I'd like to know before putting a clutch on it, installing it, evac and recharging it. Anyone make a test set to attach to the compressor ports and then to a gauge set?
Can you bench test an a/c compressor for leaks?
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EDIT - Nevermind. I am tired today.
Leak testing of AC systems at high pressure (hundreds of PSI) is done all the time with a tank of nitrogen and a regulator.
Yeah I realized that LOL. Thanks.
If I can connect my gauge set I could either add freon and sniff test it, or use my vacuum pump to see if it holds vacuum.
You can do that too. The nice thing about nitrogen is that you can use the high pressure (I think it's something like 2000 PSI at room temp--I wouldn't go that high! Maybe 300PSI at max) to find leaks that may not leak under lower pressure. The nitrogen regulator can be connected to your gauge set. You can use a leak checking solution to find any leaks or I think you could add some freon to the compressor first, then pressurize it with nitrogen and use your freon sniffer.
But how do you connect the gauge set to the compressor?
Just need to identify the fittings on it and order adapters to attach service ports. I'm sure someone makes them and shouldn't be a big deal.
I would fab up a plate to seal off the suction/discharge ports with ports for the gauge set and draw and see if it holds a vacuum. Of course this can lead to more leaks than just the compressor.
Performance testing needs to be done as a system, I would think.
Performance testing needs to be done as a system, I would think.
We had that stuff at the shop I used to work at. We would get old lines, cut the hoses off then weld a charge port on the line to put our nitrogen tank on it @200 psi or so then dunk it in a bucket of water.
It's not uncommon for the compressor seals to dry out once a compressor is removed from a car. Generally not worth bothering with.
You need a special adapter that costs too much.
I'll be the judge of what costs too much.
You buy used tires from ebay that have holes in the sidewalls....
HEY, I got my money back for that. It will make a great man cave table.
