Hi guys, just a quick one. Anyone know of a quick and dirty method of locating AC leaks? lets assume the system is already vented and has done so at some point within the last 10 months. Owner remembers it working last summer but not since. I dont have the climate fault codes but the garage wasn't able to recharge due to loss of pressure so I'm guessing its going to be a seal or a hole in the condenser....

Edit:

by quick and dirty I mean cheap and ideally free 😄 

 

Not really possible to DIY tbh.  Unless there's a noticeable hole in the condenser or obvious signs of 'dry leakage' around a joint or seal.

The garage should have filled the system with nitrogen to keep the pressure up, listen for any leaks and spray soapy water on joints to look for bubbles the same as you would for a boost leak.  

 

ah, good call, hadn't thought about that but that makes perfect sense.  unless a hose has split its probably going to be the condenser, seems to be quite a common issue on this car, its got a tiny bore and for good measure they decided to rivet some supporting struts to the side, which predictably fail. my only real concern is the seals perishing, any idea what the likelihood of them crack  in 10 months of not being used? 

Most of them look pretty simple to swap out but it would be a pain in the bum

The seals are probably still alright if it was working 10 months ago, but obviously can't guarantee that.

If you do change the condenser for an aftermarket one, make sure you buy genuine seals, the seals that came on my Nissens rad didn't seal properly which was annoying for a quality aftermarket brand.  An AC tech told me he's had the same issues with non-genuine seals on Fords though.