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1997 - 2003 Ford F150 General discussion on the Ford 1997 - 2003 F150 truck.

A/C Leak

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Old May 21, 2022 | 03:10 PM
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Default A/C Leak

I have a 97 scab 4x4 that I'm having trouble finding a refrigerant leak on. I found a leak on the o-rings where the lines bolt to the compressor and I fixed that but It still has a leak somewhere that for the life of me I can't find, I even do hvac for a living! Is there any common places on these trucks that are known for leaking? I've already checked the seal where the compressor halves are bolted together cause I know that is common and I've checked the Schraders. If anyone could point me in a more specific spot/s to check I would appreciate it
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Old May 21, 2022 | 03:56 PM
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Usually when you can't find a leak it's the evaporator core.
Stick a freon sniffer into the drain on it after it's been sitting a while
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Old May 21, 2022 | 04:08 PM
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Have you checked the condenser core?
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Old May 21, 2022 | 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by mbb
Usually when you can't find a leak it's the evaporator core.
Stick a freon sniffer into the drain on it after it's been sitting a while
Not a bad idea. All I did was pressurize it with nitrogen and stick my head up below the glove box to see if I hear anything. Where about is the drain under the truck?
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Old May 21, 2022 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by digitaltrucker
Have you checked the condenser core?
I've checked where the lines connect to the condenser but I have not been able to physically see anything on the face of the condenser.
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Old May 21, 2022 | 05:56 PM
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If you soap everything else down under pressure and don't find the leak...... And do a good job at the soaping...... It's likely the evaporator core.

​​​​​​
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Old May 21, 2022 | 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by mbb
If you soap everything else down under pressure and don't find the leak...... And do a good job at the soaping...... It's likely the evaporator core.

​​​​​​
Rather than have refrigerant escape continually, use some compressed air in the system.
Just don't turn the A/C on when filled with air.
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Old May 23, 2022 | 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Turbonut
Rather than have refrigerant escape continually, use some compressed air in the system.
Just don't turn the A/C on when filled with air.
I use dry nitrogen. That's how we look for leaks at work
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Old May 23, 2022 | 06:52 PM
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Is it possible for refrigerant to leak past the clutch shaft seal? Only place my refrigerant detector goes off is when I stick it between the clutch and the compressor body. but when I spray it with soapy water i don't see any bubbles
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Old May 23, 2022 | 08:04 PM
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Yes it's possible to have a leaking compressor shaft seal. I had one on a Toyota after about 20 years.
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