2002 A/C Discharging leak

[rexcsmith]

I've had to recharge my A/C a couple of times in the past month. It apparently has a leak. Where are the obvious places to look for leaks? Is there a map of connections?

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[biddle]

It doesn't really work that way. You need the UV flashlight as seen in this post to find the leak- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...ne-side-2002-2003-2004-2005-thunderbird.9446/

The leak can come from O-Rings too, the compressor could be all kinds of things! You are on the right track though because A/C is a closed system, does not burn refrigerant, and doesn't need to be recharged unless there is a problem.

 

[The Flash]

the only repeat place I have had was the manifold mainline hose. That's the one bolts the compressor with 2 hoses the big one on the bottom leak both times at the double O ring connection under the right side of the radiator. That connection you will need a special tool for A/C O rings. I had the use a hammer to get it to move. But I am 75 and don't have the strength I once had.

 

[rexcsmith]

Thanks for the input. BTW Flash, I'm also 75 🙂. I bought a can of stop leak with dye in it, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. Can the stop leak gum up the works?

 

[biddle]

Thanks for the input. BTW Flash, I'm also 75 🙂. I bought a can of stop leak with dye in it, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. Can the stop leak gum up the works?

You will get mixed answers here. I've used a specific one on my Jeep and it worked for a year. It's obviously better to find the problem. Stop leak only works on small leaks as well and results vary by brand.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BG4WX2/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

 

[edward301]

If your compressor is original, my first bet is the shaft seal on your compressor. Stop leak is not good for AC
systems. You can put a die in, but the best is a refrigerant sniffer, or bubbles on possible leak points.

 

[biddle]

Stop leak is not good for AC
systems.

Well, as I said in my post above, knew this was coming. Notice he didn't say, I used stop leak and it killed my compressor. Just general information he's probably heard or been told.

There is nothing scientific I've seen to support this, and I've used it in an old Jeep and millions of people use it and while there are product reviews saying it didn't stop the leak or it returne, I'ven ever read one that said it caused damage. Obviously if it could be proven to cause harm, the manufacturer would be liable & the product would cease to exist eventually.

PS it's dye, not die.