prometheis

I have a slow a/c leak and go thru 2 cans of refrigerant every Texas summer (Apr-Sep). I searched this forum for an a/c diagram to no avail. Anybody have any leak detector hints besides using dye and eyeballing it for purple residue? I see some leak detectors use flourescent lights which of course I don't have (and won't buy). What is the most common leak problem in the base model with 124K miles? CV has not had any a/c repairs todate (knock wood), compressor works fine, I suspect a pinhole in a hose. Is this something I can do myself or do I need special tools to evacuate and vacuum the system?

Any troubleshooting/repair hints but especially an a/c diagram would be greatly appreciated!

Bert

In our fleet, we had one with a compressor front seal leak. Other than that, no leaks with some almost 200,000 miles. The only way to tell would be with testers or dye.

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Bert

jwko

I couldn't find a diagram specifically for a 01 Crown Vic, but pretty much any diagram will do as the sealed system is pretty much the same in all vehicles. The only real difference in the diagram below is your CV will use a orifice tube instead of a metering valve to restrict the flow of refrigerant. Do you see oil anywhere on the lines or hoses? If so that's usually a strong indicator of the location of a leak.

prometheis

Good info Bert/jwko thanks! I put in one can of 134a w/UV dye (4/11) to try and locate the leak. How long should I run it before checking for leaks? And do I really need a freaking black light to find this leak? Also I was told if it is in fact the compressor seal (about $30), the whole compressor would have to be replaced???? I've rebuilt an alternator before and have nothing but time on my hands (STYX) as I'm unemployed. My mechanic said he didn't know of anybody that replaces seals on compressors???

Bert

We replaced the seal on ours. http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice...pressor-repair

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Bert