Question on Auto A/C Leak--- for our Auto Techs

[coop65sr]

I have a question that I need our automotive techs to help me out with if you will...
My son's 2001 Pontiac Grand Am has developed a leak somewhere in the A/C system...after the output air got pretty warm we of course knew it had developed a leak...we put one can of R134 in the system and that re-charged it for about two weeks, but noticed that the air was getting warm again signaling a leak somewhere of course... Is there a stop leak additive out there that we can put in ourselves that will actually work BUT not screw the system up??? I have tried to research this, not knowing the true pros/cons of these stop leak additives out there.... Is there anything safe that I can do to stop what seems to be a small leak, or am I at the mercy of taking it to somebody who's gonna possibly rip me on repairs???? I appreciate the advice in advance y'all....

 

[NoMercy]

There is not a stop leak for ac systems. You usually have to replace the leaking component. If you have the ability to install dye into the system,do that. You can then put a black light up to the area and see the leak. It will glow a yellow-greenish color. Id probably check the condensor or compressor first. If the area looks wet and is black from dirt sticking to it,that could be the leak. Hope this helps ya out some.
In all honesty,your probably gonna have to take it in for the repair.

 

[Strife]

buy some dye and see where it's leaking from. They sell R134 with stop leak in it,but really doesn't work well cause almost all seals are by a rubber o-ring that has hardened and needs replaced. They sell o-ring kits for about $10. can change them all out.

 

[aussiekeeper]

GM compressors are WELL known for compressor seal leaks. Good thing though they are relatively cheap to replace. 10 to 1 that is the problem. Usually the front shaft seal............

 

[Casperle]

Dont put the stop leak in it wont work then Youll probably have to take it somewhere and the stop leak will destroy the garages recovery machine. Your system will be then unserviceable and they ll be mad at you. Like aussiekeeper said 9 out of 10 the nose of the compresser is leaking.

 

[chrisjp]

 

[shadetree57]

I fix a lot of ACs and Mine was leaking so I tried the stop leak. Did not work. The compressor was leaking and chances are that's your problem. We charge 30 dollars plus freon and dye to check the system. Sometimes you have to run it awhile to get the dye to show up then put the light on it to find out where it's going. If you can fix it great but don't guess at it. At least spend the money to find out where the leak is. Hope I helped you.

 

[BusaWizard]

A/C systems work under high pressures stop leak won't work, If you can get your hands on a sniffer you may be able to detect the leak. Check the vents for an evap. leak also. A/C hoses become porous over time, that may be the source of your leak as well. When you repair the system I would replace the orifice tube and maybe even the accumulator also.

 

[BBB]

I fix a lot of ACs and Mine was leaking so I tried the stop leak. Did not work. The compressor was leaking and chances are that's your problem. We charge 30 dollars plus freon and dye to check the system. Sometimes you have to run it awhile to get the dye to show up then put the light on it to find out where it's going. If you can fix it great but don't guess at it. At least spend the money to find out where the leak is. Hope I helped you.

Just an FYI. I took mine is for a similar deal of $39 plus freon and the dye. It cost $109 Still not a bad deal but it caught me off guard that freon was that expensive. I have to take it back in to find the leak and then find out how much to repair it. Considering we hit some days that were over 100° it was worth it.

 

[shadetree57]

Just an FYI. I took mine is for a similar deal of $39 plus freon and the dye. It cost $109 Still not a bad deal but it caught me off guard that freon was that expensive. I have to take it back in to find the leak and then find out how much to repair it. Considering we hit some days that were over 100° it was worth it.

Totals out about 70 dollars here unless it has rear air and is completely out of freon.

 

[BBB]

Totals out about 70 dollars here unless it has rear air and is completely out of freon.

Yes to both for me. Figures.

 

[coop65sr]

Hey THANKS for all the great info guys....I'm gonna take your advice and just get the leak check done and see what they say... I can / will change out the O-rings myself if that turns out to be the problem... Hopefully it will be something small like that--- I appreciate it guys--- y'all are the BEST