During a refrigerant leak test on a wheel loader's A/C system using an electronic leak detector, the detector consistently alarms around the compressor shaft seal. The system was recently recharged with 1100 grams of R-134a. What is the most likely cause of this recurring alarm?

Question: During a refrigerant leak test on a wheel loader's A/C system using an electronic leak detector, the detector consistently alarms around the compressor shaft seal. The system was recently recharged with 1100 grams of R-134a. What is the most likely cause of this recurring alarm?

Answer options: ✅ A worn or damaged compressor shaft seal is allowing refrigerant to escape.

• The electronic leak detector requires recalibration and is giving false positives.
• The system was overcharged, causing higher than normal operating pressures.
• There is residual refrigerant from a previous repair that is triggering the detector.

Correct answer: A worn or damaged compressor shaft seal is allowing refrigerant to escape.

Explanation: Consistent alarms from an electronic leak detector around the compressor shaft seal after a recharge strongly indicate a leak at that specific component. Shaft seals are common points of wear and refrigerant escape due to constant rotation and pressure differentials.