Finding AC Leaks in Empty System – No Freon, No Problem

In this video I show you how to find an AC leak on your car. In this case it's my BMW 335i and I'm finally finishing this project by fixing the Air Conditioning. No cold air in your car, no problem! Today we will go through the steps of finding a leak and replacing the AC condenser on my BMW e92. This method should only be attempted when there is no freon in the system and it's completely empty. I would also recommend getting it evacuated by a professional and only then refilling it with refrigerant.

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[lelenbates]

I fixed my condenser with JB Weld two years ago and it fixed the leak. De-grease, lightly sand, and I used light vacuum (-5) to suck the epoxy into the hole and let it harden overnight. Have not had to add any more 134a.

[censoredeveryday]

Thank you for the video. Your method worked well for me. Was able to find the leak using 100 psi of air and soapy water. Turns out some of the AC seals were bad and leaking. Replaced them all, evacuated the system with a vacumn pump, and recharged. All good now

[Personalized_Workshop]

I almost did not click on this video when I saw the Freon can. However this video can be very effective for DIY leak detection prior to just replacing parts. I believe the T fitting valve is a 134 can tap, available anywhere for about $10.

[aduster]

Good call on compressed air. Make sure to pull a good long vacuum once the repair is complete.

[ml.]

The yellow line is for the vacuum pump. It is very important to use after introducing air.

[raulfalcon]

I can’t believe I didn’t think of putting that air fitting. Thank you 👍🏽

[kekfreedomheritage]

Great points and explained in a very fast way. The AC system of a car can be one of the most difficult ones to diagnose, keep maintained, and overall to reliably fix.

[dmgsky]

Thanks for posting. I just found the leak in my system I believe and it was my red hose not the system. You help me figure it out with the pressure and the soap thanks, boss man.

[xxwookey]

Is it a good idea to use a secondhand condenser? Yes the condenser itself is in good nick, but on these models the dryer is the tube attached to one end and as the unit has been open to the air for ages that dryer will not be working. Combined with the fact that using compressed air will also add a lot of moisture, this approach is quite likely to make your oil too acidic, which will be fine for a while but will cause something to fail eventually. I'm not sure that just vacuuming for half an hour after doing this will be enough to get the water to boil out of the hydrophilic oil. Allegedly running a sufficient vacuum for 8 hours or so might do it. Buying a bottle of dry nitrogen (and an M10x1 regulator) to provide the test pressure, and a new condenser with a new dryer is a much better plan.

[dzorba]

So i tried to find my leak by using dye and uv light, but i never seen any dye anywhere. I'm almost sure it's a leak in the condensor. Good video. I just don't have compressed air to use.

Better to use a vacuum pump and a cigar or vape too find holes... Won't introduce water

[joshmnky]

I was able to pressurize with the rubber tip use for blowing out the system.

[PushyPawn]

I wish you could see how much moisture you just introduced into your A/C system.
That's what dry N2 tanks are for.

[edwardtasi]

I used a 10 dollar can of freon with the uv dye and found the leak right away.It cost me 17 dollars for the dye and the uv flashlight and did it in a dark garage

[peace_]

Thank you for your video. But how to remove or vacuum the Air From inside the system before you but the freo please is there any video?

[danielames]

Great idea, bro! Thanks! Ima go try this right now

[GA-tliy]

Thanks a lot for another great video, very helpful video. GREAT IDEA and job. Thanks

[dummkompf]

you can rent a vacuum pump from the parts store. that's the only other thing you needed to do the professional quality evacuation and recharge by yourself. you would connect the vacuum pump to the yellow hose for the evacuation, and then attach the cans of freon to the same yellow hose to charge it.

[johndoh]

Got a dumb question. When connecting ac lines do you screw them down to open the high and low valves? I’m guessing yea to allow the air in system.

[keyvo]

This is a really good video, thank you