Massive leak when charging system

When I charge the system (was already converted to 134 by a previous owner) the charge is leaking out somewhere.

You can hear it hissing away. It loses about a can a minute. There is a puddle of r134 oil on the ground. I have not been able to pinpoint the leak and don't want to spend 12 bucks a can trying to figure out where the leak is coming from.

Any ideas on what to do?

Thanks!

 

[stevep]

Usually you vacuum the system to find the leaks since it's much cheaper and you really need to get all the air and moisture out before charging it anyway.

 

I have always taken a gamble on charging systems without "doing it the right way" and it has usually paid off. Could you please expand on this vacuum thing. I am pretty broke and would like to know how to do this on a budget yet own a device if affordable so I can take care of this myself.

Am I just listening for a leak when it is pulling a vacuum? I am pretty crappy at finding leaks. Also, is there any area of the A/C system that is prone to leaking like the compressor itself?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Terry Posten]

Get the pressurised can with the fluorescing die. Then use a black light to see the leak, it will paint a pretty trail right to the leak.

 

I'll have to give this a shot.

Thanks

 

Wow! I tried this. I got a flashlight with a UV light so I don't need the glasses. Ended up being right at the back of the compressor. It is like a bolt is missing from the compressor or something. I am sold on this method!!

Thanks!

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Sounds like the blowout valve is missing. There's a high pressure blowout valve on the back of the compressor. The tread is freakishly unusual & they're over $100 new. You can try your luck @ a junk yard & pull one from another galant. If you can get more than one get it. It doesn't have to be from a gvr4. I'm not sure if one from a DSM will work or not. Oh yeah, it has to be pulled & installed from under the car. If I recall correctly, you need a 12mm wrench to undo it it. A ratchet wrench will work best.

 

Thanks!

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