AC leak

[Viper588]

So i bought the car without the ac working. I just charged the system and i can hear a leak from the lines that seem to go into the radiator. My question is, to get to those lines do i need to remove the radiator? Thanks!

 

[Dsm Rob]

Sounds like the a/c condenser is leaking. Can u see any wet spots?

 

[mlstraw]

see this thread for more info:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/426439-removing-c-condenser-lines.html

 

[AngelOfPassion]

You don't have to remove the radiator. Just take the fans off, unbolt the radiator, lift it up and tilt it backward enough to reach the lines. It will be a little bit of a pain getting back there but it's not bad. I just removed my entire A/C condenser with the radiator still hooked up.

Just try not to hurt the radiator fins in the process. [I was unsuccessful with this ]

You will want to have someone drain the A/C before you try to replace those lines though because as soon as you start to unbolt them freon fumes are going to start leaking and that is actually illegal to drain those to the atmosphere. Just follow a lot of the info given in the link above about removing the A/C to get more details.

Should be simple though.

 

[LiquidX]

Take it to a shop to determine what and where the refrigeration is leaking. They will inject a UV dye to diagnose.

If you are leaking then you will need to replace the dryer as well. The system will need vacuum pumped to remove air and moisture and the proper amount of oil needs to be added too.

Half ass it or do it properly.

 

[Viper588]

Thank you for all the responses! Ill be digging deeper to find exactly what is leaking on Friday and will be back then. Thanks again!

 

[AngelOfPassion]

I didn't think about the air and moisture. A shop might be a better option then doing it yourself if you are worried about that. Liquid is right if you don't want to half ass it than maybe it is better to have them do it.

I have had my friends replace A/C lines themselves and still haven't have any issues yet though so you never know.

 

[miguelmcv]

Do it your self, that's why this site is here for.
I did my own and reroute all the lines including modding the condenser, I didn't know anything about AC before doing it, But with the search key and some help from here, I did all the work, I just paid for the Cans and vacuum of the system.
I had an estimate of $150 to vacuum and adding freeon, But any other work was going to be charged separately.
At the end, doing it my self, I end up paying $25 for the vacuum and $90 for the freeon, But the more important thing on this is, I learned a lot about AC, and that's something that you will never be sorry for.
At the beginning, you look for the cheapest, But at the end, you look for the knowledge.

Just seal all the end hoses, as soon as you get them apart, so air and moisture doesn't get in.

 

[chevaholix]

Ive never had a problem replacing and doing my own ac of any of my rides cardboard works wonders for saving rads from bent fins an auto zone sells dye kits that even come wit glassea and black lights.

 

[Viper588]

Ok so i took out the rad and ac condenser and found the hole. Its on the lip of one the channels going back and forth across the condenser. Its pretty small about the size of a pin. as for repairing the hole any suggestions? most threads Ive searched say to replace lines that are damaged but for such a small hole i would rather try and patch it and if that fails then replace it eventually. Some suggested JB Welb which i do have but would like any other suggestions you may have. Thank you again for all the help thus far!

Heres a pic(though not great) Theres like a gash in the channel but it hasn't made a hole other than a pin sized hole inside the gash.

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All the local shops had no solution other than replacing the condenser for me so i had planned to use a jb welb type epoxy but a neighbor of mine who works on HVAC for factories, buildings, and his own cars came over while i was working on the car and gave me this stuff ( Erosion Resistant Coatings | Industrial Metal Coatings :: ENECON Corporation ). he says it some of the best stuff hes ever used and uses it at work, claims it costs around $650 for the kit. He also gave me all the hoses, gauges, and vacuum pump to use when im ready to check for any more leaks as well as to vacuum and refill the system. He has some r12 refrigerant but no 134a unfortunately =( how much refrigerant would i need to refill a completely empty system?

 

[miguelmcv]

I would sugest to weld it, find a welder and weld it, there is 150-200 psi plus some heat running in there.

 

[Viper588]

I would sugest to weld it, find a welder and weld it, there is 150-200 psi plus some heat running in there.

I was hoping to find someone to but was unable. The Stuff I used can withstand 2000psi when used on aluminum as per the manufacturers spec sheet.

 

[LiquidX]

So there are no welders at all in your area? I disagree with that, try calling.

Your safest bet is to replace as it is very thin metal. Few if anyone would touch it.

Looking online will tell you the pressures required and the amount of oil needed too (I have only see one brand name pop up for the oil).

 

[Viper588]

So there are no welders at all in your area? I disagree with that, try calling.

Your safest bet is to replace as it is very thin metal. Few if anyone would touch it.

Looking online will tell you the pressures required and the amount of oil needed too (I have only see one brand name pop up for the oil).

There very well may be some welders in the area but after visiting 4 shops and calling 9, my neighbor came over with a solution =p thank you for the info!

 

[Viper588]

Ok so i removed the fins all around that area, maybe 1/2" on either side of the hole. Then applied the Metalclad stuff all the way around. After allowing to dry vacuumed the system, filled with refrigerant and oil and all is working! Thank you for all the help and responses!

 

[montm82]

if you run into any issues with it, just replace it. its cheap enouf. im located in NY if you want i have one you can have it.