01 GTS AC

[01ACR/VIPER]

hey guys, my viper has been down for about 5 or so years due to a few reasons (i have another post about this) and back then all worked well. well all is going good now but.... i charged the ac with two 12oz cans and it blew cold... until the next day and not so much. i heard through the grape vine that the block that bolts to the compressor o-rings go bad. anyone had this problem? is there a known easy problem fix for this? thanks

 

[Steve-Indy]

Two common sources of leak are bad "O" rings and leaking Schrader valve stems.

Since the compressor itself gets hot and adds more heat to the under hood environment, starting with "O" rings of the two hose connections to the compressor is a good and accessible starting point...ideally on the way to changing the other "O" rings.

While you still have refrigerant in the system do the "spit test" to both the low pressure port and the high pressure port to see if these valve stems are leaking. If the glob of spit (or soapy water) bubbles, you can try to tighten the valvestem with a small stem wrench...just like one does with a bicycle tore. DO NOT TRY to replace these valve stems as they can come out like a bullet. The system must be TOTALLY EMPTY to replace the valve stems unless you have special A/C tools and experience. Always wear goggles when fooling with A/C systems.!!!

Hopefully, some of the r134a that you used has the correct green fluorescent dye in it so that you can hopefully detect the leaking area(s) with a bright UV light and the accompanying enhancing goggles.

Ideally, you need to seen a Tech to properly service your system...and, add a new dryer canister.

 

[01ACR/VIPER]

Two common sources of leak are bad "O" rings and leaking Schrader valve stems.

Since the compressor itself gets hot and adds more heat to the under hood environment, starting with "O" rings of the two hose connections to the compressor is a good and accessible starting point...ideally on the way to changing the other "O" rings.

While you still have refrigerant in the system do the "spit test" to both the low pressure port and the high pressure port to see if these valve stems are leaking. If the glob of spit (or soapy water) bubbles, you can try to tighten the valvestem with a small stem wrench...just like one does with a bicycle tore. DO NOT TRY to replace these valve stems as they can come out like a bullet. The system must be TOTALLY EMPTY to replace the valve stems unless you have special A/C tools and experience. Always wear goggles when fooling with A/C systems.!!!

Hopefully, some of the r134a that you used has the correct green fluorescent dye in it so that you can hopefully detect the leaking area(s) with a bright UV light and the accompanying enhancing goggles.

Ideally, you need to seen a Tech to properly service your system...and, add a new dryer canister.

thanks man, i will look at the schrader valves. i have found this to work as far as a lawn mower tire that leaks down and it worked. you the man...

 

[Steve-Indy]

Sounds good. I often say: "It takes a village" to keep our beloved Vipers going these days. There are a lot of great folks on the forums to lend a hand and they are quite willing to share knowledge, sources, parts, etc.

Enjoy your fine ride this Summer !!

 

[InTheZoneAC]

look for oily buildup around any hoses (especially around crimps), make sure you have caps over the low/high ports.

Buy a black light and check for leaks around every visible hose, line, component related to the a/c system, something might've even punctured the condenser.

 

[TexasViper35]

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If you just added both cans using a plain tube without a gauge on it, it is possible to put too much and the system won’t blow cold. Most auto parts stores hang on to a used ‘consumer friendly’ refill tube with a gauge (like in the image) that you can borrow and hook up to see if you have too little or maybe put too much refrigerant.