A/C leak
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: PA
A/C leak
2001 Dakota regular cab with the 3.9 engine...
A/C used to work great, then one day after sitting for a few days, it stopped blowing cold. Refilled the freon and it blew cold for 2 days, then stopped again. We replaced the low side schraeder valve because it was bubbling very slowly out of there and refilled again. With the AC on max, about 75 degrees outside, the low side pressure was 35, and the high was only at 170. Still only works for 2 days then stops.
Any ideas before I have to either take it somewhere or start replacing parts piece by piece?
Thanks
A/C used to work great, then one day after sitting for a few days, it stopped blowing cold. Refilled the freon and it blew cold for 2 days, then stopped again. We replaced the low side schraeder valve because it was bubbling very slowly out of there and refilled again. With the AC on max, about 75 degrees outside, the low side pressure was 35, and the high was only at 170. Still only works for 2 days then stops.
Any ideas before I have to either take it somewhere or start replacing parts piece by piece?
Thanks
Last edited by 53fireman; Jul 28, 2013 at 04:52 PM.
For starters, what are you using to measure pressures? A good gauge set or the cheapy gauge that comes on the refill kits? A leak is usually indicative of other issues.
Questions to answer:
1. Have you ran UV dye through the system to check for other leaks?
2. How much freon are you adding to the system when you refill?
3. Have you opened the system up to outside air? (This would require having the system evacuated of moisture prior to recharge)
4. Is the compressor running still when it is no longer blowing the cold air?
From the sounds of it you could have a clogged orifice tube, more leaks, and possibly a failed or failing component plugging up the system.
Questions to answer:
1. Have you ran UV dye through the system to check for other leaks?
2. How much freon are you adding to the system when you refill?
3. Have you opened the system up to outside air? (This would require having the system evacuated of moisture prior to recharge)
4. Is the compressor running still when it is no longer blowing the cold air?
From the sounds of it you could have a clogged orifice tube, more leaks, and possibly a failed or failing component plugging up the system.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: MA
Time to check for leaks. Put in some dye and get out the UV light.
They could be anywhere. Check the condenser, maybe you picked up a rock. Then check all the lines. You can also have a leak in the evaporator, or at the compressor.
They could be anywhere. Check the condenser, maybe you picked up a rock. Then check all the lines. You can also have a leak in the evaporator, or at the compressor.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 61
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From: PA
Using legit gauges, but don't have a scale, so not 100% sure how much we added. Just put in enough to bring the pressure up to make sure the compressor kicked on. Going to look at getting a dye kit.
Champion
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,895
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From: Gilbert, Arizona
Use Nylog (Blue) Gasket Thread Sealant for HFC Systems on all your O-rings and connections to guarantee no leaks.
Great stuff
https://www.ackits.com/pc/RT201B/Nyl...or+HFC+Systems
Great stuff
https://www.ackits.com/pc/RT201B/Nyl...or+HFC+Systems