I fnally tracked down a significant R134a leak in my car. About 3 years ago I'd replaced the entire system front-to-back. By this summer I had to put a new can of R134a in every few weeks, then every two days. I tried adding dye and failed to find the leak. I even pulled the evaporator, but I couldn't find any sign of dye on anything.
I finally presurized the system with argon and just listened for the gas to escape. I quickly found the leak on the crimp of the hose that attaches to the top of the compressor. You could clearly hear the gas escaping. Covering the bototm end of the crimp with my fingers changed or removed the sound, so that's defnitely it.
HVACLeak.jpg
The question is how to fix it. This is of course one of the lines that runs all the way from the front of the car to the back, and kind of a pain to replace (I do not have split hoses), but I can do it. But replacing it seems like the best fix.
However, I'm wondering if there's an easy way to just re-crimp it so it doesn't leak, or if that's just going to lead to more leaks in the future. Also, I think DMC TX is out of stock of the single-piece R134a version of the hose, although I see DeLoreanGo has the split hose available.
Any suggestions? Would you reommend replacing the hose or trying to repair the crimp?
Thanks!
-- Joe