Is it possible to fix a leaking AC compressor?
It is not a new product.It has been used in the natural gas industry for a long time.A combination leak seal and conditioner seal are also available.It is an added selling feature in many AC recharge kits.
The product is injected into the AC system as a liquid and stays that way until it reaches a leak area.As the refrigerant leaks out of the system, it creates a cold spot that causes the air to condense.The seal interacts with the water to form a "scab" to seal the leak.
O-rings located in hose connections can be softened with a seal swelling agent when the product is a combination seal and conditioner.
Water that is at a leak location can be different from water already in the system.It is important to understand that a leaking AC system allows outside air into the system and that the air is moist.In most cases, the humidity is absorbed by the desiccant in the accumulator.The areas where there is a temperature drop and condensation are the orifice tube or expansion valve.That is where the problem arises.The difference between leak water and desiccant water is hard to tell.Where it comes in contact with water it will react.
The leak was original.The instructions for the professional AC leak sealers require a complete system evacuate to dry out the system.Some require a new receiver or accumulator.Adding AC Sealer to a wet system will make things worse.
A mixed bag is what this one is.The performance of the system can be improved if the seal works to seal small leaks.Better performance can be achieved with no leaks.Since the leak seal is not a refrigerant, it doesn't provide any cooling effect as it travels through the orifice tube or expansion valve.If you evacuate the system to dry it out, you can reduce cooling by up to 7%.
There are leaks in the condenser.It won't stop leaks at seals around rotating parts or at rubber O-rings, hose fitting or the compressor shaft seal, which are the most common sources for leaks.
Pinhole seals are a valuable function.There is no evidence that stop leak will seal anything other than cracked welds or a bad compressor shaft seal.The sealer works by reacting.
If there is enough humidity in the air, it can cause clumps that restrict the flow of air.Some O-ring materials could be distorted by the seal sweller.
When a customer uses an AC leak seal product in the system, manufacturers of refrigerant recycling machines are reporting problems with refrigerant recovery.The solenoid can be plugged by the sealer.
The recovery equipment has a valve in it.If there is evidence of an AC leak, the warranty on the equipment will be voided.
To prevent damage to the machines, shops must install a separator/filter.Seal clumps, oil, dye and seal swellers are removed by the filters.The filters need to be replaced on a regular basis.
Adding costs to evacuate the system will be incurred if you ever take the vehicle to a repair shop.
To get the greatest benefit from a leak seal, you must completely evacuate the system and replace the receiver/drier or accumulator.Pull a vacuum to remove any remaining humidity.