Re: Massive AC leak, any ideas? (archive)

I'd prefer not to use the detergent suction technique for locating leaks, because you will end up with some of that stuff in the system, although a tiny amount, maybe insignificant, but I wouldn't risk it on a car that has a lot of life left. The method I prefer is to slightly pressurize with a little freon, then borrow a freon (halogen) leak detector. They are amazing and will pinpoint the smallest leak. Another technique would be to pressurize with air, then apply the detergent and look for bubbles. You have to evacuate and dry the system out anyway, so any little moisture content in the compressed air will eventually be removed when you evacuate, purge with freon, then recharge. Be sure to use a gauge set and set the charge exactly as specified on the high and low sides while running the ac system on high at about 2100 rpm. I'd guess its an o ring leak too, but the hoses are known to separate from their screw fittings after a while. Some of the early models had a pressure relief valve near the compressor head, not sure whether the E 32's did. I know the '79 528i did, because once I overcharged and the thing relieved liquid freon quite dramatically in hot weather, but only once.

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