| Subject: | Need help with leak at fitting on AC condenser |
| From: | David Clarkson <Dvdclarksn@AOL.COM> |
| Date: | Sun, 1 Aug 2010 15:47:40 EDT |
I have had great success in getting my ac running super cool (34 deg. F. at
the center vent). All is well until the freon leaks out at the larger of
the two connections where the hose connects to the condenser. I have put dye
in the system and checked for any other leaks all over with a hydrocarbon
sniffer-none. I have tried all different combinations of o-rings, different
sizes and even 2 o-rings and finally went back with the factory o-ring
after all sorts of o-ring swelling (stop leak) chemicals introduced when
recharging. I inspected it again with UV light and found that it is definitely
leaking at this one point. Cleaned up the dye here and gently turned the nut
on the fitting about 1/8 of a turn. I have been scared to crank on this
too hard and have the threaded portion break off and then have to replace the
condenser. Has anyone else on the list had a leak at this connection? I
feel really confident that it is not leaking from a crack at the fitting
where it connects to the condenser or from where the hose crimp is. How much
force should I use when tightening this? Am I likely to break off the fitting
from over torqueing? R134A isn't expensive but not exactly cheap either.
Dang, I am so close to having this fixed. Hoping cooler heads will have some
suggestions here. I'd really like to charge it one more time and be done
with this project of epic proportions. Thanks list for all your help.
David Clarkson
1990 Westfalia