A/C leak 2000 LS V6

[opps]

Had a new system put in about 19 months ago. Dad's old 2000 LS V6 with 78,000 miles. Now it is leaking refrigerant.
Last Friday - did notice a smell in the car which is always garaged.
Took it to my local Kauffman shop who did the original install - checked the system and found it out of refrigerant. Filled and UV tested in the engine compartment and found no evidence of leaking. Did not charge me for a refill or any labor. Said it may be the evaporator core or expansion valve.
Drain was clear and not plugged.

One week later no cold air again. Now the inside evaporator core and expansion valve were not replaced 19 months ago due to the intensive job of tearing out the dash.

All other heating parts replaced with Ford OEM around that time also such as DDCV and such due to overheating issues which are gone.

How can I check to see if it is the evaporator core or expansion valve leaking?

Kauffman said if I would do the tear out and install the new parts they would recharge for free if I choose not to have them do the tear out.

Not wanting to buy a new car but need A/C here in Georgia.

 

[De-marko]

I wonder if you could disconnect the lines to the evaporator and expansion valves, cap one side and pressurize the other, let it sit and check the gauge for leak down.

I had to replace those same parts a couple years ago on my '00. Not fun but not horrible. Check it out.

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/fo...al-Thread&highlight=dash+board+removal+thread

 

[joegr]

If it's the evaporator, the condensate water should have some dye in it. The expansion valve is more difficult to tell without removing the dash. There are electronic refrigerant sniffers. I would use one of those to at least verify that refrigerant is leaking into the cabin before tearing the dash out.
I just replaced the AC compressor on my 04 for the second time, due to it leaking oil.