550 ac ?

1- put gauges on high and low pressure port
2- suck out A/C to minus 1 atmosphere
3-close gauges
4- report back here how long gauge continues to read -1 I would check my gauge in an hour
5- no vac loss = charge system
vac loss=fix leak refrigerant does not wear out. It only escapes when there is a leak

If you lost refrig you have a leak some are big (don't bother charging) some are small (have to charge in couple years) some are a PITA charge annually which you should really just fix.

550A/C is awesome. Granted I'm in Socal but we do see 100F days.

 

The most common leak is the compressor itself. They are terrible for that. Any fitting can leak but the Schrader valves are a high probability too. On 550 the hoses run under the right radiator mount and that spot drags going in and out of driveways. I have seen those hoses ground right through.

 

No recourse to go back to the dealer??

 

A few years ago, I took my Maranello to a dealer for a non-cooling A/C. Quoted price to repair $16+k.

 

On board. with that. I just thought it would be their responsibility when they sold you the car to have everything working up to snuff. The repair should be on them

 

My mistake

 

If you really cannot generate any pressure get a spray bottle full of soapy water. Remove one of the schrader valves and with a rubber tipped air blower nozzle have an assistant blow air in the system while you work your way around with the spray bottle. Its cheaper than dumping a bunch of freon in it. You'll need a new drier anyway.

Best if its partially elevated and belly pan off.

 

@Oengus what is the part # for the 550 a/c compressor? I'm fairly certain that I need to address the same as a winter project.