Over the counter A/C stop leak or leak detector?

[VicR]

Just wondered if there were any over the counter A/C stop leak products that worked and didn't make the situation worse. My 99 has developed an A/C leak and I dread taking it into a shop.



Or if there is a leak detector that is user friendly? I'm really hoping its just one of the hoses or valves and not in the dash somewhere.



Thanks - Vic

 

[Robin]

Sorry to tell you it's probably the evaporator. I've been told that Chrysler vehicles of that era are prone to have evaporators develop leaks. Probable cause is debris accumulating in the housing. It packs against the aluminum coils and corrodes them. I recharged my '97 several times until a recharge only lasted a couple of weeks. So I recharged it with a freon with stop leak. Got it at Auto Zone. It hasn't leaked for a couple years. A/C shops don't like it because it supposedly plugs up their recovery machines.

 

[VicR]

From all of the reading I've done it sounds like its a 50/50 chance its either in the evaporator or in the schrader valve. I wouldn't mind having a shop replace the lines if the problem was in the valve, but I can't see paying the labor to have the evaporator replaced.



I was hoping there was a bars-leak for A/C but I haven't found anything yet.



-Vic

 

[DavidC]

I just put some fluorescent type leak detector oil in mine that I picked up at auto zone along with a black light. They also had the schrader valve tool. Found my low pressure valve leaking slightly and tightened it (we will see if that was it). I have searched several times since then and have not found anything yet. I removed the fan and reached in to the evap box feeling for debris but did not come up with anything. Next step if the leak continues will be a heated diode leak detector $190. 00. It is kind of crude but I found a leak several years ago at the high pressure valve by putting spit in there which then bubbled. Had to change the complete line as that valve is not serviceable.



Dave

 

[Bob4x4]

I would not use any stop leak type products in my ac system. We have a fixed orifice system. In your year it is not serviced by itself,you must replace the entire line. Add the dye and see where the problem is.



Bob

 

[kenny61]

they make sealer I put it in mine lasted for about6months or a year before the whole evaporator gave out