Hi John, that’s all new info to me so much appreciated.
I did have the pipes dyed some time ago,and one pipe was definitely leaking, but I can’t remember which.
Foolishly, I left it and now face a big bill to reinstate it all.
I found the pipes on Amayma for around £350 , but shipping was £750!
I have ordered the compressor,condenser and expansion valve from the states and Japan with some extra parts from China to see how they compare. So far £600 spent.
Im seeing an air con specialist next week to give me a full assessment, and hopefully he can fit a replacement rubber pipe without removing the tank..I did see a post on Lexus owners USA that someone had accomplished this, but the info was scant with no follow up.
i will post the findings, and any solutions after the assessment.