So you put a vacuum on the system and it held it for at least 30 minutes?

 

Note the "at least" part. Very important step that most people/shops dont do.

 

A completely vacuumed system won't show all leaks. I've had HVAC systems hold max vac for hours without going down, yet they'd start losing refrigerant at like 20-30 psi.

It's still a good idea to check for leaks during the vacuum portion, but you won't know the system is leak-free until you fill the system with R134 and spray soapy water on the connections. If you don't want to waste/leak freon into the atmosphere you can also use an inert gas such as argon for leak testing.

 

Checking for leaks and pulling a vacuum are not the same thing.

 

no, they aren't, but if you can't hold vacuum you for sure are leaking. You shouldn't even attempt to pressurize the system if it won't hold a vacuum.


If this was my car I would just assume a leak and replace all the o-rings and inspect all the pieces for damage/failure.

 

Just going to bring it to the shop down the street and have them charge and or diagnose the system I dont have time to mess around with it.
Thanks fellas!

 

So, what was the damage, what did the shop find?