Stop-leak for A/C ?

[MSHappyCampers]

I have a slow leak in one of my A/C's. A local tech installed a valve and has added freon twice, but it keeps leaking out over a few months. He as not been able to find the leak.

He told me about a product he can mix with the freon that is supposed to stop small leaks. It works kind of like the stop-leak you would use in a vehicle radiator.

I have already spent about $350 on this unit, including a new control board, and he wants another $120 to put in the stop-leak, with no guarantee it will solve the problem.

I have been checking prices on new heat pumps today and it looks like it will cost me close to $1200 for the unit with a necessary conversion kit to make it work with my old Dometic Comfort Control thermostat. That does not include installation, which I think I can handle myself.

Have any of you, especially RV techs, had any experience with the "stop-leak" solution? Your comments will be appreciated!

[MEXICOWANDERER]

May I compliment everyone who participated in this thread?

I read every contribution and I learned a lot. Thank you!

[MSHappyCampers]

I did a search but didn't come up with anything. Any suggestions?

[j-d]

Doug & Chris Bryant. As I mentioned, there was a thread about how something didn't quite line up. And my recall is that it was between ducting and a new upper unit.

[Bob_Landry]

My background is in water cooled marine AC systems. I have worked on a few roof units, but my expertise on them is limited to general AC operational and troubleshooting type questions. Unless I'm mistaken, the upper units are the same and the lower part is purchased depending on if it's a ducted system or not, but I don't swear by that. Doug Rainer is a good one to ask about a replacement unit. He probably has more time on this than all of us put together.

[j-d]

I think you're making a good choice. The manufacturers and folk like Mr. Landry here can help you be sure to order the correct replacement choice. If I recall, there was a thread in the last several months about connecting new "top" (the rooftop portion of an A/C) to existing ducting.

[MSHappyCampers]

Thanks everyone for your comments! I have decided to buy a new A/C instead of attempting the fix.

Since my MH is fully-ducted, I have to be sure that the new one has the air outlet in exactly the same place as my old one. It comes straight down into the horizontal duct and I don't see any way to modify the duct.

[Bob_Landry]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Sorta like a heart transplant for a 117-year old wouldn't you think?

Exactly, If it were me, I would just cut my losses and move on with replacing it. But, I think we can count on this thread continuing for at least another page of responses telling him how to fix it.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Sorta like a heart transplant for a 117-year old wouldn't you think?

[Cobra21]

Since he already put a fitting on the system, you may be able to put stop leak in yourself for under $20.00. For the money he charged you already... he should put it in for $20.00 for one last Hail Mary attempt. If they can't find the leak, it is more than likely in one of the coils (evaporator or condenser) and they would be spendy to replace.

Good Luck, Brian

[rkentzel]

Isn't it illegal to add Freon without repairing the leak first?

No sorry it is not I believe its systems that are 50 lbs and more the leak has to be fixed

found it:

The leak repair requirements, promulgated under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, require that when an owner or operator of an appliance that normally contains a refrigerant charge of more than 50 pounds discovers that refrigerant is leaking at a rate that would exceed the applicable trigger rate during a 12-month period, the owner or operator must take corrective action.

[Bob_Landry]

12 years old?? I'm surprised that anyone would even think twice about replacing one that old. The plastic shroud had to come off in chunks.. LOL

[DougE]

If the A/C is as old as your MH (12 yrs), you might as well bite the bullet and replace the whole thing.

[MSHappyCampers]

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who recently retired from residential and commercial A/C repair. He said that he had used the stop-leak in the past but stopped because he suspected it was causing premature failure of the compressors!

[darsben]

There is a dye that can be added to the freon that will "glow" with a UVlight thereby highlighting the leak