Mystery A/C leak.....

[MMM2003]

Well, when it rains it pours.... Just had to have my fuel pump replaced and now the A/C isn't working.

My shop replaced the Accumulator/Dryer, Schrader valve (service ports), and O-Rings to the condenser, as they saw leaks there.

I drive the car for a week and the A/C stops cooling. I've taken it back twice and my shop has been good about re-charging it, adding the florescent, and checking for additional leaks. Unfortunately, they can't find any other leaks.

My shop stated that they can’t see all of the evaporator without removing it, but what they can see shows no sign of leakage. The condenser, which can be seen for the most part also appears to be fine. They doubled the amount of florescent, and I’ve taking it back immediately after it stopped working (no rain or washing). Still no sign of leakage anywhere.

The next step is to replace the evaporator for about $520.00.

I’m holding off with that, since I wanted to see if anyone here has experienced something similar? Any ideas, suggestions on what else might be leaking? Is the evaporate the most likely cause?

I did some quick searches but come up empty.

Any suggestions or feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Peter aka MMM2003

[MitchB]

Make sure the compressor shaft seal is not leaking. The only other thing to do is to pressurize the system with R134a and see if you can detect a leak with an electronic leak detector. Stick the sniffer in the dash discharge ports. If the evaporator is leaking, you should be able to detect this before starting the blower motor.

Once upon a time, we used to use flame detector - which is the most sensitive method for leak detection, but gross leaks produce phosgene. I would not replace the evaporator unless you can confirm beforehand that it is leaking.

Mitch

[FordNut]

The condenser does take a beating, especially at the bottom. Check it closely.

[ntd]

If they have dye in the system a leak at the evaporator with show dye out the drain. I just had a town car with a ac leak put a lot of dye in never found anything but would still come back with no ac. last time it was in I cheaked the cycling switch o-ring's found low side switch o-ring cracked still no dye found with light. Replaced o-ring havn't seen the car in 8 weeks.