Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Drake57 on Mon September 10, 2012 12:35 PM

Happy Monday everyone. I just replaced manifold hose assembly on daughter's 1995 Contour. The original problem was that the high pressure R134A style service port (part of the hose assembly) leaked when gauges were removed, it leaked freely, was quite easy to hear the leak.

Before replacing the original hose, when gauge is attached to service port, there was no leak, I could install gauges, pressurize system to 110 psi, and it would hold 24 hours without sagging.

After installing replacement hose assembly and drier from AMA, the system would not hold complete vacuum, or pressure. It was then I determined that the leak was the connection between the high pressure service port and the coupler on the gauge, soap and water showed slowly but surely forming bubbles. No problem, I thought, I'll just replace O-ring, but alas, it did not help.

My gauges are high quality, also from AMA. I've never had this problem on any other system, if the system is leak free, I can attach gauges, expect and find that the test pressure does not sag.

Can anyone say why this might be? I've looked for and not seen any obvious problem with port nipple, tried several different O-rings. I realize that the important thing is that the service port does not leak when gauges are disconnected, but it is a nuisance that the connection between the port and the gauge coupler doesn't hold.

PS can anyone say the refrigerant capacity on 1995 Ford Contour with 2.5l V6, manual transmission?

Edited: Mon September 10, 2012 at 12:38 PM by Drake57

TRB on Mon September 10, 2012 11:43 PM

I can't login yet form home. But is the high side port removable. Might just need to swap out the primary valve. Check the pdf in the tips forum for capacity. I'll also check Mitchell when I get to work in the morning.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Drake57 on Tue September 11, 2012 6:36 PM

The core in the service port in original hose is not removeble or repairable, it leaked badly when gauges were not connected. The new hose is installed, and does not leak when gauge coupler is disconnected - the leak is where the quick-coupler for the high pressure side of the gauges connects to the service port (on the new hose), apparently there is not a good fit between the quick-connect and the port on the new hose, it's liveable, just a nuisance that it leaks very slowly when gauge is connected.

Thanks for checking, I just wanted to know if this kind of thing shows up from time to time.

Thanks, Drake.