Can't find AC Leak (1997, 2.3)

[The Texas Ranger]

Hey Ranger friends!

I've had my 1997 for over a year now and haven't found my AC leak!

I've had UV dye run through the system plenty of times and not a spot can be found with a black light!

I recently replaced all O-Rings, the accumulator, and the EVAP core in the dash.

I want to replace my condenser next but I don't want to just throw money at the problem.

Any ideas from someone with more experience with these systems?

 

[RobbieD]

I've had UV dye run through the system plenty of times and not a spot can be found with a black light!

Be sure to check the schrader valves, under the protective caps, on the charging ports when you black light it. Another spot frequently overlooked is the compressor shaft seal.

 

[The Texas Ranger]

Be sure to check the schrader valves, under the protective caps, on the charging ports when you black light it. Another spot frequently overlooked is the compressor shaft seal.

By the front shaft seal I assume you mean behind the pulley and clutch? Not a bad idea to check.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

Remove the two assemblies from the charging ports . Fill the schrader valves with water and watch for a few minutes and see if you get any bubbles . It may take a while .

 

[Jazzer]

Checking Schrader valves is a good idea. I used some 91% alcohol I had laying around so it would evaporate faster.

 

[MaicoDoug]

Snoop leak detector soap

Everybody tries to make their own, but nothing ever works like a mound of foam indicating the leak. It's worth the $$. Knock on wood, my 07 makes me freeze in the mid summer here in Bryan, TX.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Just went through the same with my '75 Ranchero. I had my gauge set installed to monitor the system pressures after filling with leak detector which pressurized the system to about 50 psi (my second attempt). The pressure began to fall while I was hunting around with the UV light, looking for the leak, and seeing nothing.
Just by luck I happened to hear a hissing noise around the compressor. I ran the compressor a few seconds which slowed the leak but did not stop it. Clearly a compressor front seal leak.
This compressor is 18 years old and sat unused for a couple of years which does not help seals. I was going to try to replace the front seal but decided, after 18 years, better to cough up the bucks and replace this compressor.

 

[The Texas Ranger]

Thanks for your help everybody! At this point I have now replaced the entire system and it now holds a vacuum no problem!

The last two parts I replaced were the condenser and compressor. Not a hint of UV dye on them anywhere!

 

[MaicoDoug]

....and now the mornings are in the lower 60s here in Texas, blahhh

Glad to hear yall got it good!

 

[The Texas Ranger]

It was too hot to work on it. Now it's too cool for air conditioning.

 

[MaicoDoug]

You can't even P/U "hep" at the home depot round here without AC ~