R12 dye injection?
 

Is there a way to charge my R12 system with some dye when there is still some refridgerant in it?

I would like to put dye in, then top up with one can and drive it to find the leak.

Its either front of compressor or the hoses....both of which are expensive. I would like to figure it out first.

Any ideas or is it gonna require complete evac?

I'm not a fan of dye in the system, but you can inject liquid dyes and/or lubricant oil into a charged system with an Interdynamics ing-3 syringe injector. It's cheap and you get what you pay for, but it does work.

Social Engineer an Intro to someone with a "Sniffer"
 

No Question of Accuracy.

I guess you are right. Will any sniffer work, or any recommendations for a budget purchase lets say < $50.

Dye is useful for finding leaks and there are several economical injectors available. That said, dye works well as ONE of the tools in the arsenal for finding leaks. A good electronic sniffer added to the chest AND use of dye will give you a pretty good tool chest.

Sometimes you get a stubborn leak that requires a third item. A bottle of nitrogen and a little R22 is REALLY good for finding leaks with an electronic sniffer. This is only an option for a system that is empty or if you have access to recovery/recycle equipment. You put in 2 ounces of R22 and then pressurize with the nitrogen. This is like putting your electronic sniffer on steroids. R22 is REALLY detectable and the nitrogen pressure will push it past any leak, even a low side leak that often is elusive with other means because of lack of pressure in the area.

Hope this helps
Larry

Soapy water in a squirt bottle. It'll only show larger leaks but you may get lucky.

I have found leaks with bubbles before (I use a commercial spray for it) but it's NOT a sure thing, and it's tricky with all the oils and rubber lines in the area... electronic is best, either ultrasonic or sniffer.