A/C Leak, Help...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Pennsville, NJ
A/C Leak, Help...
My car had been down for almost two years. In the last year I did a H/C swap myself, then had a tuner take my new and old components and install an LS6 shortblock. Last week, I turned on the A/C and it blew hot air. Upon inspection, the compressor clutch was not engaging. I took it to a local auto repair who recharged the system with 134. The clutch engaged and I had cool air for about 3 days. Yesterday, I now blow hot air, but the clutch does engage. It sounds like a leak to me, especially considering all the times I yanked out the radiator and that the compressor had to be removed from the old shortblock to the new.
I see in the service manual how to do the leak test. Is there anything I can look for first? If a mechanic or dealer has to start ripping things apart to find the leak, I'm sure we're talking $$$$. Thanks...
I see in the service manual how to do the leak test. Is there anything I can look for first? If a mechanic or dealer has to start ripping things apart to find the leak, I'm sure we're talking $$$$. Thanks...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
See if you can find someone with an electronic leak detector. That thing is VERY sensitive!! You can also use a liquid soap/water solution at all of the joints. Purchase a set of R-134 gauges from the auto parts store. You should read around 25 psi on the suction side with the system running. That is the only way that you will know if the freon has leaked out. If the compressor is running, the pressure is/should be good!
Check your codes. The HVAC system is monitored by the OBDII system and will set codes to direct you to the failure.
This is the absolute best C5 Code web site!!!
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Codes_Page.htm
Post the DTC codes here and I will try to help you.
Bill C
Check your codes. The HVAC system is monitored by the OBDII system and will set codes to direct you to the failure.
This is the absolute best C5 Code web site!!!
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Codes_Page.htm
Post the DTC codes here and I will try to help you.
Bill C
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Pennsville, NJ
Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
See if you can find someone with an electronic leak detector. That thing is VERY sensitive!! You can also use a liquid soap/water solution at all of the joints. Purchase a set of R-134 gauges from the auto parts store. You should read around 25 psi on the suction side with the system running. That is the only way that you will know if the freon has leaked out. If the compressor is running, the pressure is/should be good!
Check your codes. The HVAC system is monitored by the OBDII system and will set codes to direct you to the failure.
This is the absolute best C5 Code web site!!!
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Codes_Page.htm
Post the DTC codes here and I will try to help you.
Bill C
Check your codes. The HVAC system is monitored by the OBDII system and will set codes to direct you to the failure.
This is the absolute best C5 Code web site!!!
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Codes_Page.htm
Post the DTC codes here and I will try to help you.
Bill C
Thanks, Tony
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
You have a leak,, you will have to open the system and repair the leak then recharge. If it worked after all the work you did and now only holds for 3 days,, I would not think IMO, the work was the cause of the problem. Just a normal a/c issue. Fix the leak and drive cool. 99 Nassau Blue
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If the pressure did infact leak out, you will have to have the system vacummed out, replace the receiver dryer and refilled. If yoy just refill a depressurized system, any moisture in the system will form acids and minute pin holes will etch into the aluminum lines!
BC
BC
