaking. I'm so frustrated.

How much would a shop charge to do this nitrogen test so I can make sure I'm not getting ripped off? Thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 10:25 PM
  #6  
gao8302's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: Kenosha WI
Default

You can charge it with nitrogen. Sorry typo
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 10:28 PM
  #7  
2005 Silverado's Avatar
SPAM HUNTER
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,099
Likes: 0
From: NM
Default

charge the system with nitrogen then you should be able to hear the leak, and if not just use soapy water and spray all the connections, you will most likely find the leak very easy!

Dustin
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 11:32 PM
  #8  
fastrt's Avatar
11 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (48)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 1
From: Midlothian, Texas
Default

cool thing about nitrogen, is that you can put 200 psi in it to see a high pressure leak. also, check the evap case. you may need a sniffer.
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2008 | 12:38 AM
  #9  
Derek @ EDO's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (73)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,072
Likes: 8
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Default

Probably a leak under the dash!
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2008 | 04:09 AM
  #10  
LowBlack99's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 617
Likes: 0
From: Southaven,MS
Default

Are you using a blacklight to check for leaks? How about yellow tinted glasses? They make the dye jump out with the light. It's probably under the dash as mentioned before. The front compressor seal is common to and sometimes hard to see due to the pulley/clutch.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:32 AM.