How do I check for a Freon Leak?

[mrsteve]

Okay I added some freon to the explorer on thursday. The A/C was working great thursday and friday. By the time saturday came around I had no more cold air. I'm guessing I've got a serious leak. Where should I start?

Steve

 

[jimbo74]

if that much freon is leaking, the frist think you should do is check your truck into a quality shop. With that much of a safety hazard it is probably something you cant tackle in the driveway

 

[Robert]

Checker Auto Parts sells a fluid leak check kit. It can be used for oil, antifreeze and freon. It includes an ultraviolet die that you put in the system with the necessary equipment to get it in. It also included an ultraviolet light to look for the die after it leaks out. It runs about $50-$60. Depending on where the leak is, you may or may not be capable of fixing it yourself.

 

[mrsteve]

I didn't completely fill the system I only added to it because I didn't have too much freon left, but my uncle has lots more for me to use. Where is there a place in the line where I can see if the freon is full or not. I know on most cars there is a clear place in the line where once the air bubbles are gone you know the freon is full. Where is this on the Explorer?

Steve

 

[Dre]

I don't think the "X" has it......... older ones might.... which Freon are you talking about??? the old stuff or the new (R134a)???
Autozone has this freon (R134a) colored....... it's especially made to find weak spots. You put it in and then look for red spots anywhere on the A/C lines, connectors etc........ If it's old system..... best of luck! take it to a good A/C shop.

 

[espnfreak]

how would i refill freeon in the 96 xlt model? i have some cold air but not much and i think its low because i just bought it and the older owner probably never refilled it

 

[Dre]

my assumption is that if it doesn't leak you don't have to refill it....... but you can. Buy yourself a can of Freon and a little hose with a valve that's used to refill your system. Attach that hose to the can then attach it to the refilling fitting (low presure fitting) it has matching - right connector and open the valve. Make sure engine is running and your A/C is on at full blast. Need guidance? drop me a line..... I'm only about 15 minutes from you.

 

[espnfreak]

sweet where do u buy the can? thats a lot cheaper than stations doing it. what a rip off they charge 100 buckarros. i can probably do it. if not we can do it at a meet

 

[Robert]

While cruising through Pep Boys last night, I found a much cheaper alternative. They have a small black tube of red die that screws onto the low pressure side of the A/C. Then you take a 5/8" deep socket with a 9" extension and screw in the plastic nut on the opposite end. It will force the red die into the A/C system. The complete instructions are on the back. If there is a leak, it should be easy to spot by the red die. It runs $4.99. They have them for both R-12 and R134a. Just make sure you get the right one. Mrsteve's '93 has the R-12. I'm pretty sure Jas84's '96 has the R134a. They also sell a leak sealer for both systems and an additive that is supposed to lower the output temperature by 10F for both systems. All of the different products cost $4.99. I picked up a tube of the leak fix and cooling additive for my '97. I'll put them in tonight. All the leak fix is (at least the one for the R134a) is ester oil which is supposed to condition o-rings when they start to get hard from age. My '97 is not quite as cool as my Wife's '93 Sable (with R-12), but I think it used to be cooler than it is now. Of course the 119F outside temperature I saw yesterday might have something to do with it. Can't wait for winter

 

[Dre]

and that's what I did with my system before. Red die didn't show anywhere since there was no leak..... .low presure valve was defective....... no I have no idea what's wrong....... my A/C just simply doesn't work.

even putting oil in and recharging didn't help.

good luck!

 

[espnfreak]

is r134a cool? i mean if its not meant to get that cold then maybe im doing fine on ac

 

[Dre]

well, as long as you can get any cold temp inside your truck, you're fine.....or at least better than me........ A/C at full swing, compresor kicks on and off but all I get is HOT air even on a day like today when it's around 70 degrees out.

oh well,