Recharge Kit Fix a Leaking AC Evaporator Coil

Over time the seals and gaskets in a car’s air conditioning system can break down, leading to leaks. Often this is due to age but sometimes the problem is caused by corrosion or other environmental factors. When a leak occurs it is important to find and fix the leak as soon as possible to prevent the refrigerant from draining out of the system.

This can save you thousands in repairs or replacements in the long run. Many auto parts stores sell a variety of car ac recharge kit to allow you to repair small leaks yourself. These kits are designed to refill the system with refrigerant and contain a special chemical that can help plug leaks as it is pumped through the system. While these kits are cheap and easy to use they are not effective at fixing major problems.

Most recharge kits are designed to work on R-134a systems that have a low pressure gauge. They do this by allowing the user to evacuate and vacuum the system before filling it. They then have a coupler and hose that can connect to the evaporator coil port on the vehicle. The kit will also have a pressure gauge to measure the system’s pressure and make sure that it is filled correctly. The pressure gauges on these kits are simplified and only read the pressure on the low side of the system. This can lead to overcharging the system which can blow out a hose or damage a component.

These kits are also not very accurate in their measurement of the refrigerant being added to the system. They tend to overestimate the amount of refrigerant needed because they only read the pressure on the lower side of the system. This can cause a system to be overcharged which can lead to significant and expensive damage.

Will a Recharge Kit Fix a Leaking AC Evaporator Coil?

If you have a system with a major leak in the evaporator coil it will likely not be fixed by simply recharging it. A recharge will only mask the issue and continue to cause the system to lose refrigerant quickly. If the evaporator coil is bad it will need to be replaced which is a job best left to a professional.

A licensed mechanic will be able to inspect the system visually for a leak and can run fluorescent dye through it to better see where the leak is coming from. They can then seal the leak or replace the damaged component. This may cost a little more than a recharge kit but can save you thousands in the long run. If you think your AC evaporator coil is leaking contact a Natrad technician today. With locations across Australia our experienced technicians are ready to help with all of your air conditioning needs. Our experts can even assist with the replacement of your evaporator coil which can require removal of the dashboard.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the AC system is properly evacuated before recharging. This process removes any remaining refrigerant and air from the system, preventing contamination and ensuring optimal performance. Attempting to recharge a system that has not been evacuated can lead to poor cooling performance and potential damage to the compressor.