Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

ykf7b0 on Sun June 28, 2015 10:35 AM

Year: 1976
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvette
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: R134A
Ambient Temp: 90
Pressure Low: 10
Pressure High: 100
Country of Origin: United States

I have a hard to locate leak within my 76 Corvette a/c system. After a couple days it is almost flat. I have converted to R134a and have retained the orginal VIR and have installed a new evaporator. I have dye in the system and have used an Autozone uv pen light (now broken) to locate the leak. Someone please recommend a better uv light and give me direction. Thanks!

TRB on Sun June 28, 2015 12:54 PM

I prefer an electronic leak detector.

http://www.ackits.com/705-202-g1-tek-mate-refrigerant-leak-detector-32099




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ykf7b0 on Sun June 28, 2015 10:30 PM

I have a great new uv light and lots of dye installed but I still have not found the leak. I losing all refrigerant after a couple days so you think it would be highly visible, but it's not. The evaporator is new and no dye is detected in the condensate.

TRB on Sun June 28, 2015 11:04 PM

Never been a fan of UV leak detection.

Like you said, you have enough dye in the system but still can;t find the leak.

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ykf7b0 on Mon June 29, 2015 6:25 AM

What brand electronic detector are you using and how much did it cost you?

bohica2xo on Mon June 29, 2015 11:36 AM

Uh, click the ink in his post?

Price, model etc all right there.

A leak big enough to empty a system in two days will be easy to find with an electronic detector.

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"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

ykf7b0 on Mon June 29, 2015 11:59 AM

Thanks. I missed his ink. I am a backyard shade tree mechanic and that sniffer is out of my price range. How about a lesser priced model? Any recommendations?

ykf7b0 on Sun July 05, 2015 10:09 AM

I got under the car and found a hard to find leak at the bottom of high side hose just out of the manifold on the back of the compressor. I hope there are no more. I have not bought a sniffer as of yet.

TRB on Sun July 05, 2015 6:17 PM

If you're working on others cars. You should have the proper equipment to repair them. In the long run it will save you time and money.

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