The AC on my wife's 1996 Cavlier 2.4L hasn't worked for years. A couple years ago I put in a 12oz can of R134a refrigerant, with oil & leak sealer, and the AC worked for a few days but then stopped working when (apparently) the refrigerant leaked out. I just put in a 12oz can of R134a + UV dye and ran the AC for a about 25 minutes. The AC started working immediately, but using a UV light (from above and below the engine compartment), I can't find the leak. I've traced from the firewall to the condensor, across the condensor, and back to the firewall.)
1) Does that mean that the leak is likely at the evaporator (under the dashboard)?
I read that accessing or replacing the evaporator requires
removing the entire dashboard, etc. (A 6-hour job for pros. Probably 12 hours for me.) But I've also heard people say that
the evaporator can be replaced from under the dash in about 2 hours.
2)
Does anybody here know for sure?
3) Any other suggestions?
Of course I'd like to save money and fix it myself, if reasonably possible.
1) as it's the only part of teh ac system you CAN'T see, maybe. i honestly am having the same issue with a grandam right now, and am considering over-pressurizing the system to see if i can find anywhere the dye comes out. i tired a 12 oz can, then the dye, then a 12 oz can, no luck. no lightup with the light.
2) without looking at YOUR WIFE'S car, no.
3) add two cans of the cheapest 134 you can find, then recheck for the dye.
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i used to know a guy that would charge the system with propane and take a zippo and run it over all the lines/connections till he got a flame... but i'd try to pressurize the system with air and use a good soapy solution. dyes will not always come out of the smaller leaks, bubbles can/will be more noticeable for the smaller leaks. If its leaking that badly you'd think you would see at least something with the dye. you sure you have the correct u/v light?
know anyone with a video scope/ borescope? might be able to see the evaporator throught the blower or resistor openings.
The UV light shows the UV dye brililantly on places where I've spilled it (like on the can or at the fitting), so the UV light is not the problem. I don't know anybody wiht a video scope.
Anybody know if the entire dash has to come out in order to service the evaporator?
they do for the 1998's cav
