Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Leak Detection

2021 Ford Transit-350 HD Base, Van Cargo Extended, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, AWDSECTION Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Leak Detection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Air Conditioning Service Unit
Electronic Leak Detector
Air Conditioning Adaptor Kit

Leak detection 

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging .
  2. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the A/C compressor. Refer to the appropriate Climate Control Systems article for the procedure.
  3. Install the adapters from the A/C Flush Adapter Kit on the ports of the A/C compressor, using the existing retaining bolts.

    • 219-00082 ACF-3000 33PC Adapter Kit - Revised 1st released 44pc kit

    • 219-00083 A/C Flushing Adapter Kit 2 of 3 (Previously "Supplement A", 2nd released kit)

    • 219-00084 A/C Flushing Adapter Kit 3 of 3 Use the General Equipment: Air Conditioning Adaptor Kit

  4. Connect the high and low pressure lines of the air conditioning service unit to the corresponding fittings on the adapter.

    • 265-37887 Ritchie R134A A/C Refrigerant Hybrid Management System Use the General Equipment: Air Conditioning Service Unit

  5. Charge the A/C compressor following the air conditioning service unit instructions. Open the low pressure valve, the high pressure valve and set the refrigerant charge amount to 0.23 kg (8 oz).
  6. NOTE: Use a Rotunda-approved Electronic Leak Detector for R-134a refrigerant SAE Certified to J2791.

    Using the Refrigerant Leak Detector, check for leaks at the compressor shaft.

    • 023-22791 Robinair Infrared A/C Refrigerant Leak Detector w/Case Use the General Equipment: Electronic Leak Detector

  7. When the leak test is complete, recover the refrigerant from the compressor.
  8. If an external leak is found, install a new A/C compressor.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.