Leaking Air Conditioning

[JeepDriver58]

I have a 1993 Grand Cherokee Larado. My A/C will not keep refridgerant in it more than 2 or 3 days. I have recharged the system twice in 2 weeks. How can I find the leak? Can I use dish soap with a brush like when your looking for gas leak in your home? Please help me.

[JDPascal]

I've never had much luck using soap on A/C leaks.

The shops use an electronic detector that is sensitive to the refrigerant being used in the system.

there are other leak detection methods used as well. Dye injection is one you could try. Some refrigerant is available with it already in it. Otherwise you need special tools to get in in the system.

JD

[DIY Mechanic]

Look for compressor oil, dirt build up around connections (from the oil).
That is always a good visual way to check.

I just finished an AC course and the preferred method of finding leaks is to recover the refrigerant, pump it up with nitrogen and a little trace amount of R12, in your case. Then an electronic leak detector is used to sniff out the R12. EPA regulations prevent discharging R12 to atmosphere but this method is approved.

Dyes are not recommended! There are compatibility issues with the compressor oil. Especially if your refrigerant is a blend.

I recommend replacing all the hoses, Compressor oil, and converting over to R134a.
There are place in town that make AC hoses, you do not have to buy new ones from the dealer. And if you are converting to 134a be sure to say so. The hose material is different from R12 since the R134a molecules are smaller.

[xj31]

you dont have to convert to 134,thats what it came from the factory with.putting dye in is the best way to find a leak,in fact its the recommended method.some things to check-the condenser,especially if it leaks that fast.look closely at the lower corners,they tend to leak there.the accumulator is another big one.look at the bottom of it,they tend to rust out.compressor o-rings also leak alot but the most common thing is the evaporator.