R-12 conversion to R134 ... BTDT? Any regrets? Recommendations?

[Avi Meron]

Good gospel..........
Have you ever used a Yokogawa? Blue case old style, black case new style?
Excellent piece of equipment.
Mandatory tool for GM, Nissan, Infiniti and a few others.
Take care,
Avi

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Joshua Van Tol
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 8:18 PM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: RE: R-12 conversion to R134 ... BTDT? Any regrets? Recommendations?

>Fred,
>The far SUPERIOR METHOD for finding leaks is using a sniffer, ABSULUTLY not
>dye!
>The main reason we (the industry as a whole) is using a dye is because
>technicians do not like, and do not maintain the sensitive leak detector
>equipment well!
>I can't even begin to tell you how many time I had to assist dealers in
>finding leaks WITH A LEAK DETECTOR!
>
>Another piece of information that might entertain you...........you could
>have a rather large leak that will show no dye evidence!
>
>All the dye is a flu recent oil coloring, so if it leaks oil you will see
>the dye, if it does not leak oil just fine vapors you will not see it!
>
>As for your repair people they were either using a bad leak detector or
>extremely incompetent!
>
>You all take care now...........
>Avi

I agree with Avi. You need to know how to use a leak detector
properly, but when used correctly (and when it's a quality piece of
equipment) leaks of 1/2 oz per year can be found pretty easily. The
key is to move slowly, along the underside of hoses, fittings, etc.
Suspect spots are the compressor shaft seal, all fittings,
evaporators, condensors, etc. A neat trick that works for finding
evap leaks, which are hard to find because the evap is so inacessable
is to run the ac for a few minutes to get the pressure up, shut it
down, and wait. Then, put the leak detector near the drain hose, and
see if you get any blips. If not, try turning on the fan on low to
force some air through. You can also put the detector in the air
vents and turn on the fan. Not quite as foolproof as looking at the
drain tube, but easier. Other things to watch out for is sensor
contamination, and cheap leak detectors. I've had good luck with TIF
branded detectors, in the $200-$350 range. Cheaper than $200 and it's
probably junk. Look for something that can detect a 1/2 ounce or
smaller leak per year.
--
Joshua Van Tol -- josh at spiny.com