Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

Update.
I bit the bullet, rolled the dice and decided to replace the compressor based on it's age alone.
The mechanic I brought it to originally is a father and son operation. The day of testing and when I returned it for leak evaluation I only dealt with the son and he gave me the quote for part ...

I have limited HVAC experience and just a novice home mechanic.
My car's compressor may need replacing per the mechanic I brought it to. link https://www.autoacforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14064

As I stated in that post he said there is no need for other parts besides the compressor. Most info I ...

Can a failing Body Control Module cause a/c issues?

When I picked my car up this morning I asked him if he used a sniffer and replied yes, and that's how he discovered the compressor leak. Not sure why he didn't tell me that yesterday?

I intend to get a second opinion.

Thanks for the replies.
Maybe he's not as trusted as I thought?

I also have my doubts it's the compressor seal as well and suspicious of his answers. I try do as many repairs myself as possible but other than replacing a compressor solenoid and adjusting clutch air-gap on a couple Honda Civics I ...

2000 Buick Century Custom. 100k miles. Purchased from a family
two years ago.

HVAC worked fine up until a month ago when driver side air began blowing not as cold as passenger side. I confirmed it was not the actuator and all online info pointed to low on freon. Took it to a trusted mechanic, he ...

Cusser wrote:

McLugnuts wrote:Are the caps the seals or does the valve itself seal or a combination of both?

Combination of both, but GM Tech and others here say the cap is the true seal.

I just spoke with the mechanic and he said he did spray valves and cap with soapy water and no bubbles seen.

I'm tempted to go ahead and replace the schrader valves and caps.

I watched a video in which a mechanic used balloons to test for leakage from the valves. Since it seems the freon is low or completely out again it seems like a good time to replace them.

I would use soap bubble solution on the ...

I think i need to bring it to an automotive a/c specialist. Neither mechanic used a sniffer.

UV light and UV goggles get used in the dark or near-dark. An automotive AC specialist will use/have a combination of techniques to pinpoint leaks: UV dye, electronic detector ("sniffer"), soap bubbles ...

If you put sealer in it--no respectful mechanic will work on it-- they do not wish to plug up their expensive recovery equipment

That's definitely understandable and why I am asked here first.

A leak that big can be easily found with a good sniffer, dye and black light with UV glasses...

I ...