a/c work, damn frustrating ><

[lifeiskaos]

so i took apart center console and glove box in an attempt to replace my expansion valve. an a/c shop said it was clogged. the nuts were bitch tight and i kinda warped the metal lines on the evaporator. the first line i removed, top side closest to passanger, hissed like crazy when i loosened it. the shop supposedly sucked all the r12 back out because the system didnt work, so i dunno what that was about. finally got the expansion valve off, replaced all the o-rings, and put the new SOB back on. i havent put the new dryer back on, but i flipped on my a/c just for kicks and it seems like there was air leaking from around that area... is it normal for air to come from the evaporator region? i really dont wanna pay to have it diagnosed again... but i think i'll have to. F*CK im so annoyed

[allwheeldrive]

The hissing sound is either:

a) a leak, in which case it won't last long.

b) system is undercharged, and thats the sound the refrigerant makes as it passes through the expansion valve. I've heard it on other vehicles before.

[Addiction2E30s]

The sound you heard when you cracked the line loose was more than likely a vacuum in the system created by removing your freon.

Have you had the system charged? If not, then the sound is normal as it is under pressurized as mentioned above.

Any decent shop knows to evacuate the system, pull a strong vacuum and check to see if it holds before dumping freon in the system.

Oh!! never turn on the system with a component disconnected, such as the dryer being off (as you mentioned above). Speaking of, always replace the dryer anytime you open the system.

[lifeiskaos]

why would the leak not last long?

no, the system isnt charged yet. the old dryer was still on, i just flipped it on to kinda test the new expansion valve i guess. so you guys think i should replace the dryer and take it to a shop to test it?

[emi325i]

I put a wrench on the other line to hold the assembly in place while loosing the first line. The expansion valve was clogged in my car, too. You should replace the evaporator while you're at it.. that's a bitch,too. you should push the PCM harness up and against the firewall in order to slide that evaporator out. It may seem like there's no room, but there is just enough.

[emi325i]

I found that vacuum testing isn't very good. Unless you let it sit for 2 days, you're not gonna notice a small leak. you need to fix whatever you know is busted, and replace all the o-rings. Add leak detector dye, and fill it. That's the only way to find tiny leaks.

[bimmer8604]

I found that vacuum testing isn't very good. Unless you let it sit for 2 days, you're not gonna notice a small leak. you need to fix whatever you know is busted, and replace all the o-rings. Add leak detector dye, and fill it. That's the only way to find tiny leaks.

lies. put it under vacuum. if you have a leak, you have a leak. doesnt matter if its small or large. usually 30 minutes or an hour will determine if you have a leak. although i do agree that it is always a good idea to add dye to the system for future diagnosis.

[emi325i]

lies. put it under vacuum. if you have a leak, you have a leak. doesnt matter if its small or large. usually 30 minutes or an hour will determine if you have a leak. although i do agree that it is always a good idea to add dye to the system for future diagnosis.

Well, mine held vacuum overnight, but had a leak in the condenser. I found it using dye, not vacuum. Perhaps I didn't have "magic" vacuum.

[scabzzzz]

You should be fine if you held a vacuum for more than an hour. Replace the orings on the condensor lines, make sure hte system has been completely evacuated, and then recharge it. I'd pay a shop to recharge it, unless you have access to proper gauges, oil, etc..
Shouldnt cost more than 60 for a refill with oil completely.

[lifeiskaos]

yeah i'll probably just do that. i replaced the drier yesterday. i havent turned the system on, i'll just have them vacuum the system and fill it