A/C is dead. Anything special I need to know?

[Green96]

My A/C has needed charged each spring for the last 2 years. It generally starts off the year working....poorly. I charge it, and all is good for the year. This year, nothing. I need to get it fixed. Is there anything in need to know before I select someplace to do the work? As far as I know there is nothing special that needs to be know to do A/C work on a Marauder vs a CV.

Second part of the question: Are there places that specialize in A/C repair? I have a few standard go-to places in the area but I am not sure that they know the first thing about fixing A/C leaks.

[Zack]

Probably leaking through a compressor seal
Simple swap, you can do it yourself if you have a floor jack.
Just have it charged after you're done

[Green96]

Probably leaking through a compressor seal
Simple swap, you can do it yourself if you have a floor jack.
Just have it charged after you're done

Is the seal serviceable, or is it a compressor swap?

[Zack]

Is the seal serviceable, or is it a compressor swap?

Get a compressor from Napa

[Zack]

That may or may not be the problem though. The factory oil is UV sensitive.
Get a black light and find the leak

[Green96]

Good to know. I already have a blacklight. I will take a look.

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[lji372]

hmm could always go to a certified mechanic. Just a thought :dunno:

[Zack]

hmm could always go to a certified mechanic. Just a thought :dunno:

I hear Curless may or may not have time..... :violin:

:D


:banana2:


:beer:

[lji372]

Oh snap :eek: :run:




...

[Green96]

hmm could always go to a certified mechanic. Just a thought :dunno:

Don't worry, I highly doubt that I will actually do the work on this issue but I would like to go in armed with enough information to call BS when I hear it. It looked the car over last night with a blacklight as did not see anything but I have recharged the system enough times that the UV component of the OEM charge may be long gone/diluted. I am going to put in a can of refrigerant and a can of UV indicator today and re-inspect before I take it in.

[RF Overlord]

Automotive HVAC systems should hold a charge for many years. If you need to keep adding refrigerant, there is a leak and you risk damage to the system if run loo low too often.

[Marauderjack]

Check the bottom of the drier...they tend to rust out and leak up your way!!:argue:

[Green96]

Put dye in and the little puddle of dye left in the valve was bubbling. No other leaks found. Looks like I have a bad valve.

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[EMAS]

Put dye in and the little puddle of dye left in the valve was bubbling. No other leaks found. Looks like I have a bad valve.

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Valve cores are common leak spots, a cheap and easy fix, I typically replace them, if they are the replaceable type, any time I service an AC system.

[Spectragod]

hmm could always go to a certified mechanic. Just a thought :dunno:

My certificates have expired, should I just give my tools away?????? :dunno:

[J-MAN]

My certificates have expired, should I just give my tools away?????? :dunno:

I'll pick em up so you won't be tempted. Just a few $ towards gas is all I ask.

[lji372]

I'll pick em up so you won't be tempted. Just a few $ towards gas is all I ask.

This board has the most willing to help members!!!!!


And no I don't mean members like that so please don't nuke the thread :beatnik:

[lifespeed]

Valve cores are common leak spots, a cheap and easy fix, I typically replace them, if they are the replaceable type, any time I service an AC system.

And given the valve stem is in the receiver/drier (which rusts out as mentioned earlier), just replace it with an aluminum unit. Have it vacuumed out and recharged, should be good to go.

[Zack]

My accumulator just started leaking.
Only $36 from Napa

[Green96]

Fixed. $85 out the door. 2 new valve stems and a recharge.