Freon Leak - very slow

[jss06c6]

Team, took #473 out last night and AC threw a -09 code on the AC...low freon. I thought I found it last year when the discovered the cap on the accumulator didn't have an o-ring. This was allowing the cap to compress the Schrader valve very slightly and the R-12 would gradually leak out. Swapped to a bronze cap to stop this issue. The charge has held for well over a year..

Where are other common leaks points in the system that I can check? Too hot in TX w/o air conditioning for sure! I've got a new R-134 compressor and accumulator. If I have to tear the system down to locate and repair the leak, I'll cross over to the R-134 setup..

Also saw Marc's note about the AC clutch bearing and picked one up today at AutoZone..

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[-=Jeff=-]

When I did mine 8 years ago, I too had a small leak.. I swapped the compressor because I found one from a fellow member. The dryer, along with the line to the dryer and compressor were replaced (I couldn't get the old one off). I also replaced the Condenser while it was apart

I replaced all the seals and a new orifice valve. I pulled vacuum and let it sit with the gauges for 2-3 days to be sure there were no leaks then recharged with R-12..

My thought was while it is apart change what you think might be an issue and have more comfort knowing it should hold a charge. I do have an evaporator core somewhere .. glad I did not have to swap that

[jss06c6]

Thanks Jeff. Since I have almost no charge left, and may need to pull the system down, I'll probably go ahead and change over to R 134.. I've still got a few pounds of R-12 left, but don't want to be here again in a year with the expense of R-12..

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[RichS]

If you have access to nitrogen pressurize it and check all the joints and seals with a bubble mix. Then after you fix the leak pull a vacuum to below 500 microns to ensure a clean dry system.

[Marc Haibeck]

The most common leak on the ZR-1 AC is the high pressure service valve. One should avoid using the high pressure service port if possible. After the valve is opened for the first time it often leaks thereafter. The valve is in a harsh environment close to the exhaust manifold.

[jss06c6]

The most common leak on the ZR-1 AC is the high pressure service valve. One should avoid using the high pressure service port if possible. After the valve is opened for the first time it often leaks thereafter. The valve is in a harsh environment close to the exhaust manifold.
Marc, thanks for this tip. Can the Schrader valve be replaced? I'll give this area close attention!

Steve

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[Marc Haibeck]

Steve,

The valve can be removed. Sometimes I have had a problem with the new valve leaking too. An easy way to get it under control is to install a cap on the R12 port. I use a 3/8"-24 45 degree cap for with a copper washer. McMaster-Carr pn 50635K541.

[jss06c6]

Perfect. That's what I had to do on the low pressure side with an old school bronze cap. Stopped that one.. thanks much Marc!

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