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2sac,markettech, always enjoy a little sarcasim.... smat a#@ myself.

but seriously, think about it. they produce millions of cars that are covered under warranty for 3 years- do you honestly think they put something in that would be bad for the system? i was Mr. goodwrench certified chevy tech for 8 years, never saw any problems from it. Thier engineers are not idiots. All basic 134a systems like a cooler, only in a truck? I think saying if chevy does it (along with the manufactures, which do) that's a pretty valid thing to think about. They produce alot more cars than true does coolers right?

Originally Posted by kamersoutdoor

Will never use that crap again...... I get super po'ed when I encounter that crap on every system in my area........

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Me too!

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Originally Posted by 2sac

Well, If Chevy does it....

LMAO!

On occasion I have used it for probably over 20 years. Never had a problem. BUT yes it can be messy.

Copeland recomends the use of Spectronics AR-GLO 4/E Fluorescent Leak Detection Dye for HFC/POE and HCFC/Mineral Oil usage at the equipment manufacturer’s recommended concentrations.

Originally Posted by pageyjim

Electronic, ultrasonic, isolation, nitrogen, bubble solution and dye or some combination all have their advantages and their place imo. Dye has to be used correctly. Use a manual injector (Especially if inexienced with injecting it.), clean up if needed and tag the unit with the sticker that comes with the dye stick. I may not want to use my new hoses or my digital gauges on that system granted. IMO dye shouldn't be the first option either.

Exactly, UV dye is a tool that is nice to have available in some situations, but like most tools, is not right for every situation.

Ditto on the manual injectors too, Spectroline's EZ-Ject cartridges are excellent for this. Minimal mess, and if you don't over treat the system, it won't make a mess of your hoses/gauges during future service.

In all honesty, I don't find the world ended when someone has used it, but I don't use it myself. Broken down to most basic terms dye is not a refrigerant and it isn't a lubricant, hence IMHO it is occupying space in the system and while it does not prevent heat transfer to the degree some have told me, it doesn't serve enough purpose to impress me to use it. When I first started working AC&R we had a halid torch with a sweep hose. With the torch lit we sweep the hose across the line to be checked for leak until the flame changes color to a greenish color. It sort of works, but you must move the sweep hose slowly if you want to have a good idea where the refrigerant entered the sweep hose. Nothing beats soap and water for pin pointing where refrigerant is leaking. Dye isn't the first "Trick", and I doubt it will be the last. If you find a method that works for you, generally either soap/water or an electronic detector, stick with it.

Electronic, ultrasonic, isolation, nitrogen, bubble solution and dye or some combination all have their advantages and their place imo. Dye has to be used correctly. Use a manual injector (Especially if inexienced with injecting it.), clean up if needed and tag the unit with the sticker that comes with the dye stick. I may not want to use my new hoses or my digital gauges on that system granted. IMO dye shouldn't be the first option either.

Originally Posted by ryan1088

X2

There were only 2 instances I used it and both times it made a huge mess.

Generally speaking if you are proficient at finding leaks, there is no need for it....

Will never use that crap again...... I get super po'ed when I encounter that crap on every system in my area........

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Originally Posted by 2sac

It's messy and stays in your hoses forever

X2

There were only 2 instances I used it and both times it made a huge mess.

Generally speaking if you are proficient at finding leaks, there is no need for it....

A guy I worked with at my last company was all about using dye. It could be the biggest leak and he would be all about gettin' in and gettin' out fast. Seemed more like he wanted to see how many calls he could do a day instead of finding the leak at that time...was actually a cool guy though. I've never used it personally, I've only returned to find a leak after the guy mentioned above injected dye and it just seemed to make a mess. I'll stick with the leak detector and bubbles. I will say that the copper trick mentioned by 76olds is a neat trick, seems like it may work if its quiet.

Agreed, the H-10 is the way to go!

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Preferences:

Electronic: H-10. Have a H-10 PM and a H-10 G. Very satisified with the PM, only used the G a handfull of times.

Soap Bubbles: Current favorite is a homade mix of awsome cleaner/degreaser and water. Also have super blue and some thick yellow stuff (not sure of brand). Nu calgon brand works good too.

Also have a length of 3/8 od hose, stick one end in my ear, run the other end around the evap elbows or whatever I'm checking.

I think the last time I used dye, it was the spectronics brand.

so what is your preffernce then make model etc...

Used it once when I was a baby tech. NEVER agin. 23 years later still haven't had a leak I couldn't find with out it. Don't care if its good, bad, or indifferent to operation. May help you on the first leak but then its everywhere. Here a leak there a leak everywhere a leak leak?

Never have iether. like i say GM it uses it in every vehicle made since 2001 from the factory.( was a GM factory tech for 8 years) all with 134a. It is easier by far to find leaks than electronic IMO. yes-do it right, and don't over dye. it only takes an ounce or two usually.

Anyhow noone ever answered that they have actually seen it cause damage to an otherwise good system? so, has anyone?

Also then, what are your favorite detectors/brands/methods for leak checking. If someone has proof i would like to stop using it, but it does work great for finding leaks.

I used to use it. Works great. Never had a problem with it.

Haven't had the need to use it lately.

It is a great tool to have available for situational use, but I wouldn't use it in every system.

Originally Posted by phxhvac

It also voids the warranty on equipment if it is used. It displaces what the filter drier catches and blows it out the back of the drier.

Maybe your experience is with crappy products, Spectroline Ar-Glo doesn't do either of those things.

Plus it makes a mess of your gauges.

Only if the system has been over treated.

Originally Posted by heresjohnnyb

messy and un-necessary. If you cant find a leak without it, u r in the wrong trade.

How would you propose to exactly pinpoint every leak in a system that is in an environment where you are not allowed to use an electronic leak detector, like a walk in for volatile HAZMAT storage?

Originally Posted by heresjohnnyb

messy and un-necessary. If you cant find a leak without it, u r in the wrong trade.

Isn't that the truth.

messy and un-necessary. If you cant find a leak without it, u r in the wrong trade.