A/C pipe leaking freon

"HND" <fake_one DeleteThis @mail.com> wrote in message
news:d9ic0c$5m7$2@utornnr1pp.grouptelecom.net...
 > guys,
 >
 > I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator )
 > on
 > Honda '93 accord.
 > It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400 to
 > get it replaced .
 > Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or smth.
 > like that and refill the system?
 >
 > thanks
 >
I have successfully repaired pinholes in aluminum, including one A/C high
side pipe, with JB Weld. But the pressure has to be completely relieved -
pulling a vacuum is best - and the area has to be 100% oil free. Brake
cleaner is good for prepping the area, and a dab of JB Weld is all you need.

Before you get excited about it, have you determined why the pinhole
developed? Others may be in the works.

Mike<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

HND wrote:
 >
 > guys,
 >
 > I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator ) on
 > Honda '93 accord.
 > It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400 to
 > get it replaced .
 > Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or smth.
 > like that and refill the system?

Where exactly is this pipe? Do you hear freon escaping? Since it is a
'93, is it R12? If it were R134a I would certainly try a patch. If it is
R12 you'll pay through the nose to get the system recharged. Then if the
patch doesn't hold, you'll get to pay for it all over again.

4 - 5 years ago my brother's '87 started leaking R12. He bit the bullet
and had it properly repaired and recharged with R12. Still holding, and
he's happy he had it repaired properly.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

Where did you get the $300-$400 figure from? I wouldn't think that pipe or
hose is more than $50-$60. Would it cost more than an hours labor to drawn
down the system and replace the hose/pipe? I wouldn't think so.
If you do the job, convert to R134A while you have the system evacuated. It
will cost you less now and in the future. The valves necessary to convert
are much more than $5-$10 each and R134A should be not more than $20-$30 to
recharge your system. You DO NOT need any other parts to convert providing
your a/c system is in decent shape. The difference in the freon types should
pay for your labor alone and save you on any future a/c work. You'll need a
new receiver/dryer for maybe $60 also. Add up even the high ends and I think
you'll find it less than you think, unless of course there' more to the
repair than you indicate.
Howard
"HND" <fake_one.RemoveThis@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d9ic0c$5m7$2@utornnr1pp.grouptelecom.net...
 > guys,
 >
 > I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator )
on
 > Honda '93 accord.
 > It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400 to
 > get it replaced .
 > Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or smth.
 > like that and refill the system?
 >
 > thanks
 >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

"Howard" <howardh.DeleteThis@nospam-cybrstar.com> wrote in message
news:01fve.3335$gr.3003@bignews1.bellsouth.net...
 > Where did you get the $300-$400 figure from? I wouldn't think that pipe or
 > hose is more than $50-$60. Would it cost more than an hours labor to drawn
 > down the system and replace the hose/pipe? I wouldn't think so.
 > If you do the job, convert to R134A while you have the system evacuated.
 > It
 > will cost you less now and in the future. The valves necessary to convert
 > are much more than $5-$10 each and R134A should be not more than $20-$30
 > to
 > recharge your system. You DO NOT need any other parts to convert providing
 > your a/c system is in decent shape. The difference in the freon types
 > should
 > pay for your labor alone and save you on any future a/c work. You'll need
 > a
 > new receiver/dryer for maybe $60 also. Add up even the high ends and I
 > think
 > you'll find it less than you think, unless of course there' more to the
 > repair than you indicate.
 > Howard

It's important to note some receiver/driers and even some compressor seals
are not compatible with the R-134a system. Once upon a time I saw a table of
cars and whether the receiver/drier had to be replaced when converting, but
I don't know where it was. In general, I don't recommend DIY conversions -
I've rebuilt an engine and do nearly all my own work, but I hired out the
conversion on our Volvo. For more by-the-ways (including legal
restrictions), see
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa060301a_4.htm" target="_blank">http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa060301a_4.htm</a>

My daughter's '93 LX uses R-12 (label under the hood, passenger side) so I
imagine this one does also. I don't plan to convert unless it is absolutely
necessary - fewer unknowns that way.

Mike<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

 >
 > It's important to note some receiver/driers and even some compressor seals
 > are not compatible with the R-134a system. Once upon a time I saw a table
of
 > cars and whether the receiver/drier had to be replaced when converting,
but
 > I don't know where it was. In general, I don't recommend DIY conversions -
 > I've rebuilt an engine and do nearly all my own work, but I hired out the
 > conversion on our Volvo. For more by-the-ways (including legal
 > restrictions), see
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa060301a_4.htm</font" target="_blank">http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa060301a_4.htm</font</a>>
 >
 > My daughter's '93 LX uses R-12 (label under the hood, passenger side) so I
 > imagine this one does also. I don't plan to convert unless it is
absolutely
 > necessary - fewer unknowns that way.
 >
 > Mike
 >
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But if your Honda ever needed a/c repair
don't hesitate to convert.
I've literally seen hundreds of Hondas converted by this simple method with
no effect except for saving some money now and in the future. If the system
is non-leaking and of good quality, the only thing to change are the high
and low side valves and a receiver/dryer. Evacuate the system and add R134A.
BTW, I stand corrected on some of my prices in my earlier post on the cost
of repairing HND's Accord. The pipe and the rec/drier are a little more than
I suggested. The pipe is in the $90's and the rec/drier is a little over
$100. Still the price of the repair and the conversion is well under HND's
concerns.
Howard<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

the fact is - A/C system is empty now and I've got an estimation from
mechanic $110 (CAD) for the pipe + labour ( bumper removal etc) + $120
system refill.
He didn't say anything about conversion though. So I would guess it's even
more.
I would like to try patching with JB Weld but Canadian Tire doesn't carry
it .
They have liquid aluminium there.
Is it the same stuff?

Pinhole developed because of the contact that pipe had with the other one
below
( I guess it's a galvanic effect) .

thanks guys for your input. I appreciate.






"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull.TakeThisOut@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
news:4rednR9fL5-ediHfRVn-qg@sedona.net...
 > "HND" <fake_one.TakeThisOut@mail.com> wrote in message
 > news:d9ic0c$5m7$2@utornnr1pp.grouptelecom.net...
  >> guys,
  >>
  >> I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator )
  >> on
  >> Honda '93 accord.
  >> It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400 to
  >> get it replaced .
  >> Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or smth.
  >> like that and refill the system?
  >>
  >> thanks
  >>
 > I have successfully repaired pinholes in aluminum, including one A/C high
 > side pipe, with JB Weld. But the pressure has to be completely relieved -
 > pulling a vacuum is best - and the area has to be 100% oil free. Brake
 > cleaner is good for prepping the area, and a dab of JB Weld is all you
 > need.
 >
 > Before you get excited about it, have you determined why the pinhole
 > developed? Others may be in the works.
 >
 > Mike
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

"HND" <fake_one.DeleteThis@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d9lcsn$jdn$1@utornnr1pp.grouptelecom.net...
 > the fact is - A/C system is empty now and I've got an estimation from
 > mechanic $110 (CAD) for the pipe + labour ( bumper removal etc) + $120
 > system refill.
 > He didn't say anything about conversion though. So I would guess it's even
 > more.
 > I would like to try patching with JB Weld but Canadian Tire doesn't carry
 > it .
 > They have liquid aluminium there.
 > Is it the same stuff?
No - JB Weld is a brand of steel-filled epoxy. Pretty much any steel-filled
epoxy will do the same thing. It is available at most hardware stores in a
variety of forms, from slow set to very quick set. All take about 24 hours
to develop full strength. I haven't used liquid aluminum, but if it is
aluminum-filled epoxy it should be pretty similar.
 >
 > Pinhole developed because of the contact that pipe had with the other one
 > below
 > ( I guess it's a galvanic effect) .

Then I think it's worth a try. Be sure there is no pressure inside to try to
bubble up through the epoxy - applying it at night when the temperature is
already dropping should do the trick - and be sure there is no trace of oil
on the pipe.
 >
 > thanks guys for your input. I appreciate.
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 > "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull.DeleteThis@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
 > news:4rednR9fL5-ediHfRVn-qg@sedona.net...
  >> "HND" <fake_one.DeleteThis@mail.com> wrote in message
  >> news:d9ic0c$5m7$2@utornnr1pp.grouptelecom.net...
   >>> guys,
   >>>
   >>> I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator )
   >>> on
   >>> Honda '93 accord.
   >>> It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400
   >>> to
   >>> get it replaced .
   >>> Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or
   >>> smth.
   >>> like that and refill the system?
   >>>
   >>> thanks
   >>>
  >> I have successfully repaired pinholes in aluminum, including one A/C high
  >> side pipe, with JB Weld. But the pressure has to be completely relieved -
  >> pulling a vacuum is best - and the area has to be 100% oil free. Brake
  >> cleaner is good for prepping the area, and a dab of JB Weld is all you
  >> need.
  >>
  >> Before you get excited about it, have you determined why the pinhole
  >> developed? Others may be in the works.
  >>
  >> Mike
  >>
 >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

"HND" <fake_one.TakeThisOut@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d9lcsn$jdn$1@utornnr1pp.grouptelecom.net...
 > the fact is - A/C system is empty now and I've got an estimation from
 > mechanic $110 (CAD) for the pipe + labour ( bumper removal etc) + $120
 > system refill.
 > He didn't say anything about conversion though. So I would guess it's even
 > more.
 > I would like to try patching with JB Weld but Canadian Tire doesn't carry
 > it .

They certainly do. Try a different store.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

HND <fake_one DeleteThis @mail.com> wrote:
 > guys,

 > I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator ) on
 > Honda '93 accord.
 > It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400 to
 > get it replaced .
 > Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or smth.
 > like that and refill the system?
 > thanks

I have a 1993 Accord, and my A/C began to fail a few weeks ago.
I brought my car to my mechanic yesterday. He converted to R134
and he detected a very slight slight leak in the evaporator. He
he said the evaporator repair would cost $250, but he recommended
that I try an A/C sealant instead.

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/CLP-946KIT.html" target="_blank">http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/CLP-946KIT.html</a>

My mechanic said that of all the types of work he does on Hondas,
A/C repair has the highest rate of returns for recurring problems.
He said there are hundereds of places the A/C system could be
developing leaks and the best approach would be to try the sealant
first.

The R134 system is works well and is quite cold.

Andrew<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

"Andrew" <andrew.TakeThisOut@nats.edu> wrote in message
news:d9m2eg$d19$1@news-int.gatech.edu...
 > HND <fake_one.TakeThisOut@mail.com> wrote:
  >> guys,
 >
  >> I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator )
  >> on
  >> Honda '93 accord.
  >> It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400 to
  >> get it replaced .
  >> Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or smth.
  >> like that and refill the system?
  >> thanks
 >
 > I have a 1993 Accord, and my A/C began to fail a few weeks ago.
 > I brought my car to my mechanic yesterday. He converted to R134
 > and he detected a very slight slight leak in the evaporator. He
 > he said the evaporator repair would cost $250, but he recommended
 > that I try an A/C sealant instead.
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/CLP-946KIT.html</font" target="_blank">http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/CLP-946KIT.html</font</a>>
 >
 > My mechanic said that of all the types of work he does on Hondas,
 > A/C repair has the highest rate of returns for recurring problems.
 > He said there are hundereds of places the A/C system could be
 > developing leaks and the best approach would be to try the sealant
 > first.
 >
 > The R134 system is works well and is quite cold.
 >
 > Andrew
 >
1993 was one of the first years for major evaporator leakage problems
industrywide. Many mfrs were changing to R134a and the evaporators they were
using (I don't know just what the difference was - maybe different alloy?)
began developing pinhole leaks. The problem was traced to corrosion caused
by dirt and pollen building up in the condensation on the evaporator and
forming a corrosive mud. Sealants would stop the initial leak, but more
would form. By 1995 just about everybody had added the now ubiquitous cabin
air filters to keep the mud from forming.

Mike<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon 

Just to let you know.

I used "J&B Weld" and it worked perfectly.
After A/C was refilled mechanic checked it for leakage and it was OK.

It cost me $9 for "J&B weld" and $140 for the refil with conversion ( CAD) .


Thanks for your advices.



"HND" <fake_one.DeleteThis@mail.com> wrote in message
news:d9ic0c$5m7$2@utornnr1pp.grouptelecom.net...
> guys,
>
> I've got an A/C pipe leaking Freon ( the one in front the evaporator )
> on
> Honda '93 accord.
> It's actually a tiny hole in it and hate an idea of spending $300-$400 to
> get it replaced .
> Is it possible to seal it with the stuff like a liquid aluminium or smth.
> like that and refill the system?
>
> thanks
>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: A/C pipe leaking freon