Which A/C Leak Detection Tool for my Shop?

[koster88]

Its almost that time!! Hot Texas Summer!! Just opened a shop, and I need to buy a leak detection tool (Sniffer?). I've asked all my mechanics, and they don't seem to care which model I buy. So what is the best one/one that works well for you?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Grumpy365]

I find more leaks with this model than all others put together.

 

[fstfbdy]

I use this one.. http://www.mastercool.com/pages/electronic_leak_detection.html
Its ok. 99% of the time just a UV light and glasses will find it. I use the sniffer once a month IF that.

I do A LOT of AC work here in Fl. too..

edit: wow I just realized Ive been a lurker since 2009 and this is my 1st post.. lol.

 

[koster88]

I use this

Could not see the pic..

 

[colonel25]

Haven't used a sniffer for 20 years. Uv lite and dye the way to go IMHO.

 

[dtt454]

maybe sniffers must have improved over the years, last time i tried using one i spent more time trying make the thing work than doing work.

my suggestions are as folows :
there is a product called big blu that works real well, pump it up with nitrogen first and spray it around. works like soapy water only better, and inexpensive

and uv dye.

 

[ToolmanGary]

Haven't used a sniffer for 20 years. Uv lite and dye the way to go IMHO.

^^^This^^^

 

[jsaw]

Haven't used a sniffer for 20 years. Uv lite and dye the way to go IMHO.

Same here

 

[HTGTS350]

Soapy water is best or if you can remove the suspect component and cap one end then pressurise it and immerse in water. Ive tried all sorts of sniffers and none of them are very good.

 

[JakeKohl]

Soapy water is best or if you can remove the suspect component and cap one end then pressurise it and immerse in water. Ive tried all sorts of sniffers and none of them are very good.

There is a reason those models a previous poster linked to all have a UV light on the end of them (the sniffer part is not a reliable method of finding a leak). I've got one too and the only times I've had it detect a leak were obvious ones that I could pretty much find with my eyes or a stethoscope.

 

[38Chevy454]

Soap solution can be quite effective, but also just look for the dust/dirt that tends to accumulate where a leak is. The oil that leaks out with the refrigerant will attract the dirt and can be good indicator where to start your investigating.

The UV dye is good for confirmation, but you can find a lot with soap soution.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I just work on my own stuff but found UV dye works great at finding leaks.

If you think it may be the evaporator look at the condensation dripping out of car, it will be flouricent.

Chris

 

[rlitman]

I wouldn't use UV dye. There is no good reason to add non-condensable materials to the system. My experiences with UV dye have also been that so much else glows in UV that finding a small leak with it is almost impossible.

Soap bubbles, heck yes, but I buy bubble solution for this. It works way better than anything you can mix with soap and water. Less foaming that makes it hard to see through, more bubbles that pinpoint the leak.

As for a sniffer, how else do you diagnose an evaporator leak? Sniffers have their place.
In an engine compartment, it is hard to get the still air you need for a sniffer to work well though.

 

[fstfbdy]

I wouldn't use UV dye. There is no good reason to add non-condensable materials to the system. My experiences with UV dye have also been that so much else glows in UV that finding a small leak with it is almost impossible.

Soap bubbles, heck yes, but I buy bubble solution for this. It works way better than anything you can mix with soap and water. Less foaming that makes it hard to see through, more bubbles that pinpoint the leak.

As for a sniffer, how else do you diagnose an evaporator leak? Sniffers have their place.
In an engine compartment, it is hard to get the still air you need for a sniffer to work well though.

Just use PAG OIL that has the dye already in it. 90% of the time anyways if your doing an evac and recharge to find a problem You add oil anyways.

My normal process is: Toss it on the a/c machine. **** the system down. Give it a good vac. See if it holds good Vac. If so I put 2oz of oil/dye in . recharge it , check psi's and temps, etc..If all is good and no apparent leak at the time. I have then come back in a few days and check for dye. find problem, and fix it. No charge for a/c recharge on the repair.

Ive never used the bubbles way. Never had a problem finding leaks with dye/uv or a sniffer for small o-ring leaks or inside cab leaks.

 

[Shadowdog500]

UV dye will find a leaking evap. Just look at the water dripping from the evap box with the uv glasses and flashlight. If the water glows the evap is leaking.

Chris

 

[fstfbdy]

UV dye will find a leaking evap. Just look at the water dripping from the evap box with the uv glasses and flashlight. If the water glows the evap is leaking.

Chris

totally agree. I do a few a/c jobs a week here in FL.