Hi , my 328 has sure a leak of a/c system. I recharged the system two time in the last three years. Today the mechanic checked the system, gas was absent but he don't found the leak. What do you think about? Have you an experience like this? Where it could be the leak ? Many thanks.
Vito, Any shop that does A/C work should be able to put UV dye in the system, run it for a few minutes, and find the leak without any issues. There are a dozen places it could be leaking. Mike
Yep - could be anywhere. My 328 was leaking and it turned out to be a split Oring on one of the hose-to-compressor fittings. I found it without benefit of any sort of testing device but as noted, a shop that does AC service work SHOULD be able to find the leak. OTOH, I became an AC service "tech" unwillingly because on two occasions, AC shops screwed up the system. Once they did a complete service and the refrigerant all leaked out the next day; another shop serviced it, overcharged the system and caused the compressor to lock up. That's when I decided to learn to do my own AC work. I bought the gauge set and a vacuum pump, did a LOT of research and have been doing my own ever since. After discovering the split O-ring and replacing it/vacuuming/recharging the system (with Duracool), it's been working quite well...at least for a 3x8!
Yes the uv dye is in the system but he don't found the leak. The mechanic wants controll the system after two weeks. Please write the dose places of leak. Many thanks.
Dye is not a great method. Many testers out there that will find much smaller leaks. If you filled out your profile I could give more information. I sold my crystal ball.
Vito the AC system is split up into a few sections,, the compressor,evaporator,condenser,fiilter/dryer and they are all connected via 4 hoses.. There is a good chance that the leak is in either the compressor shaft seal or more likely in the hoses. lf its in the compressor then that is an easier fix,replacing the hoses is a more difficult and labour intensive job. l have a leak in my AC in my 328 and l have pressure tested it with nitrogen but haven't been able to find the leak.. lm going to seperate the system and pressure test each component individually....one day
I am guessing you charged your system with 134. If all that was ever done to "convert" your R12 system to 134 was screwing on a red and blue valve then putting in 134, there is your problem.
Also, a common leak point is the Schrader valves where the A/C hoses hook up. Just like a tire valve. Get ones with the green seal and replace the ones who you have. Lester
How do the testers work? I tried to guess but I'm not getting ver far. A well working stock 328 AC system is pretty good at cooling down the car, provided you're not being beamed directly by the sun in the middle of summer while driving at high rpm's. -F
Good current electronic testers can sniff just a couple of parts per million of Freon. In California we can't even touch an ac system unless we have one along with several thousands of dollars of other AC stuff. We also need a tester that can identify which of the many gasses is in the system. All coming to the other 49 states courtesy of misguided environmentalism. Dye was all the rage in the 70's.
