A/C leak?
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,612
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From: Dunwoody, GA
A/C leak?
So the past few times I've driven my truck I've noticed the A/C wasn't very cold. I bought a refill kit and attempted to refill the system w/ r134a. When I put the gauge on it read 0psi. After I opened the valve at the can the gauge went up to about 55psi. Then the compressor kicked on. After a few seconds the compressor kicked off. It continues to cycle now while the psi bounces from 10-60psi. I left the can connected to fill for about 10 minutes. The air is slightly cooler than ambient temp but not by much.
Where should I start looking for a leak? I'm guessing it's an o-ring somewhere. Also is it possible that I need more coolant? It didn't seem to empty out the 14oz can.
Where should I start looking for a leak? I'm guessing it's an o-ring somewhere. Also is it possible that I need more coolant? It didn't seem to empty out the 14oz can.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,956
Likes: 6
From: Abilene, Texas
you really should do anything to ac with out hooking up the right kind a gauge. You need a maninfold set. So you can read high and low side pressure. That is the only way to properly diag ac problems. Is it posible you need more freon? Yes it is but putting to much in the system could do big damage. As far as a leak add freeon with die in it after you get high and low side pressure and determin that you need freeon. That will help you find the leak
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 20
My X lost cooling this spring when I first used it. My problem was I turned the AC off when in AUTO mode during the winter. Figured I save a little wear and tear on the compressor. Bad call. The AC needs to run year around or the charge will leak down. I had MIDAS add 2 lbs. of R-134a and all is well.
DSMMH
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
To do the job right you need a vacuum pump and a set of AC gauges. If the system reads zero, it probably has air in the lines. That is not good. Using a vacuum pump does two things: gets rid of the air and checks for leaks. Taking it to a good AC shop is the right call.
My X lost cooling this spring when I first used it. My problem was I turned the AC off when in AUTO mode during the winter. Figured I save a little wear and tear on the compressor. Bad call. The AC needs to run year around or the charge will leak down. I had MIDAS add 2 lbs. of R-134a and all is well.
DSMMH
My X lost cooling this spring when I first used it. My problem was I turned the AC off when in AUTO mode during the winter. Figured I save a little wear and tear on the compressor. Bad call. The AC needs to run year around or the charge will leak down. I had MIDAS add 2 lbs. of R-134a and all is well.
DSMMH
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,612
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From: Dunwoody, GA
Well the culprit was a hole in the condesner. I have some siren speakers behind the grill and one of them was close enough to rub and chaff the condenser tube to the point where it leaked. New condenser installed and I'm staying cool in the GA heat again!
The cost was around $500 but was paid for my by 3rd party warranty that I bought when I purchased the truck. At least I got some of my money back...
The cost was around $500 but was paid for my by 3rd party warranty that I bought when I purchased the truck. At least I got some of my money back...
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