Fixing A/C - there is a leak

FABIAN CHARLTON

MEMBER
2009 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

So, I've been doing some research before I decided to ask for help.

From the previous car owner: there is a leak.

The car hasn't been driven in years and is in a state of disrepair. I have another post up in regards.

However, in this post, I'm trying to fix my A/C.

Things I know about. Somewhat.

I should vacuum the system, but how can I do that if there is a leak, you know? It'll never vacuum is what I'm wondering. And the follow up question is I would use one of those recharge systems you guys linked to I would use one with a dye. My question is, how can I make sure I'm not adding too much pressure that on the high side it's too high? I read a lot of people saying that I should get a reverse scale and one of those gauges that hook up both sides.

Or being that my system is empty it won't matter?

6 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,690 POSTS

I would add refringent the ambient pressure can be enough to find the leak. This guide will show you how to add Freon:

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

This guide should help you find the leak, both with a leak detector and visually:

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

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 AT 12:36 PM

FABIAN CHARLTON

MEMBER
53 POSTS

Okay, to verify "With the system off, add as much as you can until the pressure equalizes. Check for leaks in an area with no wind or breeze."

Right now, to understand what you're saying.

With my car being flat with no charge in it for God knows how long. I should get one if those recharge top system things like, "Arctic Freeze Car Air Conditioner R134A Refrigerant, A/C Recharge Kit Includes Gas, Gauge and Hose, 22 Oz, AF22-6* or one with a dye.

Find the low-pressure side and add refrigerant until the pressure equalizes and then disconnect it. (I'm going to be using one of those dye UV things sniffer).

If I find the leak, that's good. Once I fix it, I can then vacuum the refrigerant that I had deposited. And then start as if I'm starting from a car that is no leak and then do this "https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon"?

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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 6:46 PM