A/C leak I cannot find

Tiny
KEITH SIZEMORE
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
  • 4.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Hello, when I recharge my A/C I don’t lose pressure. I actually gain pressure until the compressor shuts its self-off. I’ve used UV dye can’t find anything. I’ve used an air compressor and soap and can’t find anything. But when I use the vacuum pump to pull all the air out of the system the needle climbs immediately after I turn off the pump, so I know there is air getting in some way. Please help.
Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 5:11 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,147 POSTS
Yes, you have a leak, typically when you can't find it will be leaking from one of three places, the compressor seal near the clutch, the evaporator or condenser core, I visual or leak detector can help with finding the problem, when using a leak detector there can be no wind or breeze whatsoever. Also, when using the leak detector check at the bottom of the compressor clutch, refrigerant will sink because it is heavier than air. This guide and video will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-leak-detection

and

https://youtu.be/yrhWKlQEPWw

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 11:46 AM
Tiny
KEITH SIZEMORE
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Hello, thank you for the response. I’ve already changed the evap, so I know it’s not that. So, you’re saying I should get an electronic detector and go that route? I’ve used the UV to try to find the leak I found nothing. Just wondering if there is a leak wouldn’t the tv dye leak out and show under light or no?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 3:45 PM
Tiny
KEITH SIZEMORE
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Condenser looks good to go no bends or wear and tear and no up around condenser.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 3:46 PM
Tiny
KEITH SIZEMORE
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
.
Image & Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
KEITH SIZEMORE
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Found the leak replaced orifice no loss of suction in the lines. Recharged the system, it was blowing cold but still gaining pressure, the switch kicked and turned compressor off. I would imagine there is a blockage somewhere after seeing the orifice tube. Any idea what to do next?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,147 POSTS
Yep, with the orifice looking like that the compressor is coming apart and spreading the seal material throughout the system. You can get a couple of cans of A/C system flush and a new compressor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

and

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

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 11:48 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Air Conditioner Leak Content

How to Find an Air Conditioner Leak Video
VIDEO
How to Find an Air Conditioner Leak Video
Instructional repair video
Air Conditioner Leak Detection
GUIDE
Air Conditioner Leak Detection
If you are continuously recharging the air conditioner system, or if the system is flat (no charge), you have a leak which needs to be found and repaired to keep the AC...
VIEW MORE