I went to recharge the AC in my 92, only to have in all leak out in 30 mins. From what I and shop can tell, it appears to be coming from behind the dash. So I thnk it may be the evaporater. Does anyone know a trustworthy AC shop in the valley that is familar with the 80. So I dont have to go to one that tears into my dash on an search and destroy mission?
AC shop is valley.
- Thread starter Fiveo
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How did you determine that it's under the dash? Leaking down in 30 min is a huge leak and finding it should be relatively easy. When looking for a big leak, I charge the system with whatever gas is handy, most of the time air. Then go over the system with soapy water to find the leak.
Some shops like to blame the evaporator, it's a big labor item. But in my experience it's one of the most reliable parts. Being in a box, under the dash it's better protected from vibration, heat, mechanical damage, etc than the under hood parts. Most of the time a big leak is a cracked line, blown seal/o-ring type failure.
A big leak that happened quickly is most often a cracked/loose hard line and/or loose connection, blown soft line, etc. Seal/o-ring leaks most times happen more slowly. Most times, when a big leak happens oil is pushed out with the freon, so look carefully for any new oil spots.
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- #3
Tools, I dont know at all that the leak is coming from the evaporator. Last week I took my truck to a AC shop thinking in needed R12 and most shops dont have R12 in stock. I did not expect a leak at the time. My AC had slowly just fizzled out so I figured it just needed regharging.
I had also planned to list my truck on CL that day. I think I may have gotten way over my hed when I bought my 80 last year with 200,000. I have zero wrenching skills. I did not anticipate how much work and more importantly knowledge it requires to maintain these vehicles. I stuggle with just exchanging fluids.
When I had the AC recharged I mistakenly didn't request they add any dye. After it leaked out in less than and hour I returned and the shop began to try and find a leak. The couldnt find anything in the engine compartment. At think they may have heard a leak where the AC runs into the dash. Basically they leistened with a stethoscope where the hose goes into the passenger cabin. So all they could tell is it is most likely in my dash.
If I pull the dash off. (not sure I want to tackle that task) Can I expose the lines and be able to see the oil you spoke of. And isnt there a leak detector kit I can buy at an auto part store to charge the system with. I would realy like to have an idea where the leak is before I took it into the a shop so I dont get screwed. And I wont be going back to the same shop
I had also planned to list my truck on CL that day. I think I may have gotten way over my hed when I bought my 80 last year with 200,000. I have zero wrenching skills. I did not anticipate how much work and more importantly knowledge it requires to maintain these vehicles. I stuggle with just exchanging fluids.
When I had the AC recharged I mistakenly didn't request they add any dye. After it leaked out in less than and hour I returned and the shop began to try and find a leak. The couldnt find anything in the engine compartment. At think they may have heard a leak where the AC runs into the dash. Basically they leistened with a stethoscope where the hose goes into the passenger cabin. So all they could tell is it is most likely in my dash.
If I pull the dash off. (not sure I want to tackle that task) Can I expose the lines and be able to see the oil you spoke of. And isnt there a leak detector kit I can buy at an auto part store to charge the system with. I would realy like to have an idea where the leak is before I took it into the a shop so I dont get screwed. And I wont be going back to the same shop
If the system sat empty for an extended period, here's another possibility: the service port valves (most likely the high side) may have gotten hard. When it's closed, the seal doesn't reseal. Happens a lot with Chevys using r134a. Can't tell you how much 134 we wasted before we decided to automatically replace service ports whenever we do major AC work.
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- #5
I think the same happened with the service ports you speak of on my wifes Expedition. Every years about may when it really started to heat up the AC would blow warm. We would go recharge it. One year it all leaked out over 3 days. The shop did some major work. I think compressor or something. I was later told by a mechanic that here is Az the ports dry out because we go month with out using are AC in teh winter nor do we use the defroster. So the seals dry out.
Again do I need to take the dash off and what do I look for?. Taking the dash off is sort of freakling me out.
Again do I need to take the dash off and what do I look for?. Taking the dash off is sort of freakling me out.
The service ports are on/near the compressor. Easily accessible if your arms aren't too fat.
I get them from CarQuest. Pretty cheap. And they should have the tool to change em. (I usually use a valve core tool for tires.)
I get them from CarQuest. Pretty cheap. And they should have the tool to change em. (I usually use a valve core tool for tires.)
Howdy! Hang in there, AC is just an option. I've been wheeling in the desert for 24 years without it. Did you post up on the IH8MUD board that your rig had been converted over to 134a? If so, then go down to your favorite parts store and buy a couple of cans of freon with the dye in it. You can get the filler hose assembly also. The dye is yellow/green and pretty easy to see, but if your not able to spot it, use a blacklight, and it will show up big time. If the leak is up inside your dash, you shoud be able to see the dye dripping down out of the plastic covers on the condenser. The AC shop should have offered to do this test for you. I think you live on the far side of the valley, but if you want to come to Tempe, we have a friendly repair shop here called Truckworks. They are next door to an AC shop, and sometimes they get a break on the service there. They may be able to get you diagnosed and a cost estimate so you know where you stand. I work nights, like you, and I could meet you over there to introduce you and show you around. John