Re: finding freon leaks

[jtrealty@xxxx]

If you are as unlucky as me the discharge hose from the compressor to 
the condensor has popped. There are tiny holes all along the hose and 
the freon will come out all along it's length. Use nitrogen and soapy 
water and you will find the leak. The hose can be replaced without 
removing the body from the frame but you will have to bend the frame 
flange a little bit to pass the end through. Also replace the service 
(shrader) valve cores, and evacuate the system for at least 1/2 hour. 
If it has been "down" a long time you should replace the dryer too. It 
is best to stay with R-12 if possible. I have used sniffers and I find 
they get desensitized by large leaks, I prefer to see the leak with my 
own eyes. Sniffers are of no use if the motor or fans are running as 
the air is moving too fast. Another alternative is to add a leak 
detector dye.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757


--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "Walter" <Whalt@xxxx> wrote:
> I am trying to locate a leak in my a/c system and am having some 
trouble
> doing it. I just bought a leak sniffer from NAPA and put it to 
work. So
> far I seem to be finding a high concentration of CFCs between the 
frame and
> the fuel tank near the point where the flexible fuel lines meet the 
metal
> fuel lines. On the highest setting, the sensor beeps looking into 
the
> condensate drain line, but then it also beeps looking up my shirt 
sleeve.
> (Are my armpits THAT hazardous to the ozone layer?)
> 
> My theory is that freon is leaking through the condensate drain line 
or
> coming somewhere off the evaporator near the 'fire wall' and 
collecting in
> the low spot on the frame. Can anyone give some words of wisdom on 
how to
> proceed from here? I don't see any greasy spots from leaking 
refrigerant
> oil. Should I try to pull the tape/insulation surrounding the 
evaporator
> pipes via access through the spare tire panel, or should I attack it 
through
> the passenger foot well? I tried sniffing through the rubber hose 
on the
> a/c blower and don't find any CFCs there.
> 
> Walt Tampa, FL