refrigerant leak

[ekamm]

I have a leak in the a/c system after a fender bender accident after I repair the leak what will I need to do to get the system working again? This is on a '94 explorer

 

[Roadrunner777]

Evacuate system, if you have a vacuum pump for that, that's next. Otherwise, take it to a shop and have them use their pump. If you end up doing that, they got it in the bay with the hood up, I'd probably have them leak check it... that equipment is expensive and it's worth doing before you charge the system. At that point, you might want to see what they would bill you to fill it versus buying the freon yourself.

Whatever you do, yeah, evacuate with an A/C vacuum pump.

 

[marragtop]

If you have R12, you should consider converting to 134.

 

[joecrna]

He does have R12 but conversion isn't necessary. It is a money maker, and very expensive if done correctly, for the shop. All of this is slightly controversial. If the system has been opened, even for just a few minutes, he must replace the evaporator and pump the system down immediatly. Moisture is the enemy.

PS- R12 and 134a can never be mixed. Its reffered to as the "black death". The oils suspended in them are not compatible.