warm a/c

crusty dad · #1 03-27-2005, 03:42 PM

I took my truck to sears to have a/c recharged. They checked with sniffer and found freon coming out of dash vents. He said I have leak in my evaporator core. Does this sound right? If so can you replace yourself and take to shop to have recharged?

BlenderWizard · #2 03-27-2005, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crusty dad

I took my truck to sears to have a/c recharged. They checked with sniffer and found freon coming out of dash vents. He said I have leak in my evaporator core. Does this sound right? If so can you replace yourself and take to shop to have recharged?

That does sound right. The evaporator core is the tubing that the freon is pumped thru and air from the fan blows over to produce chilled air out of your vents (think of it as sort of looking like a small radiator). If freon is coming out of your vents, then I don't know how else it could get there. As far as replacment, i have no Idea how hard it would be on a late model truck. Maybe before you replace it, you might try some "stop leak." It's only a few bucks for that.

J-Ri · #3 03-27-2005, 05:10 PM

I hate to say anything bad about a shop, but I have heard lots of bad thngs about Sears (charging for a new battery and leaving the old one in, leaving connectors loose for a comeback, etc.). You may want to take it to a real mechanic and have him check it. You can always replace a part yourself, but an evap core isn't something that most people would finish themselves, especially on newer trucks. You can recharge it yourself for less than a mechanic charges. Just get the 12oz or 16oz cans at the auto parts store. Initially, it's about the same price (gotta buy a hose, valve, and a guage), but after that it will be cheaper.

About checking the problem yourself. Turn the AC on high, pop the hood, and look at the compressor. It should cycle on and off at least a few times a minute. If it doesn't it could be from low system pressure, defective clutch wiring, or excessive air gap in the clutch. If it's not cycling, check the pressure. If it's low, put one can in and see if it works. If it still doesn't, take it to a shop and have the leak fixed.

J-Ri · #4 03-27-2005, 05:13 PM

BlenderWizard! What are you doing posting while I'm still typing?

Don't use stopleak in it. If you do, no shop will ever work on your AC again. It cloggs up the machines terribly.

crusty dad · #5 03-27-2005, 05:17 PM

The stop leak sounds like it would be worth an easy try, but is there any chance that this stuff could screw up other components?

BlenderWizard · #6 03-27-2005, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Ri

BlenderWizard! What are you doing posting while I'm still typing?

Don't use stopleak in it. If you do, no shop will ever work on your AC again. It cloggs up the machines terribly.

I didn't know that. Guess it's like fix a flat. I've had tire shop guys get REALLY pissed off at me for using that. But, it did do a fine job for me one time.

localyokel · #7 03-27-2005, 07:48 PM

Hi,I am a sears tech and know the equip he was probably using and it was probably giving a false reading .If you blow into the end of the "sniffer" it will show detection of a leak!I imagine he stuck it right up to the vent w/ vent on high.The probability of you having a/c gas leaking through your vents is highly unlikely,especially if the air is "warm".Plus Im sure there would be at least a little odor as well.I would either take it back to sears and explain to them what I have told you,or just get a can of 134a W (the hose attached) at your local parts store and make a go of it yourself .With the newer systems its pretty simple and safe. Also a note to J-Ri If you hate to say anything bad about a shop then dont! Its not like sears breeds the people that work for them.There can be idiots or scam artists at any shop.Plus its not not like the guy was trying to sell him something he didnt need or anything.He honestly thought something was wrong.He probably just needs to be informed of the sniffer glitch.Anyways good luck w/ your ac charge!

99redsilverado · #8 03-28-2005, 12:25 AM

no sears tech knows what they are talking bout.....take it to a real mechanic that you trust....but it is possible it is what sears said, i just wouldnt trust them

spackelman · #9 03-29-2005, 12:04 AM

First check to see if the compressor kicks in with selector knob in the A/C or the defrost position, the outside temperature must be above a certain degree.

If it doesn't, there is a low pressure cut off switch in the refrigerant lines. Find the switch, check for contineuity.

If you have power at the switch, than you probably are low on gas (freon). You can pick up a can of freon and charge the system (I would reccomend a tech do this). Check the capacity of your system and make sure you charge with the same amount, (in #)

Then check again if the compressor kicks. If it does, let it run, feel the line and interior air for coldness. Then shut down and listen. You may be able to hear the leak (if there is a leak).

Do this again later, the next day, etc. If you do have a leak, the system will eventually discharge. Now at least you know you have a leak.

To replace the evporator yourself, its doable, not recommended.

Your truck is a 99. Seems odd to have an evaporator or any sort of leak in th system. Check all lines, fittings, joints etc.

There are leak detectants available that will change color in the presence of freon.

DO NOT introduce anything in the system other than freon. If the leak is confimed, bring to someone you trust for repairs.

You may be able to get away with only a driveway re-charge. Just keep in mind, replacing the compressor can even be more expensive.

pies · #10 03-29-2005, 09:34 AM

do not use stop leak products in air conditioning sytems, they do more damage in the long run than any good. an example is , if the front seal is leaking slightly the stop leak will go to that point and as long as you don't shut the a/c off it will be ok. now your not going to leave your vehicle running all the time. the stop leak is designed to harden when exposed to air. this is where the real problems start because this sh&t is going to harden around the seal, the next time you use the a/c it is going to trash the seal and say good bye to the compressor. this is why it does more damage than any good. if you let the stop leak go into the system to fast it is also known to plug up valves in the a/c system.

chuck16 · #11 03-29-2005, 11:00 AM

When it comes to Air Conditioning don't mess around. If you mess around and screw it up you'll be into your A/C for even more money. I wouldn't screw around with it and I wouldn't take it to Sears. Either take it to the dealer or find an A/C Specialist near you. When the warm weather comes around you'll be glad you went the extra mile to get it fixed.

crusty dad · #12 03-29-2005, 09:20 PM

why is everyone freakin' about sears. I've had 2 incidents with my local chevy dealer and I don't think I'd let them check the air in my tires. anyhow I took it to sears because my friend told me they do the free freon sniffer test. They had nothing to gain by finding a leak they aren't authorized to repair a/c only to recharge system. They actually lost business, they recommended taking it to a mechanic to fix evap. core

crusty dad · #13 03-29-2005, 09:33 PM

back in sept. when I had leak check done compressor would still kick on and off like its supposed to. Air was cold but not as cold as it should be. checked today compressor not kicking on at all. I think system has a very slow leak. It probably has reached the point of the low freon cut off. I could probably dump in a can of freon and it may last the summer.

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