ac keeps losing 134a
09-09-2018, 09:04 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
ac keeps losing 134a
My 2008 f150 keeps spewing out half the refrigerant, if I let it idle for a few minutes right after start up. As long as I put it in gear and take off, it never loses the 134a. It doesn't do it at a red light either. The fan clutch seems to be working and the ac radiator is new and clean. Has anyone had this problem?
09-09-2018, 09:06 PM
#2
Senior Member
Put dye in it,power wash the area and then look for leaks with the appropriate light.
09-09-2018, 11:04 PM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
09-10-2018, 04:46 PM
#5
Chief Engineer
This is a head scratcher. The A/C has little to do with the engine other than the drive belt. It's possible there's a problem at one of the a/c hose connections. This is where the rubber hose is crimped to the aluminum tube. If you lean on them hard enough you'll see liquid refrigerant spray out. It's possible your engine moves when in gear just enough to remove the stress on one or more of these hose connections. Digital Trucker is correct, you can put a dye into the system, local a/c suppliers and auto supply stores should carry 134a with the dye mixed in, and it should show you where the leak is, but a leak that bad would spray dye over a large area making isolating the leak difficult. And refrigeration dyes have been known to cause problems with compressors and orifices. Another tattle tale would be the oil in the refrigerant. It travels around with it and should stain the area. But again, a large leak would spray oil over a large area. Soapy water works well if you can get in close, soak the connection, and block the air from the fan. A big leak like that would more than likely blow the water away rather than make bubbles but it would be worth a try.
Two things come to mind;
1. You probably need to replace your a/c hoses.
2. You might want to check your motor mounts.
Good Luck.
Two things come to mind;
1. You probably need to replace your a/c hoses.
2. You might want to check your motor mounts.
Good Luck.
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digitaltrucker (09-10-2018)
09-10-2018, 09:21 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
It could be the pressure relief valve. It comes out behind the driver side front tire. The dealer told me today that the pressure relief valve doesn't go bad. What would make it build up excessive pressure. I have tried not filling it 100 percent.
09-10-2018, 09:23 PM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
This is a head scratcher. The A/C has little to do with the engine other than the drive belt. It's possible there's a problem at one of the a/c hose connections. This is where the rubber hose is crimped to the aluminum tube. If you lean on them hard enough you'll see liquid refrigerant spray out. It's possible your engine moves when in gear just enough to remove the stress on one or more of these hose connections. Digital Trucker is correct, you can put a dye into the system, local a/c suppliers and auto supply stores should carry 134a with the dye mixed in, and it should show you where the leak is, but a leak that bad would spray dye over a large area making isolating the leak difficult. And refrigeration dyes have been known to cause problems with compressors and orifices. Another tattle tale would be the oil in the refrigerant. It travels around with it and should stain the area. But again, a large leak would spray oil over a large area. Soapy water works well if you can get in close, soak the connection, and block the air from the fan. A big leak like that would more than likely blow the water away rather than make bubbles but it would be worth a try.
Two things come to mind;
1. You probably need to replace your a/c hoses.
2. You might want to check your motor mounts.
Good Luck.
Two things come to mind;
1. You probably need to replace your a/c hoses.
2. You might want to check your motor mounts.
Good Luck.
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01-09-2019, 07:22 PM
#8
Chief Engineer
How did you make out?
01-27-2022, 06:17 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
01-27-2022, 06:23 PM
#10
Senior Member
Thank you for coming back and giving an update.
However, it sounds like the truck was leaking out COOLANT not refrigerant.... The coolant bottle is above the driver's side tire and all the rest of the description and the resolution reads like the truck was overheating because the fan wasn't properly working..
However, it sounds like the truck was leaking out COOLANT not refrigerant.... The coolant bottle is above the driver's side tire and all the rest of the description and the resolution reads like the truck was overheating because the fan wasn't properly working..