A/C Leak Test Indication (Possibly Evaporator?)

lrb6805

lrb6805

Die Living
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Jun 19, 2017
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Location
Grapevine, TX, United States
Hello,
I am finaly attempting to fix the A/C in the 2006 LJ after 2 years and living in Texas. Currently, If I recharge the system, it will blow cold for a couple of days then warm up again. I ran a dye test and can not find any dye leaking inside the engine bay while following all the A/C pipes.

I got a Sniffer and received no alert until I stuck the probe inside the passenger side vent and windshield defroster vent. The passenger side vent lights up immediately on the lowest setting. I believe this is indicating the Evaporator is bad and needs to be replaced (and might as well do the heater core at the same time). Is this a correct assumption?

I have very little knowledge of A/C systems, so if anyone has any input, please feel free to tell me your thoughts. Thanks!
 
I may have to hunt down a leak in my system. Which sniffer did you get?

And, yes, might as well do both.

Bummer!
 
I also ordered the Evaporator and Heater Core from “performanceradiators.com”. I saw they were recently recommended as a high quality replacement


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I deal with performance radiators a lot with one of the largest collision repair groups. Our return percentage with them is less than 1% on domestic vehicle. When you take into consideration we spend well into 6 figures with them yearly that’s a lot of product we buy from them. On foreign vehicles they are not really worth a crap, especially European models.
 
In the same boat. Been to 2 different AC shops, and also looked myself, but can not find the leak. Charge lasts about 3 weeks then blows warm again. Doing the heater core too. Fun times!
 
bobthetj03 said:
In the same boat. Been to 2 different AC shops, and also looked myself, but can not find the leak. Charge lasts about 3 weeks then blows warm again. Doing the heater core too. Fun times!
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After you're done with yours do you want to fix my ac also :ROFLMAO:

I've had all the parts for 4 months. Just can't find the motivation.
 
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Alex01 said:
After you're done with yours do you want to fix my ac also :ROFLMAO:

I've had all the parts for 4 months. Just can't find the motivation.
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It is a job I'm definitely not looking forward to. Where did you source the evap and heater core? I found the Mopar units, but dang they are pricey!
 
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bobthetj03 said:
It is a job I'm definitely not looking forward to. Where did you source the evap and heater core? I found the Mopar units, but dang they are pricey!
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I did not buy the heater core. I'm hoping a back flush will help it out. I have only seen 3 drips of Antifreeze in the cab the whole time I've owned it so I'm crossing my fingers I can get away with not ripping my whole dash out. As far as the A/C parts go I got them off rock auto (non mopar). I figure for the amount of time I use my jeep if the non OEM parts last half the time OEM ones do I should die before they go bad. 😅

I need to go to auto zone and rent the vacuum / gauges for the ac and I'm ready to go.
 
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I have been fighting a similar issue. I get about two days of cool. Can't see dye anywhere except at the low pressure schrader valve, but I can't tell if it is there because that is where I filled it or the valve is bad. It seems like too much dye in the valve to me even after cleraning it with alcohol I still see dye in there.

I am going to rent a manifold gauge set and vaccuum compressor from a local autoparts store to see if I can text the valve before pulling the dash out. Cross my fingers a new schrader valve could fix it.

It looks like those sniff testers are single use and only good for about 24 hours once you 1st use it.

2019-05-22_12h21_16.jpg
 
gbirk said:
I have been fighting a similar issue. I get about two days of cool. Can't see dye anywhere except at the low pressure schrader valve, but I can't tell if it is there because that is where I filled it or the valve is bad. It seems like too much dye in the valve to me even after cleraning it with alcohol I still see dye in there.

I am going to rent a manifold gauge set and vaccuum compressor from a local autoparts store to see if I can text the valve before pulling the dash out. Cross my fingers a new schrader valve could fix it.

It looks like those sniff testers are single use and only good for about 24 hours once you 1st use it.

View attachment 95173
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They aren’t single use. The one i got uses 2 C batteries. They don’t last long because they are constantly sucking in a air sample several times a second and heating it with electricity depending on which sensitivity setting it is on. It took me 2 minutes to find my leak source. You just have to change the batteries often if you get the cheap ones...which shouldnt be bothersome unless A/C repair is your full time job

When you do use one, make sure to use it in a non-windy area and put the tip under the pipes/fittings. If I remember correctly, the refrigerant is heavier than air


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lrb6805 said:
They aren’t single use. The one i got uses 2 C batteries. They don’t last long because they are constantly sucking in a air sample several times a second and heating it with electricity depending on which sensitivity setting it is on. It took me 2 minutes to find my leak source. You just have to change the batteries often if you get the cheap ones...which shouldnt be bothersome unless A/C repair is your full time job

When you do use one, make sure to use it in a non-windy area and put the tip under the pipes/fittings. If I remember correctly, the refrigerant is heavier than air


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Click to expand...

OK, the "rechargeable" makes sense with the batteries, but sensor life is listed as "24 hours", and some include 2 sensors. Makes me think the sensor has to be replaced pretty often.
 
New sensors seem to be $10-$15 dollars. Just something to keep in mind next time you use it, you may need to buy a sensor for it.

Never mind, I am probably over thinking it. I am thinking 24 hours after you open the sensor it expires, where it is probably 24 hours of use.
 
we need to have an evap/heater core replacement party. seems like all of us lack the motivation to do it. i know i do.
 
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Alex01 said:
Head on over and we can get it done. Might as well join on the Rubicon while you're in town. 👍
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Ah that woudl be awesome. AC and the Rubicon?

I'm trying to stay away from the Rubicon thread...sucks for me...wheelin Memorial Day though.
 
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