2001 Buick Century losing freon
 

Hi I have a 2001 Buick Century with 168,000 miles. I noticed my air was very much cooler on the passenger side, then it completely was gone. My dad ran the vacuum then recharged the air, it lasted a day. He then ran the dye and the only thing he could see was a small spot in front of the radiator, so he put a can of stop leak in and recharged. Lasted another day. The air compresser is only 2 years old. Any ideas on what to look for or to fix is greatly appreciated, it is HOT!!!

Never under any circumstances use stop leak.The stuff will wreck your AC system.Even if it does say system safe.Only thing you should have in your loop is r134a,oil,and dye.You most likely have a leak in your condenser if you see dye in front of the rad.Double check,and if its only there you see the dye,change the condensor.

I agree with HvacNY, but would add ,
Change the receiver/dryer and orifice tube while the system is open. And also add the required amount of refrigerant oil when replacing the condenser. If I left anything out ,I'm sure someone will add to this.

thanks to you both, it will be next Saturday unfortunately before my dad can work on the car again, but I have told him your suggestions and will be sure to let you all know if this fixes the problem.

What it ended up being was part of the aluminum hose had been rubbing against the side of the car and had worn a small hole. I can't remember what it was called but it was the part of the hose the orifice tube is in. My dad found replacement part in a junk yard for $27.50, put it in, ran vacuum, charged her up and she is still working great!!

It's always nice to hear when something goes well. Thanks for the update.

Good to hear it wasn't a massive overhaul in parts!

so he put a can of stop leak in and recharged. Lasted another day. The air compresser is only 2 years old. Any ideas on what to look for or to fix is greatly appreciated, it is HOT!!!