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A/C leak

Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 246,000 MILES
Back history: I had an electrical problem with my A/C system. I had evacuated A/C system and it had -30 of vacuum on gauge held for over an hour so I had no leaks. I went to charge it, and nothing happened. I tried to jump relay for the A/C compressor, and nothing happened. By this time, I had put two cans in. By this time, I had put two cans in. I stopped, I changed the engine harness because of that and some other electrical problems. The truck is running fine now.

Now it’s all ready to charge but from the system not working previously there is a leak.

My question is, how should I find leak? I have light and an A/C leak detector. Do I need to put more oil?
From pressure building up when A/C compressor was not working where most likely do you think leak occurred. Just need some direction how to proceed.
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Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 AT 5:48 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I am not sure I understand. You said that you pulled it into a vacuum, and it held for over an hour. If this is the case, then the system is sealed and does not have a leak.

Is there another reason that I missed that you suspect there is still a leak? I understand the compressor is not coming on but that is not only caused by a leak.

So, if you jumped the relay and it still did not come on then you may have a failed compressor.

However, to provide the info you asked for, here is video that shows how to find a leak:

https://youtu.be/yrhWKlQEPWw

What I would suggest is we just hook up a gauge set and find out what the pressure is in the system.

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

Then we can check for voltage at the compressor and if you have 12 volts when it is turned on then the compressor has failed if it is not coming on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I attached the wiring diagram below.

Please run through this and let us know what questions you have.
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Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
Okay, I’ll do those checks and let you know. Thanks
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Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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Sounds great. Thanks for the update and I am curious as to what you find.

If the compressor runs or not when you put power to it, then that will put us on the right path so let me know if you have questions about doing this.

Thanks
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Thursday, April 28th, 2022 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
Okay, will do.
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Thursday, April 28th, 2022 AT 7:50 AM
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
Update: I found leak and fixed it.
I evacuated system and charged the system. I jumped A/C relay to start the compressor it took a little Freon. The compressor was turning but no Freon going through. My low side pressure was high and high side low. I ohm out compressor and it was good. Could a new compressor still be bad even though it ohms were correct?
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Saturday, May 21st, 2022 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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Short answer is yes. Just because the internal windings are ok in the compressor does not mean the seals inside of it are okay, and can build pressure.

Basically, if the compressor is turning but not pulling in freon or building pressure then the compressor has failed.

Take a look at this chart which will explain this. You will see that the low side high and high side low points to a faulty compressor.
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Saturday, May 21st, 2022 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
Okay, that’s what I thought.
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Saturday, May 21st, 2022 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
Thanks, I’ll return compressor and try another I’ll update you.
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Saturday, May 21st, 2022 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
Thanks I’ll return compressor and try another I’ll update you
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Saturday, May 21st, 2022 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Yeah. I am not sure I was aware this was a new compressor but if it were then I agree, returning it and getting a replacement would be what I do based on this info.

Thanks for the update. Let us know how this turns out.
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Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 AT 5:30 AM

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