advice on light for detecting air con leak
 

I am after some advice on what light is needed to help detect a leak on the air con.
I thought ultra violet light and yellow glasses but I've seen a couple of things that suggest black light.

Can you advise me please?

thank you

macafee2

They one one of the same thing.
Technically, the correct description for inspection lighting is black light.
It is often referred to as ultra violet as it is within the visible range of the u/v spectrum.

Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk

oh how stupid I feel, thank you :)

can you give me any guidance on what to buy in the way of an ultra violet light? would this be ok https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultraviolet-Counterfeit-Verification-Photography-Identification/dp/B07MV4VRFX/ref=asc_df_B07MV4VRFX/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309808827530&hvpos=1o4&hvne tw=g&hvrand=2662251631893811626&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hv qmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045699& hvtargid=pla-659155259937&psc=1


My area seems short of mobile air con mechanics and I feel having the front bumper off will be beneficial so I don't really want to travel.

waiting for a chap to call back to discuss costs


thank you

macafee2

Don't feel stupid, I worked in the NDT field (Non Destructive Testing) as it was commonly referred to as either.

For inspection, using fluorescent dies and inks, we used lights with the same wavelength as the one above, at @365nm.

You will find that any leakage of dye will be more visible if you inspect in darkened conditions.

The "usual" place is on the seal where the pipes are connected to the air con rad or at the bottom of the fins on the rad. They also can leak on the connections to the pump. It's best to have a professional to do it due to H&S requirements.

Thank you for the pointers. I'd like to have a go first and unless it is obvious or I just need confirmation I will indeed get someone in. I just want to have a go myself for peace of mind or a challenge

macafee2

I guess you'll be looking for something like this (which in this case is a fluorescent coolant dye under UV).

https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4f...lipeblll6g.jpg

(That's a ball point pen stood on the Petri dish.)

TC

I fully support you investigating this yourself Ian but when it comes to discharge and recharging I've found Autoregas in Chandler's Ford (they're mobile) and Cool Runners in Hedge End.

You must have had your sunglasses on when you were looking! :D

Simon

keep in mind that many shops with "one button service" units do not put in any dye so you will not see anything. from factory they also dont put any in. dye is only put in after a repair by someone who actually cares.

check for "wet" spots around fittings or dark spots on the condensor.

Simon, thanks. I have spoken to Autoregas and they will be the ones I use
I suspect in due course. £50 to check but at the moment he is very busy.

macafee2