[DeTomaso] A/C gas leak troubleshooting

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/27/06 11:34:17 AM, CharlesMcCall at telefonica.net writes:

<< This is a job I'd like to do only once, and do it right. How can I tell 
what

needs to be replaced? I'm thinking of changing all the hoses and fittings,

so that we don't have to repeat this in a few years.  >>

While I'm far from an A/C expert, Charlie, I suggest all the rubber lines be 
changed to barrier-style hoses, the dryer be changed and all fittings be 
checked for tightness with a freon-leak detector, especially the ones under the 
dash. Also under the dash is a thing called the 'expansion valve' that contains a 
tiny screen in the input leg to catch bits of dryer material and hose flakes. 
This little screen often plugs solid, slowing or stopping the freon flow. It 
can be soaked in paint thinner to dissolve rubber, then cleaned & replaced. 
Some guys add an over-pressure switch to shut down the system if something goes 
wrong, before blowing a hose from overpressurization. Once the system is 
working, remember that most Pantera A/Cs work well around town but as road speed 
goes up, efficiency goes down. Around 120mph, it tends to stop working 
altogether, the system overpressures & hoses blow. THe only known cure for this is to 
change the condenser from the back to the front and re-route all the hoses 
accordingly. With a good radiator (not a stock unit) and bigger than stock fans, 
this will not affect engine temp. Good luck- J DeRyke