Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 (Tek) 9/28/84 based on 9/17/84; site teklds.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!whuxlm!harpo!decvax!tektronix!teklds!ralphd From: ralphd@teklds.UUCP (Ralph Durtschi) Newsgroups: net.auto.tech Subject: Re: air conditioning advice Message-ID: <1174@teklds.UUCP> Date: Thu, 24-Oct-85 11:55:12 EDT Article-I.D.: teklds.1174 Posted: Thu Oct 24 11:55:12 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 26-Oct-85 04:42:09 EDT References: <1735@akgua.UUCP> <132@inuxa.UUCP> <393@cylixd.UUCP> <494@ttrdc.UUCP> <29ae0a4e.3b@apollo.uucp> Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR Lines: 19 > >I have also heard of a special propane torch head which has an attachment > >for a hose, used for the purpose of sniffing freon. The flow of the propane > >in the head past the hose attachment orifice produces suction in the hose, > >and you probe around with the end of the hose. The flame changes color when > >freon is sucked into it. I have no idea how well this works, or if it is even > >safe, given the possible presence of gasoline fumes. I just wished to mention > > Aieeee!! This is something you don't want to do! The combustion products > from freon are quite toxic. All that fluorinated and chlorinated stuff is > bad news when you burn it. > -- I took a GM factory course on air conditioning repair and troubleshooting about 15 years ago. The torch and hose was the only recommended procedure for finding a freon leak. The flame burned a little blue-green with the presence of freon. I think this was before dyed freon was available. For what it's worth. Ralph