A/C System Leak Tests

Possible Leak Locations:

If the air conditioning system is not cooling the passenger compartment properly, determine whether the refrigerant system is fully charged with R12.

If the refrigerant system is empty or low in refrigerant charge, a leak at any of the line fittings or component seals is likely. To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform one of the following procedures as indicated by the symptoms.

EMPTY REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAK TEST
1. Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest degree of vacuum possible.
2. Prepare a 14 oz. refrigerant (R12) charge to be injected into the system.
3. Connect and dispense 14 ozs. of refrigerant (R12) into the evacuated refrigerant system.
4. Proceed to step (2) of Low Refrigerant Level Leak Test.


LOW REFRIGERANT LEVEL LEAK TEST
1. Review Safety Precautions and Warnings to determine if there is still R12 in the refrigerant system.
2. Position the vehicle in a breeze free work area to make it less difficult to detect a small leak.
3. With the engine not running, use an Electronic Leak Detector (or equivalent) and search for leaks in the most accessible areas first.
a. Fittings, lines, or components that appear oily usually will implicate a refrigerant leak.
b. To inspect the evaporator core for leaks, it is possible to insert the leak detector probe into the recirculating air door opening near the right side cowl trim behind the instrument panel.
4. Repair any leaks found.