Not Cool

So it is almost hot enough in Vermont to start thinking about air conditioning I don’t have. Was told by the dealer the low pressure AC line is the source of the leak and quote of $500-$600.


Where’s the low pressure AC line and what’s involved to replace?


Will worry about vacuum/recharging later.


Thanks

 

It's the line with the fitting that the dime store pressure gauges fit.

Once you locate that line, look it over and decide if it's something you want to tackle.

 

Yea there is this little thing about certification, your not allowed to willy nilly let those gases go into the atmosphere, Online course and recovery equipment are required. That said invite me over when you do and I'll turn you into the EPA and get a cool 10K. )

 

Pretty sure the gases are already gone.

And please don’t turn me in, I’m begging you. Next..

 

Hahaa
If I had the machine I would help you for free

 

The high pressure line is far more likely to leak. I suggest making sure where the leak is, unless you trust a dealer.

 

Where you at in VT?
It got up to like 60 and no sun today.
I have a rodent free garage we can do it in.
I got the tools needed.
Did my compressor a couple yrs ago.
Put some of the dye stuff in and see if you can find the leak.

 

This ^

 

Haha I see what u did there. Literally “not cool” ... well played. I’ll see myself out.

 

If line failed the refrigerant probably leaked out. But to be safe, tap the valve and see if anything comes out. If not, replace the line, have a shop Evac the system, pull the remaining oil out, put fresh oil and refrigerant. $150 or so for part, oil, refrigerant, and an hour labor (if you buy and install part yourself).

 

That was a very misleading title, haha.

 

I guess I won't be getting my certs, then will I?

 

The dye does work, but you have to charge the system and run it with the leak.

Pressurizing the system with nitrogen then spraying every component with soapy water works very good. Plus you are not venting R134 to the atmosphere.

I'm betting you find the bubbles pretty quick.

 

I like to vent to atmosphere because I'm libertarian and don't care about regulations or laws.

 

this is the way to go. Buy yourself a set of gauges ($40 or so from Harbor Freight) and a bottle of nitrogen (available at a HVAC supply place). Connect up the gauges and bottle, and charge to 30 or so on the low pressure side, the larger of the two ports. Mix a sparay bottle of water with an ounce or so of dish soap and with the AC system running after the charging spray around hoses and fittings till you find the leak. It should bubble enough you will see where the system is leaking. Once you find the leak, change out the line/fitting/part and take it to a good shop to have it fully evacuated (very important) and recharged. I would also suggest you change/replace the filter/dryer. Good Luck

 

He's right. OP, online course and recovery equipment are required. I had to fullfill both requirements before charging my a/c recently. These are mine:

 

I’m a very DIY guy but IMO AC is one of the things I’ll just let the professionals handle.

 

Hey thanks for the offer. Tools and garage are no problem, I do all my own work just wanted to see if anyone had done the job and if it was a PITA or anything.

I’m in Rutland county. Down in CT this weekend wishing AC was working!

 

I may end up going this route, some things are better left to a tech but then there’s the side of me that hates paying through the nose for something I could do. Then I do it and wish I had paid somebody..