Air conditioning Question for 87TD
 

I've found out today my system was converted to 134a... the whole system is empty so I assume there is a leak somewhere. Where would be the most likely place to look for the leak?

You need to recharge the system with dye. When it leaks you'll see the dye and will know what needs fixing. There is dye that is specifically made for this use.

is there any common points that these cars leak from though? parts under the dash etc?

The compressor is the most likely culprit, but you can't tell without checking. That means introducing something into the system, whether it be some dye with a refrigerant charge, or R22 and nitrogen to use a sniffer.

Whatever you do, do not buy a can of refrigerant that claims to seal leaks in your system.

I think I have a couple cans of 134a with a UV dye in it, I'll take a look... hope it's not the compressor... that sucker is a pain in the duff to get to..

My experience is that the condenser is the likely culprit.

I'll post the results when I have them... I'll look at the Compressor and condenser

Who converted it? One of those $39.99 kits?

Probably have o-ring leaks.

whoever did it replaced the lines, there's no bolt on anything on the low or high side, it's all hoses with the right connections. I'll try to take a pic or 2

Well they have to bolt to something, some place... as there is an expansion valve in the system. Also from the condenser to the dryer.

DO NOT USE DYE.....
It will do you no good if the leak is in the evaporator,
it may not do you any good if the leak is on the top side of a fitting..
and it has the potential to gum up something critical like the TXvalve...

Since you are empty... why don't you put a new set of orings into all the places.. then check for leaks.. that way once you are good to go it should last a long time..
The best way I know of to check for leaks is to use four ounces of R22 and nitrogen in your system ... this is APPROVED BY THE EPA for leak finding and you can just vent it when you have found the leaks..
and it leaves no GOOP in your system.
It does require the use of an electronic detector which you may can rent or borrow...
My 81 wagon had a leak in the big hose across the engine AND in the evaporator..