Does AC Stop Leak Sealer Work? What is the AC Stop Leak Sealer?
Leak sealants are a must-have accessory for anyone who likes to fix their car by themselves.
Most people who haven’t used a leak sealant before will wonder if it really works because the advertising for these sealants implies that these things are magic and will immediately seal AC leaks and other types of leaks in your car.
You get a low-cost product that will fix your car’s problems that would cost you several hundreds of dollars if you decided to have it checked and repaired by a mechanic.
These AC leak seals are therefore questioned as to their authenticity. It seems too good to true. Could these AC leak sealings cause more harm than good? Let’s find out!
What does an AC leak sealer do?
AC leak sealers work by reacting with the temperature of the refrigerant as it flows out through a hole in an AC pipe. When reacting to the leak location’s temperature, it will become a hard sealer instead of a liquid, and therefore it will stop the leak.
AC leak sealers have been around for a while, even though you may believe so. These products are well-known in the natural gas sector for years. This compound has been in use for years to prevent small leakages from gas pipes.
A chemical-based sealant is a liquid that reacts with water and temperature to create a sealant similar to epoxy resin. Particle-based sealants work in a different way to chemical-based ones.
What AC leak sealers are effective?
Most AC stop leak sealers work well to stop small pinhole leaks in the AC pipes, but we don’t recommend using one. However, it isn't proven that these seals can prevent leaks from O-rings/shaft seals. This type of leak is more prevalent than the pinhole leaks found in AC systems.
AC leak sealing is a subject that has many opinions. This article will help you decide whether it is worthwhile to use an AC leak sealing agent.
I believe it's better to properly repair any leaks.
There are pros
- They are able to repair small AC leaks such as pinhole leaks.
- You can save money by not having to replace expensive coolant systems parts.
- This can prevent future leaks
- Buy Cheap
Cons
- They can clog the expansion valve, the AC evaporator/condenser as well as other parts. You may need to pay more for repairs.
- These can cause AC system pressure and flow disruptions. It can lead to efficiency reductions of as much as 10%
- Leakages of large size cannot be fixed.
- However, it isn't proven that these seal around O rings and shaft seals. These are the most frequent leak points.
- Because of the AC's high pressure, it is more temporary than permanent.
- The AC system should be flushed if there is a visible leak or sealant in the workshop. Additional costs for this include at least $100 and possibly more. They may not be aware of the problem and end up with an AC unit that is damaged, which can cost them over $5k.
RELATED: What Does an AC Recharge Charge?
Are AC Stop Leak Sealers harmful to the AC system?
AC stop leak sealing products can be dangerous for AC systems. This can cause damage to important parts such as the expansion valve, condenser or evaporator. Your AC's efficiency could be affected by it up to 10%
AC Stop leak sealers will react to water. If it does, it can become very difficult. It seals tiny pinholes with the help of condensation.
When you have an AC leak, not only will the AC refrigerant go out of the system – water or condensation will also go in. As we told you before, the AC leak sealer is reacting to water – so what happens when you pour the AC leak sealer into a system with water?
Exactly! The AC system will become hardened from the heat. This can be in the condenser and expansion valve. You may also have to pay a high repair bill.
Which AC leak sealer is best?
The Red Angel AC leak sealing product from Amazon is a good option if you don't mind using an AC sealer for your vehicle. We may earn a commission on qualifying orders by using this affiliate link.
Even if the AC says it won't clog, this can still happen and you should be ready for it. It can also lead to higher repair costs, so it is best not to use the AC system.
Different types of AC leak sealing
You can choose from two types of AC leak sealing products. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. These are two of the most popular AC leak sealers.
1. Sealers made from powder/grain
Powder or grain is the first type of sealant. It contains very small particles. It works by filling the cavity or leak with small particles of its compound and creating a sealant. Your refrigerant line will contain these tiny particles.
There is a high chance that these AC leak sealers will cause clogs in your AC system. We do not recommend using them. You will also find more chemical-based AC leak sealing agents in the majority of cases.
2. Sealers containing chemicals
AC leak sealers containing chemical compounds are becoming more popular. While they are sometimes called by different names, the purpose of these AC leak sealers is similar. The purpose of these seals is to stop the refrigerant escaping.
The chemical-based seals are safer than the original because they do not block the gas leak, but instead form a protective layer to stop it from escaping.
You can either get the chemical-based compound in one bottle (as we've already mentioned) or two bottles with sealant and conditioner separately.
Questions
Are there any AC leaks?
AC leakage can occur most often in the condenser because it's mounted directly in front of the vehicle. Leakage may also occur in the compressor and the lines that run from the compressor and condenser, as well as at connections and fittings.
Do I need an AC leak sealer
We do not recommend an AC leak sealant if you own a car that is older than your vehicle. One potential problem is that the AC leak sealant can clog up your car’s AC system. The AC system can suffer from decreased efficiency, and even damage.
Is AC Stop Leakable for How Long?
Permanent leak sealants are what most AC stop-leak sealers advertise as. Most AC stop leak sealers can last at least one year, but it depends on what make or model your vehicle is, how severe the leak is, and how frequently you use the AC.
How much does AC Stop Leak cost?
AC Stop Leak's cost will depend on how big the bottle is and from where it was purchased. An average price for a small container is $20. A large size bottle may cost up to $40. AC Stop Leak is often available at online and auto parts retailers.
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