Is there a way I can inject dye into the A/C system without the compressor running?

1986 CHEVROLET CAPRICE
150,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TOTALMC
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  • 117 POSTS
I'm working on A/C in the car listed above with a 305. as soon as I turn off my vacuum pump , the gauge drops from -20 almost instantly to zero. So I'm assuming there's a large leak.

Is there a way I can inject dye without the compressor running ??

Or do I need to jump the pressure switch , or the compressor , to make it run and accept and distribute the dye?

Should I maybe change all the o-rings first? (all the connections are all under the hood and easy to reach) and then try to vacuum it down again to see if it holds.

Thanks in advance.
Jul 30, 2021 at 3:49 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good morning,

Just add some Freon, maybe 1/2 pound. Then listen and look for the leak. It sounds like it could be a hose or the condenser.

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

This is not an o-ring.

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

Roy

Jul 31, 2021 at 4:05 AM
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