OT: Car A/C and Stop Leak

[Ozarkdawg]

Have always heard never use it. Anyone tried it and it actually work? Have worse problems down the road?
The system has lost all freon. I've read that when fully depleted, you should run a vac on it to empty out all moisture from the system. But I'm thinking, what good is it to try to vac out the system if you still have the hole AND I can't plug the hole until I run the stop leak in.

 

[woozman]

I used it twice on an old vehicle with a slow leak to try and save some money and it didn’t work. No clue if it is bad for the system.

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

I farted with it nearly 20 years ago and never again. I had no idea where the original leak was so I figured I would go the AC version of fix a flat, but I did not get all of the moisture out (hard to do I imagine.) Ended up having to pay to replace the compressor because the stop leak gummed it up. The mechanic also fixed the original leak which was just a connection. Cost me $650. Probably $2K in todays world.

I suggest buying a leak detector for less than $50. Once you find the leak it probably will be an easy fix. Don't take the chance of clogging your entire system. This link looks informative. Good luck.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/a...condenser including,lower part of the clutch.

 

[GloryDawg]

I would find a yard tree mechanic, buy after market parts and just fix it.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

I would find a yard tree mechanic, buy after market parts and just fix it.

Do those still exist?

 

[engie]

Go get some refrigerant with UV dye and add a bottle to the system. You might have to jump the compressor to get it to take it if it's totally out like you say. The UV dye will then show you the leak. Follow directions on youtube for this(it's easy). Once you've found the leak and replaced necessary components to fix it, go to Harbor Freight and buy an AC vacuum pump and a set of gauges. Pull a vacuum on the system and shut off the gauges at the gauges and watch the vacuum. If it holds constant vacuum over 30 minutes to 1 hour, you know you now have successfully sealed the system and are ready to proceed with evacuation and recharging. Again, youtube will walk you through it. After 2 or 3 times, you will be pretty confident working on any automotive AC system. It's not nearly as difficult nor expensive as "they" make it out to be when they charge you a grand or more to work on it.

Do not waste your time with stop leak. To be totally out, it's going to be a massive leak.

 

[Ozarkdawg]

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[InTheIttaBenaHotSun]

Yes, buy after market parts and don't forget the 12-pack.

 

[aTotal360]

Stop Leak type products just swell gaskets. Problem is when you start using the product, you can't stop. Once the gasket swells, its permanently deformed and you have to keep some sort of Stop Leak in the system to keep it expanded.