Heater tube leaking at thermostat housing?

Hi,

Did you mean to attach a picture? I'm not sure what pipe it is you are referring to. As far as the heater is concerned, there are heater hoses that attach at the firewall, under the hood. There are two, a supply and a return.

As far as a leak, if you are unsure where it is coming from, the system should be pressure tested. You will need a tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know where you are seeing the leak, how much is leaking, and if you meant to attach a picture.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

That appears to be the leak. There is an O-ring in there that has likely failed. That is referred to as the coolant outlet tube.

Looking at the video, the nuts appear to be accessible. What are you using to remove them?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

It should be removable. The problem is there is little room to work. Have you been able to identify if the gasket/o-ring is damaged?

As far as the thermostat goes, you need to remove the heater tube. Have you done that?

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

It shouldn't have discharged. Why do you suspect that happened? When you get things back together, turn the AC on and see if the compressor engages. If it does, it is still charged. It won't engage if there is no or low freon in the system.

I don't think you damaged anything unless you heard it leak. If you do need to add freon, here is a link that shows how it's done, but again, unless you did something to break a line, it should be fine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

Don't be worried. However, I do need to know which connectors. If they leaked, they would likely need to be replaced. This will require the AC system to be vacuumed and recharged. Based on the connectors, we may also need to add PAG oil to the system.

Take a pic of where you saw the leak and upload it for me to see.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

That appears to be right at the compressor. The second pic above is a video, but I'm unable to play it.

If the two connectors you indicated leaked, first make sure the steel tubing wasn't damaged. If they are good, then there is an o-ring on each one that will need to be replaced.

Once that is done, you will need to vacuum and recharge the system. While the system is vacuumed, you can turn off the vacuum pump and allow the vehicle to sit. If there is a leak in the system, you will lose the vacuum.

Here is the link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

With all of that in mind and if you are certain all freon/charge is gone, remove the hoses for inspection of both the steel hoses and the O-rings.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Hi,

No, it won't hurt the system. Just turn both the AC and defroster off so it doesn't engage the compressor. Keep in mind, if it is below a specified pressure, it is designed not to turn on to protect itself.

Also, if you only lost a portion and it is still holding pressure, you may only have to add freon. But if it leaked, I have a feeling, it was all lost.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe

Hi,

You are very welcome, but you are doing all the work. LOL

If there is any charge left, you will lose it if you disconnect the pipe to replace the O-ring. Also, the engine will need to be running and the AC on when charging it, so you should wait until it is together.

If it was me, I would likely focus on the AC before putting everything together. Otherwise, you may need to take it apart again. That's your decision. Regardless, whichever way you decide, I'll do my best to help.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

I'm not sure what to say about the AC charge. I'm going off what you described. As far as the o-ring, if you take it apart, it should be replaced. At this point, just put it together and hopefully, the AC will be fine.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

make sure the hose wasn't damaged when you had things apart. It may have been stretched or cut by accident.

If the clamp being on, if pulled hard enough, it can still allow the hose to move, so check that as well.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe