Guys, wife's 02 TB with 165k miles. A/C wasn't running, was thinking it was teh low pressure switch but decided to check the pressure first. System was loooooow. Here's teh kicker, I went to fill it up right? I needed to run the compressor, so I filled it a little bit without running it via a jumper wire, and then when that pressure got up there I ran the compressor for 5 seconds. However, before I ran a oil starved compressor I decided to watch the pressure and saw it ever so slowly drop.

SO I shut the engine off and listened for a leak. I could still see the pressure drop, so I took teh gauge off to make sure that wasn't it. Sound was still there when I disconnected it. So then I put my hand on the accumulator and just give it a little rocking and the leaking sound gets louder. It wasn't from the connection joints, but almost from teh middle to lower side of the accumulator. Is it possible the accumulator/drier is leaking (I guess anything is possible, right?)? There was some type of fluid at the bottom of that accumulator.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

 

It's possible that the accumulator is leaking, it's also possible that you were hearing the system equalize as the refrigerant was working it's way through the system. Since it's way low on R-134a though, you obviously have a leak somewhere. At work we usually install dye into the system that can be seen under a black lamp, and look traces of the dye...not sure if you have access to that kind of stuff though. Look for traces of an oilish substance that may be collecting dirt and you might find the source of your leak. Unfortunately, the oil used in the 134a system is quite different than the old style R-12 oil, which used to leave an oily residue that would quickly collect dirt. The R-134a oil is a PAG (Polyalkylene glycol) oil which has a synthetic base and isn't as "sticky" as the old style R-12 oil.

 

Yeah, I would have thought the sound would be it equalizing too. The main reason I thought that wasn't is because I could hear some noise, it got louder when I rocked it and there was a liquid of some sort at the bottom of the accumulator after I filled it up. I guess I should wipe that off, then empty the rest of the can into the system and then see if the liquid comes back.

What's the best way to fill the system as much as possible without running the compressor first? Can it fill half way without running the compressor, or do I need it to run incrementally right off the rip to get the r134a to distribute into the system.

 

You can actually run it right on the low side with the vehicle off, 1-2 cans after the pressure gets high enough the compressor will kick on and go from there. Make sure you watch your pressure as to not over fill it as that will shut off the compressor and or blow a hose. If you think the dryer is leaking you can check by using some soap and water and spray it around the fittings etc and watch for bubbles

 

Yea, you can fill it through the low side with the engine off, just let it sit a little bit to allow the system to equalize so you don't slug the compressor.

 

This morning I pumped up car with more refrigerant after I had wiped off the bottom of the accumulator, filled the system with the rest of the r134a can and then came back and saw that there was fluid again at the bottom of the accumulator. So I'm pretty sure it's that accumulator as the leak wasn't coming from any of the fittings. I'll order that today and hopefully replace that next week. We'll see. I'll let you guys know what I find.