So I have a leak on my AC system, I no it's in the engine because I heard something leaking air the system got leaned on and a line must be giving out somewhere.
the clutch is not turning on because it's completely low on Freon. can I safely jump the clutch and add a recharge dye kit and see if I can find the leak?

1999

 

added two cans, no pressure built up, nor can i see anything leaking. the ac accumulation canister seems to have a leak at the top. old dye seems to be on this area so i think i might try replacing this first.


if the system is not holding a charge from the cans, am i simply able to disconnect the old accumulation canister and install a new one?

is there more ide need to do?

 

If you going to open the system and replace accumulator you might as well get the oring kit and just replace them at this time. I would get your hands on a vacuum pump and make sure it will hold pressure before throwing freon at it, should vacuum anyways if you open system. I believe a 30hg vacuum held for an hour or so you should be good to go.

 

Tried two cans. Can't see dye anywhere, and the can shows no pressure when injecting the Freon, nor when the trigger isn't pulled.

Ac on full and the ac clutch jumped to get it to take the casns, why wouldn't I be able to see a leak?0

 

I assume you are using R134A in your system. When you charge with it, the can should be upside down. It is a blend and the lighter stuff will evaporate off and the liquid will stay in the can if you charge with it right side up. If you charge upside down, one can entering the system will be enough to close the switch on the low pressure safety switch. So here is a question for you. Is there air in this system? If so, it needs to be evacuated and start over. Also look for telltale oil stains around the fittings or clutch face. If you find them, that is where your leak is

 

How can I tell if there is air in the system?
is there any danger of me jumping the clutch to let the system run?

I assume ide have to have a shop evacuate any sir as that probably not a renewable tool.

I know the leak is not by the pump because I heard it leak when reinstalling the Trans dipstick, I leaned somewhere on the ac lines and it began to purge. I assume that's why it's not showing or holding charge?

 

If you actually did hear it leak off, there is no way it will hold a charge and probably does have air in it. Having air in them makes them not work. Yes you can jump the clutch, but just putting some refrigerant in it should make it kick on too

 

Well it must be a pretty good leak then. What do you advise to do next to find this leak?

I've tried the dye and soapy water with no luck

 

Did you lean on the hose by the firewall where the hose attaches to the evaporator coil?

 

Yes that area where the trans dipstick is near

 

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you put a crack in the evaporator core. That explains why you cannot see the dye. It is inside the HVACf housing under the dash. I think you are going to have to pull the dash on this one

 

can i test the evaporator coil somehow?

 

There is no real way except by process of elimination of where the leak is not

 

If you have access to an electronic refrigerant sniffer you can probe for evaporator leakage at the vents and under the dash.

 

i dont have access to the sniffer nor do i think its a rental item. could i add compressed air or vacuum test lines some how to check for a leak, hopefully hear it?