Had some humid days in New Orleans, turned my AC on and wouldn't work...

Replaced the AC compressor, dryer and some lines about 5 years ago and has worked fine since.

My radiator support bracket was broken on the bottom, so I have my front end off. Will replace the camshaft position sensor o-ring and engine mounts (all shot).

Went to pull a vacuum on my ac system and it won't hold a vacuum...

I put a little refrigerant in and injected some dye - waited until night to inspect it with a black light but cannot find the leak. Even tried looking at the vents inside the car but no evidence with the dye...

Anyone have any helpful hints? I hope it's not my gauge set...

frustrating...

 

You checked the purge valve on the compressor?

 

How about your evaporator core?

 

Whine: You ask about the 'purge valve' on the compressor. Where exactly is that?

 

Looked at my compressor and did not see any "purge valve"

Cannot see any dye on the line/fittings/compressor.

My guess would be the evaporator. What would be the best way to test the evaporator for a leak? (I don't have a sniffer..)

 

I'm guessing he means the 'pressure relief valve.' On the Delphi compressor I believe it has a dark green glassy insert, at least until the valve 'pops off' under unexpected high pressure.

 

Update.

The A/C is fixed. One of the compressor lines was slightly loose. The thread was a little stripped. Chased the threads with a tap and also noticed the bolt can go in a little more. Got a longer bolt and prevented it from bottoming out with extra washers. Added a little loctite too for good measure. Be careful not to overtighten these bolts. I thought I torqued them IAW the specs...

No other leaks in the system. My vacuum leak was actually the HF gauge set. The low pressure quick connect wouldn't hold a vacuum. Bought a quick connect online and replaced it and it worked. To test your gauge set, you can pressurize it then see if it will hold. To find a leak, place the set under water to see any bubbles (see youtube). In my case, the pressure held fine. I also pulled a slight vacuum on the gauge set, closed each side - Hi side held, but low side wouldn't. Put my hand over the quick connect and felt some leakage.

Oh, and one of the Schrader was leaking (low side)

Thanks for all the inputs & hope this will help someone in the future.