Been a while.

The end of the [bottom] tube exiting the evaporator is thin and somewhat frayed at the very end. This is where the freon leak is, as demonstrated by the accumulation of ester oil at the pipe union.
Many [online] parts suppliers offer a repair kit for this circumstance. As it is under $15, I would like to give it a try.

Has anyone used this seemingly-wonderful kit? It is made here [so they say], by Four Seasons.

Thanks,

Seth

 

I normally replace evaporators and condensers if they leak. If nothing is available or the replacement is too expensive, small cracks can be silver soldered but silver solder is also expensive.

I don't think I would trust a patch kit. AC systems are tested to 300 psi of pressure. Just how good is that patch kit under those pressures?

 

A new core is certainly available, and not too pricey. I simply figured that the kit would save parts and several hours of sweating under the hood.
The aluminum piping is thin s**t for sure.
As I use an organic freon, the high-side pressure is far lower than with R-134A, or even R-12.
This kit depends on one compression fitting, and actually duplicates the next fitting to the next pipe.
Look, I have seen compression fittings used on anti-lock brake pipes in collision repair. Dumb and lazy way of doing a repair on a safety-related part, but they do hold up well.

Seth

 

a new core is fairly inexpensive and the time to r&r is not very much at all. If your problem is with the liquid line fitting(small side), that is where the orifice tube is and the repair may cause complications. food for thought

 

The repair part is made to accomodate and hold in place an orifice tube assembly; as a matter of fact, one is included in the kit. I prefer my v.o.v., as it seems to work better than a fixed-size unit.
Not to bust your chops, but what are the problems that you forsee?

Seth