Another common source of leaks is the compressor shaft seal. Paul In a message dated 3/29/2004 9:41:12 AM Eastern Standard Time, "Philip Brust" <pbrust@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes: >Lawrence- > >Randall's post was right on the money...sounds like low refrigerant. Check >the sight glass in the receiver-dryer for bubbles while the system is >running (clutch engaged). The receiver-dryer is located on the passenger >side fender-just follow the AC lines to it. You may have to clear dirt away >from the top fitting to see the sight glass. > >Here are the common leak points for a 318 AC system: fittings on the >expansion valve at the firewall, fittings on the receiver-dryer, condenser, >and the dreaded evaporator. Over the years, I've had a number of 318 Mopars >and every one of them has had leaks in those places. The condensers have >usually failed in the same place: look for oil/dirt accumulation at the >bottom front of the condenser on the passenger side. I have one to replace >on my 86 Fifth Ave right now. > >One other source of leaks: the hoses. While 35 year old hoses hold just >fine, some of the mid-eighties hoses have leaked R-12. Hoses will be softer >than normal and covered with refrigerant oil and dirt...don't know why. > >Leaks must be fixed sooner or later...the only vehicle that I successfully >maintained with a "can a year habit" was a 90 Dakota. It had a very small >leak in the evaporator that started when it was about five years old. That >went on for about 5 years until the evaporator failed completely. That's >rare and I suggest you be prepared to spend some $ if you want AC. Once the >faulty component is identified and replaces along with the receiver-dryer, a >conversion to R-134 is probably the best way to go. > >Phil Brust >73 & 82 Imperial >With 13 lbs of R-12 still left... > > > >----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com ----------------- >This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please >reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be >shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the >Administrators should be sent to webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm > >