My AC just dumped all of its charge into the air???

[dburt86]

LOL, this is what i get for thinking of getting rid of her. Last time i listed my E38 for sale/trade, the auto trans blew. Now this

I was leaving work for lunch, just started the car, 70degrees or so outside, had the AC on. Started hearing a loud hissing and saw smoke/steam coming from UNDER the car. I originally thought it was coolant, but turned out to be refrigerant from the AC.

Popped the hood, and couldnt find any evidence of where it may have been leaking from in the engine bay. Where could have it leaked from under the car?

[blackknight530i]

One of the A/C lines, or the connection to the compressor perhaps?

[dburt86]

Yea i looked again. I couldnt see anything from above. Ill toss it on the lift tomorow after work and see whats going on.

I just had it charged a week ago. Possible over fill?

[Binjammin]

You could have blown out a hose, a leak that large is usually too big for an o-ring. Could be the condensor or compressor too.

[dburt86]

yea it sounded like you just opened the valve to drain a compressor. Thats actually what i thought it was for the first 3 or so seconds becasue i was close to our works compressor (huge)

[TxDarth]

yea it sounded like you just opened the valve to drain a compressor. Thats actually what i thought it was for the first 3 or so seconds becasue i was close to our works compressor (huge)

If you can't find have a service center run some nitrogen in the system to find the leak - not air it may contain moisture.

[dburt86]

If you can't find have a service center run some nitrogen in the system to find the leak - not air it may contain moisture.

Thats a good idea. But with a leak this large, im sure with some close inspection, i can find the leak.

Good thing i got the parts car with a full system

AC compressor still engages with AC button, but the air does not get cold at all.

[blackknight530i]

Mine had the same problem a couple weeks ago and I added more refrigerant (had evacuated and filled it only a few months ago when I did the engine swap) and when I filled it, it was immediately spraying out. I noticed if I wiggled the low pressure line (the one I was filling from) it would stop leaking. I found out that the screw that holds that line to the compressor had either backed out almost an inch on its own, or it was not fully tightened when we installed the motor. Apparently, when we evacuated it and it held vacuum, it was pulling the line into the compressor and when we filled it, it pushed it back out causing the leak. The reason I think it backed out is because the ac was working great for about 4 months before it just quit. I refilled it after securing the screw and it is back to working great.

[racer2086]

Was dye put in the system when it was recharged? That would make finding it easy. Even so, with a leak that large, you should be able to see oil residue where the refrigerant leaked.

If the compressor is engaging, then there has to be something still left in the system. I have gauges and a vacuum pump we can hook up to your car this weekend if you want to vac it down to find the leak.

- - - Updated - - -

Wait wait wait...you listed the car for trade? What're you doin man??? I just met you. An E38 buddy within 20 minutes of me and he's thinking of jumping ship? You're killin' me! :nono lol

[dburt86]

Was dye put in the system when it was recharged? That would make finding it easy. Even so, with a leak that large, you should be able to see oil residue where the refrigerant leaked.

If the compressor is engaging, then there has to be something still left in the system. I have gauges and a vacuum pump we can hook up to your car this weekend if you want to vac it down to find the leak.

- - - Updated - - -

Wait wait wait...you listed the car for trade? What're you doin man??? I just met you. An E38 buddy within 20 minutes of me and he's thinking of jumping ship? You're killin' me! :nono lol


LOL, i wont get rid of it. I dont even know why i try hahaha.