air conditioning questions

andulong · Jul 27th, 2005, 09:35 PM

First off, I hope I am posting tis in the proper forum, didn't really see one for A/C. Here is my problem/question. I have a 97 Nissan PU and the AC has never worked very well. I recently got around to charging it this summer and used a gage and recharge can of freon. It worked like a dream for a day or 2 and then performance declined again. I re charged and the same thing happened. I finally was able to visually find a leak in the low pressure side of the system. Actually a cracked freon line (tube) that returns to the compressor. It appears to be an aluminum pipe that has a crack and probably has for years. Here is the question...Since most of my freon has leaked out what do I need to do to replace this line? Evacuate the system or just bleed it off. The line appears very easy to get to and replace but not sure if I can just open it up without causing any problems to the system. I know I can bleed it off but is that okay to do? I have also considered a quick fix with some JB Weld until I can do it right. If it sticks and holds the pressure which appears to be quite low then it may work. Any helpful suggestions are greatly appreciated. I do not want to have to take it in to the shop for a job that appears to be quite simple. I have some experience with charging and testing the system but have never had to open it all up before.

Thanks again. A

Twiz · Jul 27th, 2005, 11:07 PM

You'll have to replace that line. JB Weld is crap, it dries hard ...your A/C line will change temp prolly in a matter of minutes (it will shrink and expand). Do you really expect the JB Crap to keep up with it ? You could try to wrap some of that tape that stretches and sticks to nothing but itself and it's hi-temp... that might hold for a while... as a quick fix.

KerryLib · Aug 2nd, 2005, 04:35 PM

Hi there, Your problems sounds like the exact same problem I had w/ my '94. I was able to order a replacement hose online (forget where) for about $60. The aluminum end of the hose that mounts into the compressor had cracked and of course leaked out all of the coolant.

Since you have a '97 vehicle it is charged w/ R134a so you can get the refrigerant at whatever parts store you prefer.

I'm sure that purging the system when recharging it is the way to go, I have had pretty good AC performance from mine for the last 3 years by just charging the system with coolant/lubricant.