QuestionI am working on a 97 chevy astro van. I have charged to AC system twice and the R134 leaks out. It stays charged for about a week. I also added leak detector and I still can not find where or why it is leaking out.
AnswerRob,
Typically a leak that large will be fairly obvious as you charge it. You should hear a faint hiss with the vehicle off and the surrounding area fairly quiet.
What type of leak detector dye did you use? If you charged the flourescent dye into it, you will usually need the UV light to find the dye that came out. Or a black light will do the same thing if the surrounding area is not too brightly lit.
The easiest way to find a leak is to mix a liberal amount of dish liquid and water in a spray bottle. Then spray this solution onto all of the lines, concentrating on any joint or fitting, and the compressor manifold. Also down the side loops of the condensor, and anywhere on the fins where they look bent or as if something had struck them. When the solution comes in contact with the leaking area, you will see bubbles form.
If you thoroughly cover everything in the engine compartment and find nothing, then I hate to say it but your leak may be coming from your evaporator and on a minivan, this is usually a job and a half.
Thank you for your question. I hope I was of some help. If I can do anything more either now or in the future, do not hesitate to ask. If you found this response at all helpful, please remember to rate this answer. Thanks again and good luck in everything.
