My roommate has a '96 S10 that had the AC recharged recently. A few days after the recharge, the coolant (Not freeon anymore, right?) leaked out. He took it back to the place and they quoted $600 in labor - but didn't explain what was wrong with it. We can hear the clutch plates engage....Any ideas on where to start looking for a leak?? Will we just make a mess? Any advice? Trying to talk him into just converting to OBA to air up those 225's :D Thanks!

I did a retrofit a few months ago:

http://www.florida4x4.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1141

maybe some of the links there will helps?

Thanks for the info :) Very helpful. Anyone else want to chime in?

My AC instructor said any and every shop should inject dye every time to help find leaks. You then use an ultraviolet light to find the leaking dye. And it's still called freon. A good shop should at least tell him whats wrong to justify the $600.

They apparantly did do a leak check and said they didn't find any leaks on the outside of the compressor. I guess that means none of the connections or tubing was bad. They didn't have any more to say about why it would be $600 but that would be about right for a complete replacement wouldn't it? Anyone know where we could find a diagram of this compressor or a/c system? or maybe just a general diagram of a compressor? thanks

Long time since I've played with ac So the info is sketchy BUT...

If the compressor is still able to engauge and run on a 96 model then the system has charge as it comes with a low pressure cut off to help save the compressor. I believe if the compressor is trashed & contaminated the system then you will need to replace the compressor, accumilator, and the orfice.
1. Does the compressor run?
2. Does the compressor make unusual noise?
3. Do the metal lines get cool / hot? (One side cool other side hot)

if there are no leaks & no noise and lines are Hot / Cold then look to the climate control under the dash (I haven't played with 96 stuff yet) but Ac could possiably work and the dampers / switches not let it cool.... You might check another vehicle to reference where the lines are hot / cold. I believe the temp change takes place at the orfice right after the acumilator (Between the compressor and the fire wall).

If the system was found discharged you could change the compressor, acumilator, and orfice your self then pay to have it evacuated and recharged.... Cutting lots of the labor cost but adding the risk of Doing it your self...

Whitfield - Great info. Thanks! I'll check and get back to you.