AC refrigerant leaking from black tube after being charged

[Hooksaw]

I just replaced the compressor, the low pressure line and the condenser. After vacuuming, the system and the vacuum holding, we charge the system and the clutch was engaging. And AC cool air was flowing. Then after about 20 minutes, it stopped working and noticed refrigerant. Was leaking from a black tube along the firewall back wall. Any reason why that is happening

 

[Gyro]

That is the AC condensation drip hose.
It is normal for it to drip during AC use.It is water not refrigerant.

Gyro

 

[Hooksaw]

That is the AC condensation drip hose.
It is normal for it to drip during AC use.It is water not refrigerant.

Gyro

Thanks for your response. Yes normal it should be water. But I added refrigerant with the dye in it and it is clearly refrigerant that is leaking from here. However, further research, I think the black tube maybe part of the evaporator core and maybe the evaporator core needs to be replaced. thoughts

 

[KJowner]

Evaporator or pipework leaking I'm afraid. Dashboard out again! Maybe a faulty part.

 

[JeepJeepster]

Dang, thats a bad day.

Everyone talks about how horrible removing the dash is but honestly, its just time consuming, its not hard. Ive replaced the evap in three Jeeps, no biggie.

 

[lfhoward]

True, as I’ve done a heater core on mine. Not really a pain. Sort of therapeutic if building things out of Legos is a way you relax.

 

[Hooksaw]

Evaporator or pipework leaking I'm afraid. Dashboard out again! Maybe a faulty part.

i have a question or thought before i go down the route of replacing the evaporator. Before I replaced the compressor, condenser and the AC line (low pressure). The auto shop did not say anything about the evaporator. They said the leak was in the AC liquid line, which is my i replaced it. if you recall from above, after we replaced it and vaccumed the system and it held for 15-30 minutes. To me i meant things were good. Then we charged the system and then that's when we started seeing non water come out of the drain of the evap/heater box. I thought it was refrigerant but now i think it was AC oil. my question or thought was, if we didn't connect the AC line back to the evaporator correctly, could oil come from there and that may be the issue. again just a thought.. if i have time today, i will get a flashlight in there and see if oil is coming from the connection.. thanks for the help

 

[Hooksaw]

i have a question or thought before i go down the route of replacing the evaporator. Before I replaced the compressor, condenser and the AC line (low pressure). The auto shop did not say anything about the evaporator. They said the leak was in the AC liquid line, which is my i replaced it. if you recall from above, after we replaced it and vaccumed the system and it held for 15-30 minutes. To me i meant things were good. Then we charged the system and then that's when we started seeing non water come out of the drain of the evap/heater box. I thought it was refrigerant but now i think it was AC oil. my question or thought was, if we didn't connect the AC line back to the evaporator correctly, could oil come from there and that may be the issue. again just a thought.. if i have time today, i will get a flashlight in there and see if oil is coming from the connection.. thanks for the help

True, as I’ve done a heater core on mine. Not really a pain. Sort of therapeutic if building things out of Legos is a way you relax.

 

[Hooksaw]

Dang, thats a bad day.

Everyone talks about how horrible removing the dash is but honestly, its just time consuming, its not hard. Ive replaced the evap in three Jeeps, no biggie.

i have a question or thought before i go down the route of replacing the evaporator. Before I replaced the compressor, condenser and the AC line (low pressure). The auto shop did not say anything about the evaporator. They said the leak was in the AC liquid line, which is my i replaced it. if you recall from above, after we replaced it and vaccumed the system and it held for 15-30 minutes. To me i meant things were good. Then we charged the system and then that's when we started seeing non water come out of the drain of the evap/heater box. I thought it was refrigerant but now i think it was AC oil. my question or thought was, if we didn't connect the AC line back to the evaporator correctly, could oil come from there and that may be the issue. again just a thought.. if i have time today, i will get a flashlight in there and see if oil is coming from the connection.. thanks for the help

 

[lfhoward]

You mentioned your AC had dye put into it. That stuff is Ghostbusters green, if that’s the color of liquid you’re seeing coming out the tube. Or at least that’s what was coming from my compressor when it needed replacing.

 

[Hooksaw]

You mentioned your AC had dye put into it. That stuff is Ghostbusters green, if that’s the color of liquid you’re seeing coming out the tube. Or at least that’s what was coming from my compressor when it needed replacing.

Yes, i put the dye in it. I have a black light ordered and coming tonight. I hope to trace it and find the leaks. again, everything I have read it stuff is coming out of that tube and nowhere else, it is probably the evaporator core ..

 

[Hooksaw]

You mentioned your AC had dye put into it. That stuff is Ghostbusters green, if that’s the color of liquid you’re seeing coming out the tube. Or at least that’s what was coming from my compressor when it needed replacing.

 

[Hooksaw]

i got my black light last night and shined it all over the AC components under the hood, not seeing any significant as far as leaks. I did see some dye, but i think that was when I was replacing it. After I wiped it down, the green glow went away. However, when I shine by the evaporator drain tube, it is lights up all green. So would you agree there is a leak in the evaporator and that needs replaced?

 

[Hooksaw]

Dang, thats a bad day.

Everyone talks about how horrible removing the dash is but honestly, its just time consuming, its not hard. Ive replaced the evap in three Jeeps, no biggie.

Good day,
Would you happen to have details or step by step instructions on removing the dashboard or know of any links you can refer me to. My evaporator and heater core will be in tomorrow and will plan to start on the sooner side. Thanks

 

[lfhoward]

I have one for the KK but it is different than the KJ. Google “Jeep Liberty Heater Core Replacement” and YouTube and I am sure you will find several walk-throughs for the KJ. I know you’re doing an evaporator but the heater core is more common and the dash disassemble would be the same.

 

[nohitter64]

I just replaced the compressor, the low pressure line and the condenser. After vacuuming, the system and the vacuum holding, we charge the system and the clutch was engaging. And AC cool air was flowing. Then after about 20 minutes, it stopped working and noticed refrigerant. Was leaking from a black tube along the firewall back wall. Any reason why that is happening

Where does this hose belong? I found it in my yard and wondered what it was...must have come off pulling my trailer.

 

[nohitter64]

Good day,
Would you happen to have details or step by step instructions on removing the dashboard or know of any links you can refer me to. My evaporator and heater core will be in tomorrow and will plan to start on the sooner side. Thanks

I used the articles on this forum in the How To. I recommend zip lock bags and a marker. When I remove a "type A" screw, I wrote "A" next to the hole on the dash.

 

[Hooksaw]

Well ya'll. the job was just not for me. I did get the dash pulled back and realized that pulling the dash back enough to see the HVAC box was good enough to replace the heater box but didn't realize I would have to pull the whole hvac box out too to open it up to replace the evaporator core. I think I misunderstood and know now why there are no videos to replace a evaporator core. Well if any one lives close to Fort Mill, SC and wants to help. please let me know.. if not, looks like i have to get a quote and pay a stupid amount to get replaced. Thanks for all your help leading up to this

 

[lfhoward]

Shoot. If I lived near you I would help you out.