GMC chervolet camaro 1999 Service Manual page 118

)
HVAC HVAC System - Manual 1-27
Leak Testing
Step Action Value{s) Yes No
DEFINITION: Inspecting the refrigeration system for leaks.
1. Inspect the refrigeration system components for
1
proper torque.
-
2. Tighten the components as needed.
Has the leak stopped?
System OK Go to Step2
1. Inspect the 0-rings for damage, dirt or lack of
lubrication.
2
-
2. Replace the 0-rings as needed.
Has the leak stopped? System OK Go to Step 3
1. Inspect the refrigeration system connections. Refer to
3
Electrical Diagnosis.
-
2. Repair as needed.
Has the leak stopped? System OK Go to Step 4
1. Turn the blower to the highest setting for at least
15 seconds.
2. Wait for 1
O
minutes.
4
3. Remove t_he blower motor resistor. Refer to Blower
-
Motor Resistor Replacement.
4. Insert th_e probe into the resistor opening.
Is the alarm .solid? Go to Step5 Go to Step 6
5
Repair the leak as needed:
-
Has the leak stopped? System OK Go to Step 6
1. Blow compressed air behind and in front of the
compressor clutch and pulley for at least 15 seconds.
6
2. Wait 1 - 2 minutes.
3. Insert the probe behind and in front of the
compressor clutch and pulley.
Is the alarm solid?
7
Repair the leak as needed.
Has the leak stopped?
Florescent Leak Detection Method
Tools Required
• Tracer Dye
• Tracer Dye Injector
• High Intensity Black Light
The R-134a refrigerant is uniquely different from the
R-12 used in the past and may require additional
methods for leak detection. The R-134a molecule is
smaller than the R-12 molecule and can leak through
smaller openings. R-134a also does not contain
chlorine, which is easily detected using the black light.
The efflorescence leak detection method is meant
to be used in conjunction with the electronic method,
and will pinpoint smaller leaks. The R-134a takes
time to work. Depending on the rate of the leak, the
dye may take up to 7 days to become visible.
-
Go to Step 7
System OK
-
-
System OK
Liquid Leak Detection/Pressure Testing
Methods
Due to their lack of sensitivity and restricted visibility in
today's refrigerant systems, liquid/bubble leak
detectors have very limited usefulness. Therefore, the
liquid leak detection/pressure testing methods are
not recommended for this vehicle.
Service Port Seal/Cap
The primary seal for the service ports is the sealing
cap. The cap contains a specially designed 0-ring or
gasket which provides a leak free seal. Should the
cap be loose, missing, or the wrong usage, a loss of
refrigerant could result.