How to Find Small and Large A/C Leaks - Cheap and Easy

Here is a practical way for the DIYer to find small and large refrigerant leaks from their A/C system.

Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchetsand Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchetsand Wrenches.

[kristopherbuchanan]

Very well made video with great practical information. I like that you explain and show exactly what you explained. Many people do not take the time to do both and it really makes the learning curve difficult. Thank you.

[coyotegene]

Great informative vid man. Really helps me get cold AC possibly again without a shop charging me $1000

[olenaerhardt]

Thank you for this great film. I was looking for the pressure to be applied to the empty AC system. I need to find a leak. I replaced everything in it besides the Evaporator (it is behind the dashboard, I tried to get to it, but then quit hoping that no leaks there), Liquid Line (I could not find it anywhere for this car), and Compressor (which I removed, flushed, dried well, filled w/new oil and installed back). The Compressor is pushing oil on rotation of the clutch, so I think it is functional. I flushed the system well, dried it like for a week, applied R-12 oil (I know that everyone puts PAG oil on those o-rings, but better to put mineral oil on those to prevent corrosion. It is not my idea, but fm Shop Manual) on all the o-rings and I torqued all the fittings on new installs to specs. When I vacuumed, the vacuum decayed in 3-5 min from 30 mercury to 10, it stayed there, but it doesn't matter. There is a leak somewhere in the empty AC system. I need to find. I'll try 1st portable inflator pump, then small air compressor I have. But how to find a leak in Compressor in those places which are not detectable with air pressure method? This film shows how to find a leak on the bottom of the Compressor. I'll try to check that area. But can I use a smoke detector? I don't want to add refrigerant to the system w/a leak. Thank you again.

Update: checked with this method, using compressor and found a huge leak, unfortunately fm/ Evaporator, it was around that plate on which 2 lines of the Evaporator are coming out. There is some kind of foam around that plate and the air is coming fm/the slit between the plate and the foam.

[realguy]

Thanks. I feel confident to fix my a/c. I was worried I would have to pay someone $500 or more to do it but I think I will be able to get it done with the new info I learned

[markspam]

I really enjoy your videos.  You explain in laymens terms so that I can follow along.  I have saved big since watching you so thanks again.

[trowdy]

I'm in the same boat. The car is cheap and I think its time to tackle the AC repair. I really enjoy your videos and the helpful advise.

[danielanderson]

Yeah excellent info .. so many options are out there about how and what ways to diagnose leaking ac.. you really gave me a good place to start on how to find my leak !!

[Bill-z]

I have watched a few of your videos and I am impressed at how you explain what you are doing. There are alot of fix it"gurus" but I keep coming back to get the good info from you. Thanks alot, I appreciate that you share your skills with us

[rbbbjl]

put a small ballon over the ports, if they leak it fills up the ballon. no mess no fuss, and clean

[janetstone]

YOU ARE AWESOME - thank you for your recording and teaching.

[tolmuaff]

Thanks! Good video. I plan to buy this UV gas and find my AC leak!

[dianecan]

You make very good, thorough videos! I love learning how to find problems and if possible fix them. You give very good explanations that are easy to understand!! I will subscribe NOW!! I am a woman who loves learning about engines and how to fix. Wish i could transfer all your knowledge to my brain!! Thanks again!!!

[tomscott]

I know this video was produced some time ago, but, in hopes of getting some help. I do have a question, since I have a slow leak on a GMC 1500 Sierra 2003 The small v8 engine. Question: If I change out both shrader valves with new ones and confirm they don't leak with soapy water. (no bubbles). Can I go ahead and replace all of the little O rings through out the empty system (since all of the Freon has leaked out of the system). and not replace the compressor and clutch assembly ( since I don't hear any noise coming from this parts when running when there is gas in the system and cooling). INother words, since there is a s  l  o  w  leak in the system and when the gas is put back into it, the whole thing works fine until the gas leaks out again.    Can I just replace the Little " O Rings" and will it hurt the system or the compressor to do so  OR DO I HAVE TO SPEND the money and replace the Compressor and any thing else to get this thing working again. JUST asking.  Trying to save 1200 dollars. FROM  the local Mechanics in Central Fla.

[shahzadzeb]

Thanks a lot for explaining all the important and small details. You really know the job and know how to teach. Moreover your smile relaxed me in this depressing situation when the temperature is 40C and my AC is not cooling.
I have Caddilac Escalade 2008 and there is a leak but I dont know if I can find these products in Saudi Arabia but this information will definitely help me to deal with the AC technician.

[BloodStainedTear]

I don't need fancy dyes and tools to find my A/C leak.... I know exactly where it is since I'm the dumbass who drilled a hole through the rubber hose 😯

[junglejim]

I had to swap my ac compressor and lucked out since Auto Zone loans out vacuum pumps. The shop wanted $1200, I ended buying the compressor, accumulator and new o rings out the door for $300 including the system cleaner which is really a rip off. I was lucky since my ac compressor did not shell out internally and contaminate the whole system. I'm still driving my 97 Olds Cutlass Supreme. I should also add I do have my own set of ac pressure gauges. Great video as

[guardmyrift]

My car will empty out the refrigerant from the green zone to 0 in about 20 seconds, maybe less. Sounds like its leaking where the lines go into the compressor. 2003 mitsubishi galant 2.4. So needless to say Idk if i can even get my compressor to turn on with it leaking that fast. How should I go about diagnosing and repairing?

[yrd]

Your information is very nice.
I have few question
1 whether is there load on  car engine when we used car ac ?
2 can we car ac on before start car engine ?
3 is there damage to car engine when car drive in hills ?

[JonnyDIY]

Great Vid, Well Made. Thanks for sharing your knowledge :)

[daviderhahon]

Great video.

After finding and fixing the leak, is it safe to leave the UV dye in the system?