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Leaking A/C

Tiny
ERNEST ROUX
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 194,000 MILES
I bought a great little vehicle listed above, It runs good but little things are worn out and I want to fix them myself. However, I'm stumped when it comes to the A/C. Two months ago I took the car in to have it recharged. They said it had a couple of leaks but couldn't say how bad. Well that recharge lasted two weeks. So a week ago I purchased a bottle of stop leak, put it in myself, it lasted three days. But I cannot find the leak. What I want is a ballpark figure on what it might cost to have it fixed. I only paid $2,500.00 for the car. I love it but I want to know if it worth fixing. I'd like to fix it myself, but I believe this is beyond me.
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Friday, July 31st, 2020 AT 5:39 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

As far as a repair, that is really difficult for me to answer simply because we don't know where the leak is. What you need to do is locate the leak. Once that is done, I would be able to provide an idea of parts and labor costs.

Here is what I suggest. I will provide a link that explains how to locate an A/C leak. Perform the test to determine what part is leaking. Once you do, let me know what the part is.

Here is the link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-leak-detection

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, July 31st, 2020 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
ERNEST ROUX
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay, I will check. I purchased a A/C Freon sniffer. And I needed to buy some tools as well. I will have time to check it Thursday. I believe I will need to recharge the system, to build up pressure, then shut the car down then use the sniffer. Am I right?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, the system needs to be operational. I don't know if you need them, but here are directions for adding refrigerant.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 10:14 PM
Tiny
ERNEST ROUX
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My A/C has a leak that I want to fix myself. So I purchased a can of A/C Pro and a Freon sniffer. I recharged the system, turned off the car and traced components and lines with the sniffer. The only place I found a leak was the very valve (the low pressure valve) I used to install the coolant. I’ve made many phone calls asking if I can replace the inside piece that looks like a tire stem and it’s o-ring, however I cannot get any answers here in town. It does look to me like it can be twisted out the same way a tire stem is removed. I haven’t tried it yet because I’m sure things can go wrong if I don’t release the pressure and drain the A/C first. And that is another thing I need some advice on.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
ERNEST ROUX
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Here is the VIN number if that helps:
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 3:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

That is a schrader valve, and yes it can be removed. However, you will lose any charge if it is still in the system.

Let me know if you get it replaced. Also, you may be able to tighten it to eliminate the leak.

Joe
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 11:53 PM
Tiny
ERNEST ROUX
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
This may sound dumb but I have to ask. Is this Schrader Valve available in Auto Part stores, or is this something I'll have to go to a Subaru Dealership? I ask because this a 2003 Outback, I don't have any idea as to how far back part stores keep they hold on to inventory. Seems like I might have to order it. What do you think? It is so tiny, what might this cost? I'm on a budget till I get paid in a week.

Here are a couple pics to show what I'm working with. I must say this little car is growing on me so I want to take care of it.
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Friday, August 7th, 2020 AT 2:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

They are great cars and will go anywhere in the snow. LOL

As far as the valve, you should be able to get one for a couple dollars. I attached a pic of one below so you can see what you need to find.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Friday, August 7th, 2020 AT 10:34 PM

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