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Topic: AC leak (Read 551 times) previous topic - next topic

AC leak

I might have found the major source of my freon leak, the system is only holding Freon for a week or two at most. Can these be rebuilt or fixed or should I just find a new condenser. It's hard to tell if the leak is spraying from main line or if each individual elbow is leaking...or both.

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Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: AC leak

Reply #1 –
Is that the hose from the dash or the compressor? Use dye to find out if it is the condenser or hose.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: AC leak

Reply #2 –
Quote from: craneman –
Is that the hose from the dash or the compressor? Use dye to find out if it is the condenser or hose.
Dye has been added already, I thought what I was looking at was the dye. I'll have to crawl back under to see where that hose is coming from later this afternoon.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: AC leak

Reply #3 –
I believe you are looking at corrosion. There are goggles you can buy that sees the dye better.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: AC leak

Reply #4 –
If is coming from that location I would suspect the aluminum line at the fitting. I ended up changing out
all my aluminum lines and they are all steel lines now. I had new ends put into the old hose. Use a soapy
solution or bubble mix and that might help finding the leak.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: AC leak

Reply #5 –
The video looked like there is oil on the dryer.  Do you think this is FROM the condenser?

In any case, AC stuff is cheap, if you don't mind stuff manufactured in China.  Last time I looked a similar condenser was $100ish, and a dryer under $20.  I bought and installed an entire system for my wife's vintage truck for around $600, except for a compressor bracket that we had to fabricate and test.

Condensers can be repaired.  I had an odd size in an RV some years ago, and I sent it to a place in Florida that repaired it.  Price was probably comparable to new at that time.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: AC leak

Reply #6 –
I would prefer to replace condensers over repairing if they are available. Take it down to your local AC shop and they usually can match up. Last month bought a big one for the bronco and it was $125. He said expect them to go up in price do to increased shipping costs
Scott

Re: AC leak

Reply #7 –
Replace with  new serpentine style condenser coil instead of having the round tubes as you have there they're flattened out to give better heat transfer because of the new modern design all vehicles now run that type of condenser
John Patrick
2002 U270

Re: AC leak

Reply #8 –
Quote from: opelgt327 –
Replace with  new serpentine style condenser coil instead of having the round tubes as you have there they're flattened out to give better heat transfer because of the new modern design all vehicles now run that type of condenser
Yes absolutely. Sorry I didn't say that👍👍

Re: AC leak

Reply #9 –
Is there a specific one or will the generic one work? Figuring size matters?

Any ideas? How to mount to the Area too.?
2002 U320 36' Single axle  MOST MODED IN HISTORY SO MUCH ITS ALMOST ILLIGAL
2 slides ( living room and bedroom)
undisclosed
male
female
genderless
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transgendered

Re: AC leak

Reply #10 –
If I was looking to replace I would prefer the flat core and would attempt on match mounting to simplify installation. If you have the factory original fan I also would be sourcing a replacement ball bearing fan. Being the same size actually means it is a larger capacity and more efficient.  May air may not require more Freon during charging. Make sure to seal up air around fan and condenser to increase efficiencies. Another plus is that the new condenser also collects failed components firing a failure like a filter. IMO this is good, I'd rather change the condenser all day long than attempt a evaporator. It's not brain surgery but it does need to be installed properly to be efficient and dependable. Original lasted 20 years and the new one should last a lifetime.
Scott