AutoCool in Smyrna?

[DL4567]

Has anyone taken their D to this place?

http://autocool.biz/

page dedicated to classics: http://autocool.biz/other-repairs/classic-cars/

The local F-Chat guys were talking about it and apparently get good service there on their old exotics. After doing some research, they get good reviews and seem to be the top(?) automotive AC specialty shop in the Atlanta area. But of course I'm **extremely** cautious about taking my D anywhere for work, so thought I'd run it by you guys here.

I've replaced my whole system within the last 8 years except the condenser and short hose up front. And it STILL leaks. If a component needs to be replaced, I'd much rather do the work myself, but it seems like it'd be harmless to let them look at it and do some diagnostics.

[Dangermouse]

Looks interesting. I'd let them look at it, but I would be inclined to provide the parts so you know what you are getting, unless they can recommend a suitable alternative.

[Bitsyncmaster]

My short hose was the one that was leaking when I converted to R134a. I replaced the long hoses first and it still leaked about a can in 3 or 4 months. Then John at Special T came out with short hose with the hub that has the high pressure switch, blow off and a sight glass. The sight glass has no value with an orifice system however.

[DL4567]

Thanks for the replies. I think my main attraction with that shop is they would probably be good at determining exactly where a leak is. Until now it's just been guesswork, but it could likely be in the remaining condenser or short hose. I'd just hate to replace the condenser if that's not even the problem. What's weird is that from 2010 to 2014, the leak was fairly slow, and then in summer 2014 it became very fast. Or it may be the "new" compressor. (see pics) If the compressor is leaking, that shop might be able to fix it, rather than me buying yet another $250 compressor after just 7 years.


For what it's worth, I pulled this from my spreadsheet that I keep about stuff done to the car:

Aug 2008 Installed new AC evaporator core, accumulator, orifice tube
Oct 2008 Installed new AC compressor, charged system with Freeze-12

(guessing it wasn't working so well anymore by spring 2010)

June 2010 Replaced 2 long AC hoses with split ones from John Hervey
June 2010 Had AC system evacuated and recharged (3 cans Freeze-12)

(seems to have lasted "decently" for 3-ish years)

April 2014 Had 1 can of R-12 added to top off system.

(just barely lasted the summer. Completely leaked out by Fall 2014)




This oil was showing up after just 3-4 years after installation. Brand new compressor from DMCH in 2008.

[Bitsyncmaster]

The UV dye works pretty good. Almost to good if you use the UV light in a dark garage. Not sure if it would show up a hose leaking all the way along the hose.

[Ron]

If you are certain that is refrigerant oil in the pics, you need a compressor -- The front seal is probably leaking both oil and refrigerant.
Most common cause of early failure is lack of use (it's oiled while enguaged).
In any case, the oil will ruin the clutch surfaces....

[DL4567]

If you are certain that is refrigerant oil in the pics, you need a compressor -- The front seal is probably leaking both oil and refrigerant.
Most common cause of early failure is lack of use (it's oiled while enguaged).
In any case, the oil will ruin the clutch surfaces....

I'm not certain it's refrigerant oil.... is there another kind inside the compressor pulleys?

Lack of use is definitely an issue -- I've put about 3,000 miles on the car over the last 5 years. That said, I do try to run the AC for a few minutes during each drive over the winter, just to circulate the oils and such. Seemed to keep any leak(s) at bay from 2010 to 2014.

I *could* just replace the compressor again, and have the system filled locally, but my guy in Suwanee isn't really an AC specialist and can't detect leaks. I feel like it would just be a waste of freon to do so.

[Soundkillr]

I have replaced EVERY part on the a/c system except the small hose. Im sure thats where my leak is. I go through a can a year. Want to order two small hoses and we can replace them at the same time?

[Ron]

I'm not certain it's refrigerant oil.... is there another kind inside the compressor pulleys?

No. Sorry for the confusion...I was thinking you need to make sure it wasn't engine oil slung, spilled, etc.
Small leaks at that o-ring are among the hardest to hard to detect...you have to have the engine running and it engaged to get the pressure up...air blowing everywhere :-(

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Do I hear a mountain road run/social/tech meet in the making?

[Ron]

This looks interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIeqahYPrCQ
~$36.00 + S&H for their tool and seal.