I am so frustrated. Have a 96 silverado. installing new compressor and condensor and dryer. Pulled vacuum but vaccum goes to 0 in about 5 minutes. Where can I go from here? On another note, how can I tell the proper size seal when replacing the seals on the lines?
Make sure you're using A/C rated o-rings - think they're blue. Don't know about size - I always match with the old o-rings. Seems new components always come with rings, so just ask the auto parts guy to pull out your component and buy matching A/C rings from him. Last time I had a leak it was from using the o-rings that came with a new dryer. They weren't A/C rated. Don't be frustrated. All you have to do is charge with UV-dye added R134 and when it's not cooling any more or shortly thereafter put a UV light on ALL parts to find the leak(s). Don't drive in the rain until you can check for leaks, as that can wash the dye off. Don't stop looking after finding the first leak. May be more than one. So you'll waste maybe 20 bucks of R134. That can't be helped.
--Vic
If you in doubt, go to the dealer and get a seal and oring kit..
break all the seals and orings and replace them. look closely at the condenser in front of the radiator for any dings in it that may have perforated it. If you see a oily spot on it, you might have found the smoking gun.
If all else fails, gas it up with r134 with UV dye and run it. then get a UV flashlight and track down the leak.
If it leaks out that fast, you got a pretty big leak you should be able to hear a hissing sound with the motor off if its leaking that fast.
bob
rado. installing new compressor and
Update:
I am beginning to wonder if my guages are bad. I vacuumed and removed the high pressure line to my guages but kept the low pressure line attached. It held a vaccum overnight. If I re attach the high pressure guages hose, it begins to leak slowly as before. DOes this mean it is probably my guages?
Harbor freight has R134 gauge sets on sale
you need to confirm also that the sharader valves on the high and low sides are not leaking. if there replaceable, you might do that
bob
Sure was. If I had put the new parts in that he did, and had that leakdown, I would have figured an o-ring or component was leaking. Then I would have charged with dye-added R134. Then just use the A/C until it stops cooling before checking with a light. But it wouldn't stop cooling, so I'd have been "puzzled." Maybe "worried" if I was about to take a trip with the car. I always leave high and low hoses from the gage set connected while I check that vacuum holds. Just isolate the pump. Never had a problem holding vacuum. If I ever do, I'll remember what stryped did to check hoses. That was good thinking.
--Vic
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