Where is my r-134 going?

[Darrman]

Ok, first off, the ac system in my '92 is new, installed by the stealership 3-4 years ago, less than 5k on the system. P.O. paid big bucks for new compressor, condensor, dryer, hoses etc.
Everything worked great till this summer, when I noticed it just wasnt getting cold anymore, put a guage on it and its super low, around 16-18 pounds and the compressor is kicking out every 10 seconds.
So I dump one on of the big cans of coolant/leak seal in, still not enough, so I get another reg sized can of coolant/uv dye and dump that in. Everything is good for a couple weeks and then I dont drive it for a couple weeks, come back and its hot again, pressure is back down to 16-18( thats with compressor engaged). So here we go with the blacklight, nothing nowhere, spotless. The only thing I could find wrong is that the high side port cap will leak if you tighten it up all the way, but I left it loose between the pressure losses.
Last week I dumped one can of 134 in, got it to 25lbs, today I check and its at about 18-20, I dump another can of 134 in and it only goes back to 30.
Any ideas on what and where the 134 is going? I have checked every joint and fitting, every inch of hose, the condensor, etc. the only thing I cant check is where it goes behind the dash. But I dont smell any thing in the cab.

 

[Tbars4]

...odds are it is the normal leaky o'rings...when you check for the leaks a small mirror comes in handy...it sounds like your leak is somewhat of a slow leak and you may not see a big dye mark, but just a trace of one...just my thoughts...

 

[jimbo74]

sure it is supposed to run r134a? 94 and later is when they put r134a in instead of r12

i am with tbars, you either have a small leak somewhere like a hole in the lines, or a leaky o ring

 

[Burns]

Its been converted to r134a...


we did it to mine two years ago. Im now thinking my compressor is leaking. Ever since my motor swap is wont hold anything

 

[TheJackal]

As mentioned before, check those O-rings. Make sure you're using the green ones.

Apart from that, only you'll be able to tell. Could it be a hose?

I just found out yesterday my friend's Jeep has a cracked evaporator. It hasn't been working for 3 years...

 

[CDW6212R]

For what ever the leak turns out to be(if you want to stop all leaks), find the lock kits which lock the quick connections in place. The OEM lock clips on them suck. Buy the good aftermarket kits, they include the proper o-rings. Take them to an AC shop when you are ready and have the kits installed, the freon must be removed to open the lines. Good luck,

 

[Darrman]

Thanks, I am going to wait till summer is over, around here that will be in december probably, lol. I am up to my ears in the resto of my '69 and now the Explorer starts giving me troubles, figures.