Caution: Do not operate the detector in a combustible atmosphere
since its sensor operates at high temperature. Personal injury or damage to
the equipment may result.
Caution: Take care to prevent personal injury which could occur due to touching
a hot engine when testing. Tests should be done with the engine "Off"
and as cool as possible. Do not operate the detector in a combustible atmosphere
since its sensor operates at high temperature.
Perform a refrigerant leak test under the following conditions:
| • | Whenever you suspect a leak |
| • | After you perform a service operation that disturbs the components,
lines or connections |
There are several methods and special tools available for leak testing.
Use care in all cases.
Electronic Leak Detector
Tools Required
J 39400 Electronic
Leak Detector
Important: Electronic leak detectors are sensitive to the following liquids:
| • | Windshield washing solutions |
J 39400 is useful for locating refrigerant leaks. TheJ 39400
operates on a 12 volt DC and
emits signal that increases in frequency as R-134a is detected. Calibrate
the instrument according to the included instructions. Ensure that the detector
is used in the proper setting for the type of refrigerant that you are testing.
Place the GAS switch in the R-134a setting before you begin the test.
Most leaks are found at the refrigerant fittings and connections. These
leaks can be caused by the following conditions:
| • | Lack of lubricant on the O-ring seals |
| • | Dirt or debris on the O-ring seals. |
| • | Lint from cotton gloves or shop cloths |
Important: Follow the refrigerant system around a continuous path so that no potential
leaks are missed. Test all areas of the system in order to ensure the entire
system is leak free, even if you have already found a leak.
Observe the scan rate and follow the manufacturer's instructions when
using the electronic leak detector. Encircle each joint with the tip of the
probe moving at 25-51 mm (1-2 in) per second. Ensure that the
tip of the probe is no more than 6 mm (0.25 in) away from the surface without
blocking the air intake. An audible tone that goes from 1-2 clicks
per second to a solid alarm indicates a leak. Adjust the balance arm frequently
in order to maintain the clicks.
Use this procedure in order to test the following components:
| • | The evaporator inlet and outlet |
| • | The accumulator inlet and outlet |
| • | All of the brazed and welded areas |
| • | Areas that show signs of damage |
| • | The compressor rear head |
Service Ports/Access Valves
The sealing cap is the primary seal for the service ports. The cap contains
a specially designed O-ring or gasket that provides a leak-free seal. You
will lose refrigerant charge if you have a loose, missing or wrong cap.
Evaporator Core
Leaks in the evaporator core are the most difficult to find. Use the
following procedure in order to test the core:
- Turn on the blower fan to HI for 15 seconds or longer.
- Turn off the blower fan.
- Wait 10 minutes.
- Remove the blower motor resistor. Refer to Blower Motor Resistor Replacement
.
- Insert the leak detector probe as close to the evaporator as possible.
If the detector emits a solid alarm, a leak has been found.
- Use a flashlight in order to visually inspect the core face for
evidence of refrigerant oil.
Compressor Block Fitting and Shaft Seal
- Blow shop air behind the compressor/clutch pulley and in front
of the compressor/clutch pulley for at least 15 seconds.
- Wait 1-2 minutes.
- Use the detector in order to probe the area in front of the pulley.
If the detector emits a solid alarm, a leak has been found.
