Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

bhayes1 on Thu March 06, 2014 1:12 AM

Year: 1996
Make: Toyota
Model: 4runner
Refrigerant Type: r134a

Hello all,

I just went through the AC system on my 96 Toyota 4runner (Compressor, Expansion Valve, and Drier replacement). On the maiden Voyage to test the newly installed components, as I was adding my r134a refrigerant with dye I notice as soon as the compressor kicked on I experienced a pressure drop and then saw a large amount of the refrigerant run out from the bottom tube on the evaporator. I am assuming this is just a simple drain for the condensate that would build up. Anyone out there know what the cause of this could be? Could I have installed the EV wrong?

Thanks in advance for the help!

-Bryce

mk378 on Thu March 06, 2014 8:35 AM

Bad connection at the EV seems likely. This truck has the evaporator and valve in a relatively easy to remove box, right?

Why was the compressor replaced? If it had internal mechanical failure (compressor mechanism seized up) there is likely to be debris in the condenser, which you didn't flush or replace.

bhayes1 on Thu March 06, 2014 10:51 AM

I can pull the evaporator out in about an hour, will probably go faster the second time around.

The condenser along with all other components were flushed because yes the compressor was seized and showed sign of internal failure.

bhayes1 on Thu March 06, 2014 5:45 PM

Pulled the Evaporator out. It was hard to tell exactly where the leak was, it looked like someone had misted the entire inside of the plastic housing with lime green spray paint. I proceeded to take the valve apart and noticed an O-Ring that looked slightly undersized... Not convinced that was the culprit I went ahead and put a thicker one on and reassembled the unit. Put a can of refrigerant in and it seems to be holding pressure and blowing cold air to my amazement!