a/c charged but hot air blowing within a week

1996 FORD EXPLORER
177,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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GONEMENTALLY2DAY
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I had my a/c charged and oil added and it was blowing cold. within the week (and halfway through a ten hour away trip) it had gone slowly from cold to hot air blowing. should I just get a/c system replaced or is it just a leak? I hate to waste money to see if it's a leak and then find out it's the compressor. I can't do another summer of the a/c being out in the truck
Jan 18, 2011 at 1:17 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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There is a leak somewhere and it could be the compressor. I would recommend a U/V dye in the oil to aid in pinpointing the source of the leak, in fact, that should have been done when the system was recharged.
Jan 18, 2011 at 4:34 AM
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GONEMENTALLY2DAY
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thanks for the heads up:)
I will start checking how much that will cost and get it checked.
Jan 18, 2011 at 4:41 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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And remember to add the dye, even when it is a new system, the dye is essential for leak detection (just my opinion)
Jan 18, 2011 at 5:35 AM
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GONEMENTALLY2DAY
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thanks:)
Jan 18, 2011 at 5:38 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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  • 9,606 POSTS
K
Jan 18, 2011 at 6:41 AM
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