Possible A/C leak?

SAM MUSSELMAN

MEMBER
2004 FORD F-450
6.8L
V10
4WD
AUTOMATIC
218,900 MILES

I recently tried to put A/C in my truck. The A/C canister gauge said it was full, gauge was in the red but the air coming out is hot. Since the air is blowing, do I have a A/C leak or is the A/C clutch bad or is it both?

Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 6:18 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,200 POSTS

Hi,

Is the A/C compressor engaging or cycling on and off? Also, if there is pressure showing on the gauge, it doesn't sound like there is a leak. However, what was in the "red:"? That could indicate overcharging.

If you feel a leak is possible, the best thing to do is vacuum the system and see if it holds a vacuum. Here is a link that you may find of interest. The link explains how to vacuum and recharge the system. It discusses checking for leaks while it holds a vacuum.

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

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

joe

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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 9:25 PM

SAM MUSSELMAN

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27 POSTS

The gauge on the A/C bottle went to red when I put in on the low-pressure valve. I guess then it’s overcharged. I tried bleeding it with a little tool I have but even after bleeding it and then measuring it again, the A/C gauge on the refill bottle was still in the red. What could the issue be?

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Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 4:29 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,200 POSTS

Hi Sam, it could be a few things. Is it in the red with the engine running and AC on? What we really need to do is get manifold gauges, so we know the actual pressure on both the high and low sides. There is a chance the gauge on what you have isn't good.

Are you able to access such gauges?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 9:00 PM

SAM MUSSELMAN

MEMBER
27 POSTS

I believe I can get access to those gauges. Yes, the gauge on the A/C canister was in the red while the engine was running. Also, it’s worth noting that the usual green cap that indicates the low pressure, the A/C canister connector didn’t fit properly or at least wouldn’t lock down to make a good fit to get a PSI reading. So, hopefully I’m not connecting it to the wrong port. To verify, do you have a diagram of the low pressure line for my vehicle?

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Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 9:31 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,200 POSTS

Hi:

If it didn't fit properly, that could be why the gauge is maxed. As far as the low-pressure line, I can't find a picture. However, the low-pressure line will be physically larger in diameter than the high pressure.

Let me know.

Joe