AC leak

My 95, 3.8L Taurus has an AC leak that requires that I recharge it at least once a year. It is possible that the dealer that I bought the car from disturbed or sabotaged the AC lines around the radiator when I had them replace the leaking radiator as part of the 30 day warranty on the car. It also could have developed a leak from/while I replace the clutch assembly on the compressor while it was still in the vehicle. So, is it common for the Taurus AC to leak? If so, where does it tend to leak? How do I go about fixing it. I have my own ideas on this and how to do it, but I'd like to hear from a large pool of experience. Thanks

I never have had a problem with A/C leaking on any of the Ford products I've owned ('88, '93 x2, '98, 2000, 2002, and 2004), but I've known of others who've had to top it off every summer. Your '95 should have the R-134a which is a smaller molecule than the pre-'94 R-12, but it still shouldn't NEED to be recharged annually.

I'd suggest you inspect the seals on the lines for signs of oil leaking. If there's oil, there's a leak. Also, don't forget to check the schrader valves for leaking. If you have access to a UV "black" light, run that around under the hood. Many of the new containers of R-134a have a dye already mixed in. Leaks when dye is present will glow a yellow-green color. If nothing glows, then insert dye into the system. This requires a special injector though, so unless you have the kit, it may not be something you can do. Also, check the evaporator core drain for evidence of dye. It could be that your evaporator core has a small leak.

The common place that I've seen leaks is actually in the area you suspect, the fittings where the lines connect to the condensor in front of the radiator.

-Rod