1999 V70 - Two questions about a leaky evaporator

ithcy · Post by **ithcy** » 02 Aug 2007, 11:26

I can't afford the $1200-$1500 I've been quoted to replace the thing, and I have no inclination to do this nasty job myself. (I'd probably end up replacing the dashboard upside down or something.)

My first question is - Is it OK to keep pumping cans of R-134A refrigerant into the system until such time as I can afford the repair (2-3 months?) Or do i risk some kind of even more expensive damage to the system? (One can seems to last for about 2-1/2 weeks.)

My other question is - Does anyone recommend AGAINST dropping a can of leak sealer into the A/C line? Could this stuff actually seal a leak of this size or is it snake oil? Any recommendations as to particular brand of leak sealer?

Thanks for any advice. This forum is full of answers.

Post by **pfeener** » 02 Aug 2007, 11:45

You can keep putting in the cans of R134.

I would advise against the sealer. The only stuff I've heard of that will seal a leaking evap is this stuff:

http://cliplight.com/automotive/product ... 16&catID=4

I've never tried it myself, but the person who recommended it really knows his stuff.

ithcy · Post by **ithcy** » 02 Aug 2007, 14:05

Thanks for the advice. I'll give that sealer a try if I can find it nearby.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Aug 2007, 15:05

I personally would not use any sealers. If your evap. is bad, it will leak eventually anyway even with sealers...no matter how good they are. The reason your evap leaks? Rust.....that's right, it rusts out. Eventually the rust holes are too big to deal with. Also, sealers are a big mess for shops to deal with...it clogs up their evacuating machines...if they know you have sealer in your system, the often times won't even touch your A/C system. Okay, enough said. If I were you, I would find a cheap source for the R134A and keep putting it in until you get tired of it and have the time for the right repair.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Aug 2007, 15:59

ithcy wrote:Thanks for the advice. I'll give that sealer a try if I can find it nearby.

The advice said NO SEALENTS.

You do not want to try this, as MIJ said it will crap up the entire system.
The evaps rust out and no amount of sealent will plug them up.
Yes you can continue to put in R134 but after a while it would be more cost effective to just have the evap replaced.
Just don't overfill the system

ithcy · Post by **ithcy** » 02 Aug 2007, 16:32

In my interpretation the advice said, more or less, "sealants bad, but here's one that's supposed to work for evaps." So I wasn't sure. But thanks everybody, I know now to avoid them.

Is there any difference between R134 brands or should I just seek out the cheapest one? I can't seem to find it for less than 6 bucks a can.

Post by **pfeener** » 02 Aug 2007, 19:11

The gas is all the same. Buy whatever is cheaper.

Just an FYI: The sealer product (that I listed in my previous post) is different than other sealers. You would need to have it professionally installed. The system has to be evacuated before it can be installed. Check out the installation instructions in the link I sent. But all the other guys are correct. The evap will eventually need to be replaced.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Aug 2007, 22:25

If it really goes big time and you feel light headed stop the car and do a headstand. All versions of Freon are heavier than air and if you inhale a large quantity you can no longer breath. That is usually a bad thing. If you do a headstand it will purge your lungs via gravity.

...Lee

ithcy · Post by **ithcy** » 03 Aug 2007, 00:10

What an awesome tip. Thanks.

Although I'm not sure I could do a headstand anymore. Maybe I'll find a hill and lie facing down it. Oh wait, no hills in florida.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Aug 2007, 18:06

itchy....pullies and rope always work!