IntEGNYC

Ive had the car for almost 3 years and I had to recharge the coolant when i bought the car. With the summer upon us, i tried the A/C last weekend only to have a slightly cool breeze come from the vents.

A friend suggested that we insert colored dye into the cooling system, have it run for a while and check for leaks.

Given NY has MORE rain in the forecast, I'll probably be productive and perform this procedure this coming weekend. Anyone with experience here have any tips to share?

Thanks!

RAIN
NYC feels more like London with each passing day.

JimBlake

Mine went wrong a couple ways. I had the dye put in at a shop, they were going to check it for leaks after a week or so. I had a really slow leak. They just kept getting busy, so I got a blacklight to look for myself.

Clean the engine bay really good first. There's so much other stuff that fluoresces, too. Check the dye with your blacklight so you know what color to look for.

Remember, too, that there's some components that you just can't see. If your evaporator is leaking, you have to dismantle the airbox in the dashboard to see that. Or the condensor might leak on the side that's tight against the radiator.

IntEGNYC

Wow... this is good feedback. I'll give my engine compartment a scrubbing tonight.

Thanks JimB.

Trac226

We see common leaks around the compressor and hi/low nipples. What you might want to do is look for any moisture or dirtiness around the compressor and ac lines or replace the seals on the nipple caps. We use a special sensor to detect freon, so maybe you could rent one somewhere.

Has the car ever been in any accident? Hopefully there's not a leak in the lines.