Plugging a refrigerant leak.

[Jeff Discos]

There is a refrigerant leak in the rear air circuit, in the low pressure pipe that passes just above the rear left tire. I finally found the leak, YES. I was afraid of having to send it to an A/C specialist.

The leak is at a connection. It will be easy to disconnect, as the pipe has been recently replaced and won't be corroded to the adjacent pipe. How does lots of teflon tape sound?

And how can I release the excess refrigerant in the system before fixing the leak? There is far less than the standard amount of refrigerant in the system at this point, due to the leak.

Thanks,

Jeff.


I'm getting all my supplies in order for a big weekend of fixing the truck.

TPS, exhaust manifold (cracked), A/C leak, valve cover leak, clean plenum...I'll probably remember more that needs fixed by then, or something else will break. Oh, and the side flashers just ahead of the front doors are both loose and pop out routinely. Probably just going to use some duct tape on those...maybe bailing wire...or not.

 

[joey]

Not sure if the connection is just not tight or not (you said replaced recently). I would try to tighten it first, if that doesn't do it. I found a small can of R134a fix, I can't remember the name, but it was about the size of a small energy drink can and cost was $20. The can said it would seal lines, compressor, evap, seals.... all I know is the directions stated that once you put this can it, if you didn't add more R143a it would seal the line shut.... worked great on my dads 91 Ford Ranger (converted to R143a) that would leak down in 2 days.

 

[discomike]

Jeff,
You mentioned that the pipe that is leaking has recenly been replaced, how long ago and by who??
Mike j.

 

[Jeff Discos]

British Sports Cars in San Luis Obispo replaced it approximately 5-6 months ago. Recently is relative to the age of the car...should have pointed that out. I can't make it up to BSC in SLO any time soon. Living in Thousand Oaks now.

The pipe blew out the side previously, so it wasn't replaced because of a leak at the connection.

 

[RoverChic]

TPS, exhaust manifold (cracked), A/C leak, valve cover leak, clean plenum...I'll probably remember more that needs fixed by then, or something else will break....Jeff that is so funny it sounds like my Truck. Maybe Henry and your truck are twin Rovers separated @ birth.

All kidding aside that exhaust manifold ..My dealer did replace for free this might not be free.. for all folks (depending on the DEALER normally not covered though ~ they did in may case) Here is the link: ""A NUMBER OF RIGHT HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS ON 1997 AND 1998 MY VEHICLES THAT ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CRACKING. SERVICE ACTION EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT. ""
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p... not be the case in any and or all scenarios.

 

[Monty]

That link wasn't working Melissa. I've always thought that mine had an exhaust leak on the right side. How can you tell if the tsb has been delt with on my truck? As long as the dealer can tell, I should be alright.

 

[RoverChic]

Sorry Monty ..You will have to use that sight and search it ..There will be a sticker like there is on mine....small and green usually. I do not have time to take a pic now..But I will later.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/
Go here Monty..And then pic out our Truck. The 1998 Land Rover Disco ..
Make : LAND ROVER Model : DISCOVERY Year : 1998
Service Bulletin Num : 112 Date of Bulletin: OCT 24, 2003
NHTSA Item Number: 10003905
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

 

[Jeff Discos]

It is a bummer then, that my exhaust leak is on the left manifold. Thank you for the info, however, as I see somebody else has already found it useful.

No biggie, I picked up a nicely used one for $20 on ebay, $6 shipping.

 

[joey]

I may be mistaken here, but if I recall correctly a TSB (technical service Bulliten) is more of an alert for the Dealership to check things, it is not a recall and will not be covered for free.

Again I may be wrong, so please prove me that way.

 

[RoverChic]

Joey ..Yes you are right but with a lot of complaining... My dealer replaced mine for free... I called said that the cabin was filling up with exhaust (which it was) and was making me ill. Now whether this will work in all cases probably not. Note: this is the same dealership that refused to change the broken cats out @ 60K some odd miles under federal EPA law. So I had to call the EPA ect ect to get those covered. When I came back with the another problem (Manifold) they replaced it free. I think I might have paid for a gasket. Check first Monty. As Joey is correct let me re-phase that above to *might* not be free or partially covered.
Melissa N
Still search around that sight though there is a lot of good info.