AC questions
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,257
Likes: 4
From: NJ
AC questions
On my 86 it still has the R12. So I take it to a guy to have it looked at. He said he put dye in it to check for leaks and he did not find any. So he really wanted to change it over but I insisted he put the R12 in. So he does it and it worked good for about a week. Wouldn't that mean I have a leak somewhere?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg, NY
It depends. You can put dye in the system and can only check in visible areas leaks. It is very hard near the radiator (with the shroud) and impossible to check inside the car's blower box unless you take it apart. Another issue with leaks is how much is in the system under what pressure. It is not unusual to be low on freon, add some and have the system need to be charged again. Probably the reason for converting over to r-134a is that it is cheaper in the long run. R-12 is getting scarce and it keeps on increasing in price. R-134a is a viable alternative. Some would argue that it is not as good as r-12 but I really don't know for sure.
There are several types of dyes, ones that you can see (colors of orange or green) and others you need a black light. I prefer the black light as it is actually easier to find the leak.
Hope this helps
There are several types of dyes, ones that you can see (colors of orange or green) and others you need a black light. I prefer the black light as it is actually easier to find the leak.
Hope this helps
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
If your guy runs an a/c shop, than he should have electronic leak detector. If not, got to a shop that does. They will pull the Blower Module (electronic air) or resistor pod (manual) and place the detector next to the Evaporator. That will sniff out any leaks there. Regardless of gas, you want to fix it because as fast as your leaking, it's carrying oil with it. Once that's gone, your compressor will seize and it'll need a compete rebuild (which at a shop, will run about $1200 to $2000).
