I just replaced a broken vacuum pump and noticed a leak in one of the air conditioning lines. The arrow is pointing to it in the picture. Is this something that is possible to fix in my garage or will I have to take it to a specialist. Thank you for any input. (sorry about the large picture.)

 

I think thats a line into the evaporator and should be replaceable. Since it's a leak, you shouldn't have any refrigerant left, replace the line and refill with oil and R134a.

However a professional might be able solder up the leak for next to nothing and recharge the system much quicker than you replacing the line and refilling.

 

Thank you for the reply!

 

You missed a critically important step! Deep vacuuming the system to remove air and moisture.


Jonathan-
Why do you think it is leaking. Evap core leaks are rare. I'm not sure how well it could be "repaired" as it is probably aluminum. Most aluminum repairs i've seen that aren't welds don't work too well.

 

It's leaking air from behind the foam insulation stuff and when I move the insulation to the side to look behind it, little drops of fluid spit out. Thank you for your help.

 

If its leaking air only when the blower is on, then its just that, air from the blower, its more than likely mixing with a little moisture on its way out and thats what you feel. You would have to replace the entire evaporator core if its a refrigerant leak. If the a/c is working properly its more than likely nothing.

 

Yeah, that's not a refrigerant leak. You wouldn't see drops of refrigerant.

 

When the air conditioning is off and the heater is on there isn't a leak. When I turn on the air conditioning that's when it blows out. I can actually hear it hissing over the sound of the engine. It is leaking from the left side of that pipe going into the box. When the air conditioning is on it is blowing cold... but then it's kind of cold here so I can't really tell...lol. Thanks again for all your help.

 

If it is aluminum and leaking I would get a new one. Aluminum is a hard metal to weld for a pressure application. Like was said above pull a good vaccum. It will pay for its self in the long run.

 

2004 F350 4x4 6.0 PSD
I have what seems to be the same issue. Although I'm not sure which one of those tubes are leaking as it is happening somewhere in the box.

Yesterday, I noticed my passenger side front leaf springs were wet when I got out of the truck. More inspection shows, what looks like water, dripping out of the underside of that box, and when I shut down the motor I can hear the hissing leak somewhere inside.

I'm guessing this is condensation that is escaping through a pin-hole leak in one of those lines into that box.

I'm wondering if you ever opened that box up and repaired your problem, and what I have to look forward to.

Also, a somewhat related question, I have owned this truck for only 4 months and it seems to me my AC is always cycling, unless I have the switch to the 'off' position. But cycling in every other position. I can have it in the regular 'feet and face' position turn my temp control to blue and it's blowing cold air. Anybody have a thought on that?

Thanks Jonathan for posting, I seem to have many similar issues as you have with your truck.

 

taaaaabump

 

Please any thoughts?

 

Everything you mention here is normal.

 

Seriously? It is normal for the AC to always cycle like that? I'm not upset about it, my system seems to work great less the leak, but I'm sure it is taking a hit on my mileage. Yeah or nay?

 

The drain hose from the box that lets condensation water drain is plugged.

Find it, clean it.

Clean the crud in the evaporator if you can get to it.

Water condensing on the fat aluminum pipe (cold side) is normal.