I have an original equipment AC system in my GS that WE THOUGHT we completely upgraded when I put the car back on the road a few years ago. But my AC system will not hold the charge, so my question is : how many of these o-rings are in the system, does anybody know exactly where they are or has a diagram they can show me. And, WHAT ELSE might I need to check, change or upgrade ?... All info is greatly appreciated.... Lou
How long does it hold a charge? It needs to be leak checked for big leaks. Ones you paint the joints with a soap solution. This is after you pressurize the system with an inert gas, nitrogen or C02. If you pressurize with refrigerant, it will contaminate the area, if you want to leak check more closely with an electronic detector.
Could be evaporator, condenser, hoses, O rings or compressor shaft seal. Start out with soapy water, like Austin said, and see if anything shows, you can also use leak detector that puts a dye into the refrigerant that you can see at leaks, or you can also use a gas detector which is an electronic device. When refrigerant leaks, it carries oil with it so you may be able to see an oily residue where the leak is, if your evaporator is leaking it will be black from dirt sticking to the oil.
Harbor Freight sells a cheap R134A sniffer. You could put some R134A in your system and try the sniffer. Dye only works if the system is being run. Otherwise the oil/dye accumulates at the bottom of the system and if the leak is not there, dye will not leak out. Another option is to charge the system with compressed air and use soapy water. I assume you will change the dryer anyway.
Pressure from compressed air is an poor option. Shop air is usually pretty wet, big enemy of any ac system When you get it sealed up, leak wise, the system must be evacuated fully. Find a shop or HVAC guy with a good vacuum pump, and a micron gauge for measuring vacuum. You can find out if the system is sealed, by using the vacuum pump. If it won't hold a vacuum or get in the micron range, dont waste refrigerant on it,
Forgot to mention, when replacing the accumulator, that has a new desiccant bag inside, is a known best practice. The desiccant bag will not take the place of good dehydration, using a vacuum pump, that can achieve micron levels. We have all seen or heard of guys recharging systems with no evacuation, maybe a brief effort to purge the lines. Seems to work, but not good long term.
