AC Refrigerant Leak - Thermal Expansion Valve (TVX)

Good deal, but don't let it sit overnight under vac. Let the pump run until you are ready to recharge the system. Won't hurt a thing, and you will get rid of every minuscule bit of moisture.

 

To add, -25 ain't right, should be -30. But, analog gauge. Prolly not accurate.

 

Thanks CurtB - so basically no issues running the vacuum for 24 hours?

 

No, just sit the pump where it can get some cooling air. 24 hours is overkill, but won't hurt anything but the life of the pump, and the oil in the pump. The pump oil should be changed after every vac pull, so they say.

 

I just watched this vid, wife is watching bs on TV. lol. Spot on, just a couple things I do differently. Just make sure you close the manifold valves before you shut down the vac pump. Burp the air on the yellow hose by loosening it at the manifold if no valve there like in the video.

Ok, refilled to the proper weight? Close the can valve, then close the high side valve. Slowly open the low side valve to bleed the high side hose into the running system. This is the only way to get the exact amount into your truck. Does it make a big difference, no. does it make a difference, yes. It's maybe an ounce one way or the other. trust me, at 21 oz it matters.

 

Sorry for the late update guys. I went ahead and replaced the O-rings about a month ago, pulled a vacuum for a few hours, then recharged with 21 OZ of R134A. AC has been blowing damn cold and I don't see evidence of another leak. Infact my AC hasn't been this cold in years.

Running off memory there were a few tips.

1. To remove the clamps insert a small flathead screwdriver into the slots. This will pop the clamps open.
2. You have to remove a 2 screws / clamps that hold down one of the lines in order to get the room to pop it out.
3. You have to unclip the other line from a metal clip in order to get the room to pop it out.
4. Install O rings - I added a little oil I wiped off the dipstick to the Orings before I slid them back in

Pics below

 

That's pretty amazing you were able it DIY this. I think I have a leak somewhere because my A/C is nowhere as cold as it used to be.

How did vacuum the A/C system yourself? Once I find the leaky culprit, I think I have to do the similar thing as you. Other people have said you need some kind of special machine that only dealers or mechanics have to vacuum or remove refrigerant from the system. I don't want to pay several of thousands to the dealer for this.

 

Always more than one way to skin a cat, huh? That’s what TW is so awesome for.

The only only thing that ONLY the dealer can do is sell you a brand new truck

 

In my case there was no refrigerant left so I didn't have to bother removing it.

My FIL had a vacuum machine already and the refrigerant gauges, but you can buy the gauges pretty cheap and rent a vacuum machine I believe. In any event, I'd rather DIY and pay for the tool because that way I know it was done correctly, and most of the time I save money compared to a shop even after the tool costs and when its all said and done, I have some badass tools

 

Realized I didn’t answer your question. Watch the video OP posted. Instead of the refrigerant you add a dye to the system initially and then run your AC. This will tell you and hopefully quickly so where the leak is.
Please don’t be a jerk and just evaporate the system to the atmosphere. BAD KARMA!
Should be cheap enough to get this done at a reputable AC shop.
The rest of the job is fairly easy (unless you have a leaky evaporator in your dash) and just follow instructions from this thread and the video

 

In my case the dye came from the factory - I did not have to add any dye. I'm assuming all tacos have this?

For Hans, I would just spend some time crawling around your engine bay. I just traced all the AC lines until I found a leak. Just took my time and a watchful eye.

 

I was just looking at the Harbor Freight and see a manifold gauge set and a 2.5 cfm vacuum pump for $155. I still have refrigerant in my system since it's cool but not cold. I was trying to see how the OP contained his old refrigerant going the DIY route, but it looks like he did not have to worry about that.

 

Those tools can probably be rented at autozone or sth

 

Oil off the dipstick for the o-rings???

 

meh

It always says to lube up the o-rings when you change oil, I figured why not these. Plus the dipstick was right there and I just put Mobil1 about 400 miles ago so it was fresh

AKA I was lazy

 

Toyo schematic for 2006 (05-09) AC for o-ring part numbers if anyone needs them in the future.

 

Won't hurt a thing. I know you are 'supposed' to use refrigerant oil, but it's only a drop for o-ring lube. It's not going to contaminate the entire system.

 

2005 PreRunner. 4.0.

I've had a slow leak for the past 3 years that I could mostly manage by adding a 12oz of can of R-134 each Spring. It's finally gotten worse and I've went ahead and replaced the compressor and condenser, not necessarily because I knew they were leaking.
My kit also came with the O-rings and TVX valve.

Can someone confirm that I can pull the valve out through the firewall? It looks simple enough. I figure this will replace another 8 O-rings and can't hurt.

Also, I have an '05 and noticed that I don't have a cabin filter. Is there any way to borescope the condition of my evaporator and/or blow/vacuum it out? Previous owner had a dog and I'm really, really afraid what's there...

 

When you are done put a cabin filter in. My 05 did not come with one either. All 2nd gens take the same filter.

 

Here are some more pictures for you. Don't forget the filter in the tube.