Tools Required
| • | J 41447
R-134a A/C
Tracer Dye Box of 24. |
| • | J 42220
Universal
12 V Leak Detection Lamp. |
| • | J-46053
Electronic
Leak Detector. |
Refrigerant Leak Testing
Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.
Verifying some passive leaks may require using the electronic leak detector,
and the addition of fluorescent dye. The fluorescent dye mixes and flows with the
polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil throughout the refrigerant system. The only time that
adding additional fluorescent dye is required is after flushing the A/C system.
Fluorescent Leak Detector
Important: Always use the coloured glasses provided
with your ultra violet lamp as these enhance the fluorescent dye colour.
Fluorescent dye will assist in locating any leaks from the A/C system.
| | Important: PAG oil is water soluble.
|
| • | Condensation on the evaporator core or the refrigerant lines may wash the PAG
oil and fluorescent dye away from the actual leak. Condensation may also carry the
fluorescent dye through the HVAC module drain. |
| • | Leaks in the A/C system will be indicated in a light green or yellow colour
when using the leak detection lamp. |
| | Use the leak detection lamp in the
following areas: |
| - | All fittings or connections that use seal washers or an O-ring. |
| - | All of the A/C components. |
| - | The A/C compressor shaft seal. |
| - | The A/C hoses and pressure switches. |
| - | The HVAC module drain pipe (if the evaporator core is suspected of leaking). |
| - | The service port sealing caps (the sealing cap is the primary seal for
the service ports). |
| • | Follow the instructions supplied with the
J 42220
. |
| • | To prevent false diagnosis in the future, thoroughly clean the residual
dye from any area where leaks were found. Use a rag and the approved
J 43872
containing fluorescent dye cleaner. |
Fluorescent Dye Injection
| | Important: Avoid spilling fluorescent dye on the vehicle
paint work, clean off straight away using an approved fluorescent dye cleaning agent.
|
| | Important: Use only fluorescent dye approved by the
vehicle manufacturer.
|
| • | J 41447
can be poured directly
into a removed A/C component. |
| • | Not all fluorescent dyes are compatible with PAG oil. Some types of fluorescent
dye decrease the oil viscosity or may chemically react with the oil. |
| • | R-134a leak detection dye requires time to work. Depending upon the leak
rate, a leak may not become visible for a duration between 15 minutes and 7 days. |
| | Important: Do NOT overcharge the A/C system with dye.
Use only one 7.39 ml (0.25 oz) charge.
|
| • | To prevent false diagnosis, thoroughly clean any residual dye from the service
port with a shop cloth and the approved
J 43872
containing fluorescent dye cleaner. |
Electronic Leak Detector
Make sure that the vehicle has at least 0.2 kg of refrigerant in the
A/C refrigeration system in order to perform a leak test. Refer to
Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging
,
for the recharging of the A/C system.
Make sure that fresh batteries are installed at regular intervals, false readings
may occur as a result of the batteries not being fully charged.
Make sure that the sensing tip inlet is free of dirt, also make sure that the
sensing tip is kept at a distance of 5mm from the components/areas being tested.
Important: Follow a continuous path in order to make
sure that all possible leaks are detected. Test all areas of the system for leaks.
Follow the instructions supplied with the electronic leak detector.
Soapy Water
Fill the approved
J 43872
with
a solution of 50% water and 50% dish washing liquid. Operate the A/C system and spray
the soapy solution over the joints and components. When a leak is evident the solution
will bubble up.
This is an ideal method for hose and joint leaks.
