SyberTiger
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 18, 2007
- Messages
- 767
- Reaction score
- 52
- City, State
- Orlando
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Limited 4x4 4.6L
UPDATE on 11-08-2018: Scroll down for the solution
I've had a leak in several places on the compressor manifold hose assembly. This is the assembly that has the high pressure line running from the compressor to the condenser and the suction line running from the accumulator/dryer to the compressor. This was evidence by the appearance of PAG oil on and around the hose assembly. Since I needed to replace the hose assembly I decided I'd replace the compressor, accumulator and orifice tube too.
The compressor removal/install was a real PITA but got it back in and all the other new components in. But before I reconnected the wiring harnesses, the belt and buttoning everything else up I decide to put the vacuum on the system. Sadly, I have a leak somewhere in the system and don't have a clue as to where it's leaking vacuum. It takes about 10 minutes for the vacuum to draw down.
I didn't want to put dye into the system just yet or attempt to recharge it by running the engine. I picked up an electronic leak sniffer from Harbor Freight in hope of it helping me find the leak. Without running the compressor I was able to put 1/2 can of R134a into the system. I wasn't able to find a leak with the sniffer. The instructions say that you need 50+ PSI to detect a leak. I noted that the 1/2 can got the pressure up to 72 degrees which I assume is also the ambient air temperature. Oddly, with the system is holding the R134a steady without leaking out after an hour. Does this mean that R134a molecules are larger than air/atmosphere and the leak is small enough where it will not escape?
No obvious signs of leaks or PAG oil anywhere else in the system including the condenser....obviously, can't see the evaporator and I should say I've never smelled R134a/PAG in the cab.
Any suggestions? I seems weird to charge up (with dye) the system with the compressor running knowing I have such a large leak. Clearly I'd be sucking in air or certainly there'd be air in the system since it cannot hold vacumm. I never was big fan of using dye mostly because that chit seems to get everywhere.
I've had a leak in several places on the compressor manifold hose assembly. This is the assembly that has the high pressure line running from the compressor to the condenser and the suction line running from the accumulator/dryer to the compressor. This was evidence by the appearance of PAG oil on and around the hose assembly. Since I needed to replace the hose assembly I decided I'd replace the compressor, accumulator and orifice tube too.
The compressor removal/install was a real PITA but got it back in and all the other new components in. But before I reconnected the wiring harnesses, the belt and buttoning everything else up I decide to put the vacuum on the system. Sadly, I have a leak somewhere in the system and don't have a clue as to where it's leaking vacuum. It takes about 10 minutes for the vacuum to draw down.
I didn't want to put dye into the system just yet or attempt to recharge it by running the engine. I picked up an electronic leak sniffer from Harbor Freight in hope of it helping me find the leak. Without running the compressor I was able to put 1/2 can of R134a into the system. I wasn't able to find a leak with the sniffer. The instructions say that you need 50+ PSI to detect a leak. I noted that the 1/2 can got the pressure up to 72 degrees which I assume is also the ambient air temperature. Oddly, with the system is holding the R134a steady without leaking out after an hour. Does this mean that R134a molecules are larger than air/atmosphere and the leak is small enough where it will not escape?
No obvious signs of leaks or PAG oil anywhere else in the system including the condenser....obviously, can't see the evaporator and I should say I've never smelled R134a/PAG in the cab.
Any suggestions? I seems weird to charge up (with dye) the system with the compressor running knowing I have such a large leak. Clearly I'd be sucking in air or certainly there'd be air in the system since it cannot hold vacumm. I never was big fan of using dye mostly because that chit seems to get everywhere.