Here's what I did today: Remove and drain compressor. Flush lines. Replace all o-rings, dryer, expansion valve. Re-assemble. Draw vacuum for 30 minutes. System didn't hold vacuum for 30 minutes, so I re-tightened all connections and repeated.Questions: Does the compressor oil go in the opening on the top of the compressor or in the high/low hose fittings? Where do I get the black stuff to go around the expansion valve? If it doesn't hold vacuum the second time, can I put the 134a + dye in to look for the leaks? Thanks.
Marlin

(re-post as new thread)

inspect the hoses/ replace. Esp the one that crosses the engine and sits above the exhaust manifold.

I chased a slow leak for a couple of years (replaced all the usual but not the hose) and it turned out to be that hose slowly weaping freon over the year. I was only able to see it after adding dye to the system. The hose looked just fine otherwise.

(This on an '87)

How long did it take for the dye to get become visible at the leak? Does compressor have to run continuously until the leak is detected or do you shut off the car and monitor the components for dye leakage?
Marlin

My guy checked out my system in the spring, after charging it the prior summer. (you need a guy for Freon)

he put in a dye. Summer

several months later, next spring???, I was changing the spark plugs and got this green oil off the hose on my hands.....!!!!!!so Time period I can' say. Just a discovery.

When I showed my guy he basically said not seen that before.But there it was.

looking back the price of the hose...even with the other hose...would have been cheaper than one freon charge.

This hose is one that comes (came) in the retrofit kit as a barrier hose for the smaller HFC refrigerant molecules. Looking for it while the compressor is running would actually be less efficient than after it has shut off and equalized the suction line pressure.

The black stuff is available from Volvo, but it is just butyl tape, and the TXV is one item that shouldn't be insulated with it. Don't overlook the compressor shaft seal as the site of the leak if it has been inoperative for some time.


--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Yogi used to work with the Yoo-Hoo soft drink company. A woman once called and asked if Yoo-Hoo was hyphenated. Yogi said, "No, ma'am, it's not even carbonated."