In the case of a major refrigerant leak that is repairable, such as a broken or cracked refrigerant line in the machine compartment, the unit will run. However, there may be no refrigeration or only partial refrigeration. Suction pressure will drop below the atmospheric pressure. Thus, with a leak on the low side, air and moisture are drawn into the system, saturating the filter drier. If there is reason to believe that the system contains an appreciable amount of moisture, the compressor and drier filter should be replaced. The system should be cleaned with liquid refrigerant and evacuated, after the leak has been repaired.
