Air conditioning problems

[psudaytona]

Ok my AC system has a couple leaks(that I know of)


The first one it between the compressor where it fits onto the steel hose of the low side. I know its there since I did a dye charge with envirosafe and it clearly shows the dye there. I tried an auto glue called "Seal All" but it doesnt work. Anyone know if an adhesive that can handle this job?


Also, the high side valve. I dont think its supposed to loudly hiss when you take off the dust cap is it?

The system was R12 originally and the previous owner put the 134 adapters on it. I thought maybe the adapter was just bad, so I removed it and placed on the new one that came with my Duracool kit. Well this one was MUCH different than my current one. When I took it off I see a schrader(sp?) valve(looks like a tire valve). The new one I screwed on no longer has a needle in it that works with the schrader. If that made sense. I think maybe my OEM equipment has a leak in the schrader valve on it, can I find another one to screw onto it to correct that leak?

The leaks are so bad in those 2 places I lose full charge in under 3 days. Thats why I switched to duracool, cheaper and safer for the system than 134a is.

 

[JavaMan]

Have you got an estimate on how much it would cost to fix the AC?

 

[psudaytona]

I am avoiding taking it to a shop for this, the car is pretty old(92 with 182K on it).

 

[toocrazy2yoo]

Daytona..

Old lady next door, her AC was dead (89 Buick). Was missing the valve, completly gone, went to NAPA and got it for .75. Get the tool for it too, it's somewhat different from that for a tire.

 

[psudaytona]

Sweet. Is there a gasket or some sort of seal for the hose to compressor? Or would something like rtv work for it? The auto seal all product didnt hold up at all and simply let it spray out.

 

[johnd]

I've never heard of anyone successfully repairing ac hoses. Usually they are just replaced with oem or fabricated new ones. O rings are really inportant too. If I was replacing hoses, I'd do all the o-rings too, at the same time.

 

[Dave H]

Between the compressor and the hose should be an o-ring. You can take your old one to Napa and try to match it, or can get one from the dealer for very cheap. Personally, I wouldn't try to use any type of sealant like RTV when a new o-ring would almost guarantee not to leak.

While the system is empty, you may want to replace any easily accessible o-rings just to be on the safe side. I recently did all of them in my wife's truck when converting to R-134.

Dave