Air Con Leak 99 Ls 400

[harrylime]

Having had my aircon regassed it stopped working after a few weks. I took it back to ATS and they kindly regassed it (very good service). It came back fine from the pressure test, both times but I was still convinced it had a leak. I bought a cheap UV torch off eBay and just took a look, as I knew that UV dye had been added to the refrigerant. Sure enough, I found some yellow phosphorescence on and around a small aluminium cylinder, located close to the dipstick, below the recharging point on the bulkhead. Does anyone know what this is and whether it is a cheap / easy fix? I really miss my aircon, even on cooler days so I'm keen to get it sorted out (hopefully without another trip to the main dealer)

I would appreciate any advice. i will try to take a photo tomorrow

Hugh

[ambermarine]

Hi Hugh

The part you are refering to is the pressure regulator and is basically a monitor of the gas variable including the temprature change sensor. It as three ports entrance and exit and the port for the copper pipe pressure sensor .The leak could be from anyone of these ports and the O rings that are in them might need replacing, this will require letting the whole system evacuate its gas which inevitably allows air into the system.consequently that will require an expert refill by a qualified A/C Techy as the system as to be benign by Vacuum so all the air is out before the new gas is put in .What is basiclly happening at the moment is you are drawing air into your system as the gas leaks out and eventually the gas will not go in .

The top up service centres are just that, they do not have the expertise or the equipment. to evacuate and replace the gas which is now what you require.

[harrylime]

I took a couple of photos showing the fluorescence but don't know how to upload them. having checked again, there is also a lot of fluorescence on one of the pulleys at the front of the engine - the pulley on the right, looking from the front of the engine. has anyone any ideas?

thanks

[steve2006]

The pulley on the far right is the AC compressor.

[harrylime]

Thank you both for your very informative feedback. It looks as though I may have leaks in two places

[ambermarine]

Take it to a registered Auto A/C Company or Individual.

They are qualified to do the job and will have the relevant certification.

If it is leaks at component couplings, which from what you are saying it looks like ,the job should not be very expensive.

[harrylime]

ambermarine

Thank you, can anyone recommend a company in or near Yorkshire?