Air conditioner has a slow leak and I cannot find it?

BBERGERON

MEMBER
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

No visible leaking from under the hood or at the condenser. No Freon smell in cab. High side line from compressor is cold and the rest ambient to warm. System is low right now so there is barely any cooling from vents. Charge will last 2-3 weeks and slowly lose Freon over time. Upper line to condenser with orifice tube has been changed along with the receiver dryer. Both Schrader valves not leaking also. Is there a good way to check evaporator without a sniffer or pulling the dash?

Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 1:18 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,520 POSTS

There are two places these systems like to leak which are hard to find, first is the front seal of the compressor. This can be difficult because they leak a little when the system is not running and can leak more when the system is operating. You must use a leak detector at the front of the clutch down low with the system off (no wind or breeze), also look for compressor oil under the compressor which is a sure sign it is leaking. Next is the evaporator core, this will need to be done with a leak detector as well and must be near the condensation tube. This guide and video will help show you how:

https://youtu.be/yrhWKlQEPWw

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 AT 9:15 AM