So I PAID a shop to replace my compressor, dryer, expansion valve as well as vacuume and dry the system. My problem is it constantly has to be recharged. I am frusturated as you might imagine but what I want to know is where should I be looking for the leak. I bought a lite and looked everywhere and I do not see any dye. How long does the dye last? Where could the dye be going? I'm an AC newb so don't feel that you are talking down to me or that I assume much.

Thanks in advance

 

check the condensor, possible a rock or something cracked it, look for any oily residue on the hoses and hardlines of the ac, if u spot any thats a good chance there is a leak there. also something as simple as a schrader valve in one of the service ports is leaking. im assuming this is an r12 system retrofitted to r134a? the retro fit caps tend to leak

 

Damn that take it back to the shop that did it and have them fix it they are completely liable for that..
How long has it been since you had it replace? and how often do you have to get it charged?

 

Won't I be able to see the dye?

 

You might not be able to see the dye by just looking , on some dyes used in a/c systems you have to use a special light to make the dye light up so it can be seen, but you deffinatly have a leak some were.

 

The evaporator core is behind the dash. Usually if there is a leak there, it will leak out quick. feel to see if there is any wetness on floor under dash on passenger side.

 

If you paid a shop.take it back! They should have evacuated the system for at least 30 minutes. If there was a major leak they should have caught it!

 

Has the truck ever had any front end damage? I found my leak to be a nicked line from front end damage. Everything was changed or fixed but a little nick in the line????? The one line runs right across that area....

 

Most likely this... What's tricky about this is they won't leak while gauges are hooked up because the fitting seals the leak. Have them pressurize the system with nitrogen to 250 psi, disconnect all their equipment, then leak check the system.