Air condition leak

[Jerald Huston]

Is there a way that I can find out where the leak is myself? Thanks!

[kok328]

Depending on whether you have enough freon left in the system to run it, you can use a dishsoap/water mix to find the leaks. The leaks will typically be around the connections in the O-rings. If that doesn't work they do make a highly sensitive solution to detect leaks and if all else fails, they also make a dye that can be added to the system.

[Flatrater]

You can buy R134a with the dye in it already but unless you have a black light and yellow tinted glasses you will not be able to pick up the dye.

[HotZ28]

One reliable method to determine the source of small leaks, that have been occurring over a period of time, is to look for traces of oil on the exterior surfaces of plumbing. The oil is carried to these surfaces, along with the refrigerant, as the refrigerant leaks out of the system, the refrigerant evaporates leaving oil residue. An excellent method of improving the odds of seeing such a leak is to use an oil dye in the system. Such bright red or blue dyes are added to the system and mix with the oil. With the use of a bright oil-soluble dye, the oil residue, at a small leak, is significantly more noticeable. This technique is useful on small, hard to find leaks, where the technicians can look for the leak the next time they are servicing the unit.

An ultraviolet lamp is used to illuminate the fluorescent dye and will detect leaks as small as a quarter of an ounce per year. An ultraviolet lamp leak detection system requires that an additive be introduced into the refrigerant system. The additive will show as a bright yellow-green or blue glow under the ultraviolet lamp at the source of the leak. The area can be wiped clean with a general purpose cleaner after the leak has been repaired and the area can be reinspected.