Ended up using that Autozone vacuum pump and putting it under vacuum
for about 30 minutes. I disconnected the system and watched the
manifold gauge slowly trickle down from near 30 to zero in about 10
minutes. So, I assumed there was a leak.I used one of the retrofit kits from Advance Auto Parts ($40) to install
new R134a fittings and shoot the system with a their mixed
oil/refrigerant (the can is marked 'high mileage' it may contain some
sort of stop leak). Within several seconds of loading the running system
with the R134a refrigerant, I heard the compressor kick on which made
me happy - at least there was a chance. Several minutes later and most
of the way through the first can, the gauge on the refill can read ~25 psi
and the system was blowing very cold in the cabin, excellent - still
worked! I ran some errands for the next few hours and shut the Z down for the
night. The AC was still blowing cold, several hours after the recharge. Next morning, no AC - which isn't all that surprising. I'm certain there's
a significant leak somewhere. I loaded the system back up with a can
filled with the UV leak dye. The system kicked back on after just about
1/8 of the new can and was blowing cold shortly there after, hitting 45
psi while running. So now I get to play find-the-uv-dye-and-leak! I've already replaced the condenser (first giant leak). I guess I'll pick up
some sort of UV flashlight (suggestions? walmart?) to spot the leak(s),
but is there any likely location for what is probably a large leak like this?
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