No cold AC, UV dye around the join between the Condenser and the Receiver dryer: Replace the condenser dryer as one unit?So suddenly the other day the AC quit putting out cold air and coincidentally we saw a whiff of “smoke” or vapor come out from under the hood about where the condenser and dryer are.

After confirming that there was no pressure in the system I added some R134a with UV dye. The air does start to get cold so the compressor is kicking on and I can get it up to on the gauge. Almost immediately I can hear a hiss as there is something escaping from the system and the charge lasted at best 24 to 48 hours.

After getting hold of a black light it looks like all the dye is around the join between the condenser and the dryer and as far as I can tell all the dye is on the condenser side of the radiator.

So first question, given that all the pipes are on the other side of the condenser is there anything in that area other than the join between the condenser and dryer and the seal around the black plastic cap at the bottom of the dryer, that could be leaking?

Second question, I hate to just be a parts changer but is changing the condenser/dryer as a unit the best way to approach the repair? If I do this I have to open up the other end of the condenser and compromise the seals at that end of the condenser.

Third question, given that it looks like the dryer has been compromised, do I have to be concerned about any oil loss from the system or should it just be R134a?

This is the first time I have done AC work so any help is much appreciate
Thanks
James