Need AC expertise HELP!

[RAMurphy]

To properly service the system you should be utilizing a gauge set that measures both High and Low pressures as the system is running and utilizing the attached chart. This will prevent over pressurizing the system and causing additional damage to the A/C system. Understand you are just trying to keep things cool for the summer, but you don't want to cause additional damage. You already have a leak somewhere you don't need to kill your compressor and frag the entire system.

 

[clandr1]

The source of the leak could be the high side service port since the OEM design uses a ball rather than a shrader valve, and over time the ball can deform and not re-seal/seal properly. Do you notice any green liquid (refrigerant) pooling around the inside of the high pressure service port? If not, you'll probably want to add some R134a with UV dye next time you have to charge it so you can try to identify where the leak is.

 

[Blk00ss]

Yeah I'm aware this is a OTC shade tree fix. Its all good, I aint too worried about it. I checked it again this morning, and it seems to be holding steady pressure (for now). And it blows really cold

As for leaks...Not seeing anything significant anywhere. I do recall last year when we realized it wasn't blowing quite as cold that there may have been a bit of die somewhere near the AC switch, which I replaced along with the new O ring that came with it. Not certain thats where a leak was, but I do remember seeing a trace of green dye in that area.

Do those switches tend to leak?

 

[swathdiver]

Yeah I'm aware this is a OTC shade tree fix. Its all good, I aint too worried about it. I checked it again this morning, and it seems to be holding steady pressure (for now). And it blows really cold

As for leaks...Not seeing anything significant anywhere. I do recall last year when we realized it wasn't blowing quite as cold that there may have been a bit of die somewhere near the AC switch, which I replaced along with the new O ring that came with it. Not certain thats where a leak was, but I do remember seeing a trace of green dye in that area.

Do those switches tend to leak?

They can leak. Also check the lines under the RR quarter panel, above the exhaust for the rear AC.

 

[petethepug]

It’s got a leak. Next time you recharge use gas w/ dye in it. You can follow up later w/ a kit that has glasses and a specialty light and look for the neon dye leaking out.

Typically it’s at the schrader valves, compressor shaft seal or joints in the hoses. Beware of repair shops who haven’t worked on these dual systems. A $3-$4h repair can turn into a $2.2k fleecing so they can cover their time & (inexperienced) labor.

 

[Blk00ss]

It’s got a leak. Next time you recharge use gas w/ dye in it. You can follow up later w/ a kit that has glasses and a specialty light and look for the neon dye leaking out.

Typically it’s at the schrader valves, compressor shaft seal or joints in the hoses. Beware of repair shops who haven’t worked on these dual systems. A $3-$4h repair can turn into a $2.2k fleecing so they can cover their time & (inexperienced) labor.

I'm a do it yourselfer. I was raised wrenching on muscle cars and motorcycles so I typically do everything myself unless of course its something I just don't want to deal with. Good honest mechanics are hard to find. I had one that would address issues of mine that I didn't feel like or have the time to tackle, but he retired.

Last year this truck needed some steering attention. I took a chance and used a "reputable" shop to replace our pitman arm and something else up front (can't recall what). Work they did seemed alright, but wouldn't you know it...they didn't bolt the sway bar back and we lost a few of the bolts. They were apologetic, but also didn't offer to buy and replace the bolts. After much arguing I said piss on it, bought the GM bolts myself and reattached the sway bar they left undone. I swear to you....something like this happens every single time I use a shop. Whats so damn hard about doing a once over after a repair? I do it every time I work on something.