Freon Leak

[RamVenture]

Last summer I noticed the AC wasn’t cooling as well on my 2012 2500. Picked up a can added some Freon and back in business. Later when inspecting around I noticed greenish residue by the A/C pressure switch transducer. I cleaned up the area to confirm if it was still leaking. I’ve noticed AC isn’t cooling well and the greenish residue is back. I’m guessing the leak is at the connection, maybe bad o-ring or lose connection. I was going to try and tighten the sensor but would rather take it off and check if the o-ring is bad before adding more Freon (have some left over from last year). I’m not very familiar with HVAC systems. I believe this connection is on the high pressure compressor to condenser line. Is it safe to remove the pressure sensor to inspect or should I just try tightening the nut? Do I need to take it on and have to whole system tested? Thanks.

 

[josephc1]

With the A/C and truck off the system pressure could be 100 PSI + depending on air temp and charge level. You said you were not familiar with A/C systems. I recommend you take it to an auto A/C shop for your own safety.

 

[Tuesdak]

Nut breaks/strips while tightening and you just discharge 1-2 LB of R134A in your face at 100 PSI. It can cause instant frostbite and eye damage from both debris, oil, and cold.

Do not use or add anything with a leak sealer. It ruins A/C Recovery equipment and will ruin your system while it's open to the air under repair. Replace everything...

It's cheaper to hire a shop than to just dump R134A into the system as it's price is way up now.

 

[RamVenture]

Thanks for the advice. I have an appointment scheduled for next week. I will keep my wrenching to less dangerous components. Really grateful the AC survived a pull home from CA to AZ through Death Valley.