I have tried the search an come up empty. How much does it cost to fix an AC leak? I am sure it ranges between different prices depending on the leak, but the compressor is fine because when there is refrigerant in it, it runs. So what should I expect to pay, and would it be better to wait til fallish to do it because it will be cheaper? When I start work I get a van and I'll drive it everywhere so I wont need to worry about it until then.

 

It really does depend on where the leak is as well as local labor rates. Any leak will require a proper refrigerant recovery, system vacuum test, and refill with R134a which could be anywhere from $150 to $300 alone depending on how much refrigerant is in the system currently.

You cannot say that the compressor is good simply because it works when the system is charged. The compressor can perform excellently and still leak coolant.

With any A/C repair, it is best to get it fixed when you will be able to use it. That way you will know if it is fixed properly. Why have it fixed in the fall only to find that the shop did not fix it properly until next spring? Of course, it could work great all summer and be dead again in the fall...

Have you tried recharging the system yourself with some over the counter R134a recharge kits? Most kits have a fluorescent dye and stop leak in them. If the leak is too much for the stop leak to repair, at least the dye can tell you want/where it is leaking...

 

if you really wanna quick easy cheap fix - use the dye kit that kyle mentioned and cover the area hardcore with a whole container of JB WELD. i know you will all yell at me for this but it will more than likely work. i used the same method on a break line in a ford f150 and it held for 9 months and i sold the truck with it still in tact.