Fluorescent Leak Detectors

Tools Required:
J 41447 Tracer Dye
J 41436 Tracer Dye Injector
J 28428 High Intensity Black Light

R-134a refrigerant is uniquely different from R-12 refrigerant used in the past and may require additional methods to detect leaks. The R-134a molecule is smaller than the R-12 molecule and can leak through smaller openings. Also, R-134a refrigerant does not contain chlorine which the electronic leak detectors found very easy to identify. The tracer dye method is meant to be used in conjunction with the electronic leak detector and will pinpoint smaller leaks undetected by using the electronic leak detector. R-134a tracer dye requires time. Depending upon the leak rate, it may take only minutes or up to 7 days of compressor operation for the leak to become visible.

DYE INJECTION

^ Charged A/C systems can be injected with tracer dye by using J 41436 Tracer Dye Injector along with the instructions provided.
^ Discharged A/C systems can have the tracer dye added by use of replaced components or by injecting the dye with the ACR4.

Important

^ Tracer Dye P/N J 41447 has been developed to be used only with R-134a equipped vehicles or vehicles that have been retrofitted from R-12 to R-134a systems.
^ Only J 41447 tracer dye is recommended for use in the R-134a system. Use of other products may affect system reliability and cause premature compressor failure.
^ Use only a 1/4 oz. charge of tracer dye. Larger amounts may compromise the reliability of the A/C system.
^ Place tracer dye notice label on shock tower next to R-134a charging label on accumulator.

Clean

^ After adding tracer dye, clean service valves and surfaces of residual dye with GM Engine Degreaser GM P/N 1050436 or equivalent to prevent any future false diagnosis.