Condenser HVAC: Testing and Inspection

ON-VEHICLE LEAK TEST
If an A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core is suspected of leaking, the leak must be verified prior to removing the component from the vehicle. This leak test should be performed as described below. DO NOT rely solely on the results of an electronic leak detector as chemicals other than R-134a will activate the leak detector.
1. Verify that the manifold gauge set is capable of holding vacuum.
a. Connect the red and blue hoses together using a 1/4 inch flare coupling.
b. Connect the gauge set yellow hose to a known good vacuum pump.
c. Turn the vacuum pump ON and open both gauge set valves.
d. Operate the vacuum pump for one minute and close both gauge set valves. The low-side gauge should indicate approximately 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) of vacuum.
e. Allow the gauge set, with vacuum applied, to sit for at least 30 minutes.
f. If the gauge reading drops during that time, the gauge set hose connections, gauges or valves are leaking and should be repaired before proceeding with the leak test.
2. Discharge the A/C system. Refer to System Discharging and Recovery. Discharging and Recovery
3. Disconnect the suspect A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core from the A/C system. DO NOT leak test an A/C evaporator core with the suction accumulator/drier attached to the core tubes. Refrigerant outgassing from oil and desiccant in the suction accumulator/drier will indicate a false leak condition.
4. Clean the evaporator or condenser core tube fittings.
If the core tube fittings are the female spring lock design, check the inside of each fitting for scratches, corrosion or debris from deteriorated 0-rings. If scratches, corrosion or debris are found, the leak test results may not be accurate unless the fitting is properly cleaned as follows:



a. Remove any surface residue from the inside of the female spring lock coupling by polishing with 400 grit emery cloth or equivalent. Polish the female surface by using a twisting motion so that any scratches made will not cross the 0-ring sealing surface.
b. Perform additional polishing of surface using 600 grit emery cloth or equivalent.
c. All residue from the polishing operations should be removed from the fitting by wiping with a lint-free cloth.


NOTE: The condenser core fittings are of the peanut type. Clean all dirt and foreign material from both pieces of fitting.

5. Connect the appropriate test fittings from Rotunda A/C Test Fitting Set 014-00333 or equivalent to the evaporator or condenser tube connections.

NOTE: The automatic shut-off valves on some gauge set hoses do not open when connected to the test fittings. If available, use hoses without shut-off valves. If hoses with shut-off valves are used, make sure the valve opens when attached to the test fittings or install an adaptor which will activate the valve. The test is not valid if the shut-off valve does not open.

Connect the red and blue hoses from the manifold gauge set to the test fittings on the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core. Connect the yellow hose to a known good vacuum pump.





6. Open both gauge set valves and start the vacuum pump. Turn the A/C system blower on low and allow the vacuum pump to operate for a minimum of 45 minutes after the gauge set low pressure gauge indicates 101 kPa (30 in-Hg). The 45 minutes evacuation is necessary to remove any refrigerant from oil left in the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core. If the refrigerant is not completely removed from the oil, outgassing will occur. This will degrade the vacuum and appear as a refrigerant leak.
7. If the low pressure gauge reading will not drop to 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) when the valves on the gauge and manifold set are open and the vacuum pump is operating, close the gauge set valves and observe the low pressure gauge. If the pressure rises rapidly to zero, a large leak is indicated. Recheck the test before replacing the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
8. Always remember that a leaking fitting, gauge set or hose connection will appear as a leaking A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
^ If the low pressure gauge reading rises 34 or more kPa (10 or more in-Hg) of vacuum from the 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) position in 10 minutes, a leak is indicated.
^ If a very small leak is suspected, wait 30 minutes and observe the vacuum gauge.
^ If a small amount of vacuum is lost, operate the vacuum pump with gauge valves open or an additional 30 minutes with the system blower on low to remove any remaining refrigerant from the oil in the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core. Then, recheck for loss of vacuum.
^ If a very small leak is suspected, allow the system to set overnight with vacuum applied and check for vacuum loss.
9. If the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core does leak, as verified by the above procedure, install a new A/C evaporator core and/or A/C condenser core.