W123 A/C Leak Detecting
 

Oh, boy ~ it's been decades since I did A/C repairs and now my 1982 240D has leaked out all the R134a .

Where to begin ? .

TIA,

I replaced all the rubber hoses, using better "barrier hose". For the large suction hose, I used "reduced barrier" for a smaller OD. You need to cut the shells off the fittings to re-use, since I don't think they are available. M-B used thick ferrules, but you can get them off w/ a hacksaw, screwdrivers, and vise. If changing to a newish parallel-flow condenser or Sanden compressor, you can use more common O-ring fittings at those ends. If you don't have a ferrule crimper (I do), you can use Oeticker stepless ear clamps (ebay) and perhaps even PEX ferrules from Home Depot for some hose sizes. Download a hose catalog (Gates or Goodyear) and check dimensions. Replace all O-rings with HBNR type (usually green). Fill with oil w/ uV dye so you can find future leaks easier. I used PAO 68 oil which works with all refrigerants and Duracool HC refrigerant. R-134A is a potent greenhouse gas so is being discontinued.

What compressor is on it? The Gm R4 has an engineered leak to keep the outer shaft seal lubricated.

Like Bill Grissom, I use Duracool HC. Less head pressure than 134 and cools like R12.

Thanx guys ! .

I'd rather not change the hoses if I don't have to....

It has a nice new Japanese made SANDEN 7 compressor .

I checked it to - day, zero retained pressure dammit .

Pull a vacuum on it. See what happens.

When was it last serviced? Also, check the condenser for damage. Rocks love them. I hate that the condenser is also used as an expensive rock shield for the radiator.

It was recently serviced, that's why I'm so upset .

I don't have a vacuum pump .

I will give the condenser a gander .

I do not have one, either, so I do the lend lease program from Auto Zoo.

This is bad advice.

Ac leaks should ONLY be found and tested with pressure.


Vacuum is for removal of air and moisture. ONLY after leaks have been eliminated…

Duracool and similar aren’t as sensitive to air in the system BTW. Quick hands can keep open fittings to a minimum.


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I have had good luck going through system and replacing all orings. I run envirosafe, which like duracool runs lower pressures.

Yep - I’m no chemist but I understand the duracool/envirosafe molecule is larger like R12, so hose porosity is less of a concern.

“It’s the future” lol.


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What is " auto zoo "? .

A derisive term for AutoZone .

Many years ago when R12 was the freon commonly in use there was an electronic freon leak detector. It used a wand to pass over suspect leak areas and if it started beeping you found the leak. Possibly such a leak detector exists for the newer refrigerants and is available for loan from Auto Zone.

A Little Help
 

Thanx guys ! .

My tools fed my family for 50 years so I never think of loaner tools .

I'll give AutoZone & OReilly's a look, see what they have .