More A/C issues
 

Need some more help guys. I have an A/C leak that I can't find. I am running a leak detector without success. Anyway I can't hold pressure beyond 150 Lbs. I think I can hear a hissing leak around the area where the two hoses route around the side of the radiator and over to the condensor. I am ruling out compressor right now as it is a new as of last year. Anyone ever had either of the condensor hoses fail? I am looking for a common hose here so I can replace it. BTW this is an R12 system so I have to find it the first time due to cost. Thanks in advance.

Scott, in the latest Excellence magazine, Fox Tool & Supply advertises R12A
Duracool that is compatible with R12 systems (615)865-6251

Here in Canada, R12 is illegal for sale and nla.

I have the SFR supercharger and I removed nearly all my AC components, as well as chopping off some of the hard lines I couldn't unbolt and pull out.

I've used Duracool for 6 or 7 years in one of my cars. Works fine. I know, I've said this a hundred times on this list......

I still have two cylinders of R12 that I have been slowly selling off. I have a refrigeration handling license left over from when I used to turn wrenches so I can still by R12 if needed. I just don't want to waste any more tracking down a leak. So anyone ever had either of these hoses fail?

Yes indeed the hoses can fail - though usually it is the orings in the fitting itself.

Also, it could be possible that your condensor has sustained damage from road debris.

AFJuvat

Yea, I was thinking that a new round of O-rings was in order. I hate changing the condensor side O-rings they are a real PITA. Will do that tonight, thanks.

There is a yellow dye you can put in the system that will show where the leak is. I have a slow leak at my compressor seal, and that is how I found it. I got the oil into the compressor by filling up the hose and blew it in with refrigerant.

Yes, I have had a leak on the compressor to condenser hose, where the rubber is crimped by the metal ferrule,( at the condenser end in my case) it was found using one of these ultra sensitive detectors.

Thats where I hear it coming from, but thats not a very accurate test. I hope its just an O-ring cause that hose is $140!

I understand you can take the hose to a place that makes hydraulic hose and have one made up for far less. That is what others on this list have said in the past. Next time one of mine leaks, that is what I'll do

I think I was quoted £130 for this hose, but managed to get one made up for a fraction of this price by using the original hose ends.
If you have to go down this path, to avoid twisting the made up hose when fitting to the car it is important to get the position of the ends correct in relation to one another. Some sort of jig could be useful for this.

Well more problems. I ran another tube of dye marker through tonight and charged it up. I still can't find the leak! I did however have what looked to be dye marker on the underside of the chin spoiler. I removed the chin spoiler and it looks like it was dripping right from under where the two hoses wrap around the side of the radiator. But no visible signs on the hoses. There was a small amount of oil substance on the larger hose that comes from the compressor to the evap core, but that is the low side. I would figure that my leak was coming from the high side since it only happens when I charge the system up fully. So here is the plan...

All new o-rings tomorrow, condensor side, compressor and receiver/dryer.

New low side barrier hose.

Test again.

Damn I would love to find a decent a/c shop in town that knew how to work on this thing!