Originally Posted by
Bobbycold
Koolkahuna, I don't look down on those who use leak detectors. I admit that for some things, most notably split AC's, they have value. I even have one, though I haven't even put batteries in it. I considered working for a large commercial AC company in Nashville, where it most likely would have been used, yet, for what work I do it never comes in handy. I figure after you narrow your leak search down to general area, unless the exact spot of leak is obvious, you still have to soap and water the area to find the specific leak spot? An another area where I feel would be better for a leak detector is on the suction side of a semi hermetic unit that has been retrofited from R-12 to R-134A. They will drop into a good vacuum, and any leak will suc the soap & water into the system. I haven't seen one of these since the service, however so I haven't dwelt on it as a major point for the leak detector.