AC Parts

I am preparing for the worse so just planning ahead at the moment. After 3 years my car's AC lost its R-12 Freon. It only needed 1 lb to bring back to correct pressure. However, in two months it lost its charge again. MY AC shop added the dye to detect the leak. I plan to have the car to him again next week. I will remove most interior parts that I can for him to find the dye. (While installing a new battery this weekend, I found some Freon connections behind the battery under the wiper motor which are reasonably accessible.)

Ok, here is the question. If the condenser or evaporator are leaking, are there replacement parts available? Getting used AC parts is risky; they will need to be vacuum tested to be sure they are okay and I will go that route if necessary. Are new ones out there? Source? Fiat 132?

I am hoping for an o-ring or hose but the condenser is the most vulnerable. The evaporator is the toughest to remove, but having removed the dash last winter I think I know the way.

Ideas please.
Ken

 

Howard
My shop added the dye in April after 3 years without needing Freon. They did not find a leak in the area of the compressor. Many connections require a lot of dismantling of the interior. I have an appointment for them to do the dye check and I will dismantle as much as I can in advance of the appointment. (false panel in trunk, right side front carpet, louvers to interior) I lasted 2+ months so leak is significant and dye test should find it.

This shop as a good supply of R-12, pricey but available.

My posting is solely to determine if the leak is in the evaporator or condenser, what are my options? An o-ring would be a great result of the test, but I am just planning ahead for the worst.
Ken

 

Brian
I believe I am working with a good shop specializing in both R-12 and R134a systems. I will know more on Wednesday. They have schedule my car for most of the day to work on. I have removed rugs and rear panel to give them the best access that I can without pulling the console. I found the connections behind the battery where the front/rear split is made.
Ken

 

My shop first did not know what to do because everything was working fine. They saw some bubbles in dryer so they pulled vacuum and recharged the correct weight of R-12 per my manual. No more bubbles. It was still cooling fine. After some poking around they got it to "fail". They found some loose connectors on one of the pressure switches on the dryer. By jumping out the switch the clutch re-engaged.

So no significant leak!! No other mechanical issues in system. Problem may be the or simply bad wiring when the dryer was changed out from the duplex to the dual switch dryer. IN any case a reasonably easy fix.

I will search the archives to find a source for the dryer. If anyone wants to reply with a supplier and part number I would be grateful. I know the subject is well covered in previous threads.

Leaving for 4 days in the Finger Lakes in the morning. I have trim to put back together this evening and a quick was job and we will be off in a cool car. (sic)
Ken

 

I ran with the dryer switch connected normally and the connects fittng well. I ran cold for 3 mintues and then lost cooling. I put in a jumper around the dryer pressure switch and had cold air for the rest of my trip. It looks like the switch is faulty and I will be buying a new dryer/switch. This is good news: minor money and a known fix.

See my more recnt post for new troubles on the road.
Ken

 

I questioned my AC shop a couple of times about it. I understand the concerns you mention. I hope to get new switch/dryer before enxt trip. I'm now running with AC off due to other issues on current road trip. Thanks for input.
Ken

 

Jim and others,
We made it home in near 100 F heat. The AC finally gave out completely and the belts were smoking when it died. Jim, there is probably a good reason for those switches to be in the circuit! I figured I seized the compressor, but after letting cool down for a few minutes teh compressor spun okay.

I have lots to debug in this system. Anyone know a source of York compressors (new or rebuilt) as this one has likely been overworked.
Ken

 

Dave
I'll send you a PM to work out details.
Ken