Air conditioner compressor leak'.

[mudnut]

The air conditioner compressor has started to weep when in use. The sight glass is now showing continuous bubbles but the system still cools well. That to me suggests that the compressor is mechanically ok, except for the seal. The local ref mech reckons the pump is shot and needs replacing.

My question is this: Once I get the ref mech to test all of the system for leaks other than the seal and it proves sound, is it viable to get him to degas the system so I can remove the pump and fit a new seal seat, shaft seal and O ring, or is it a specialist job?

[dom14]

You can replace all the O rings, but you need degas the system first. Once you've done the O rings and seals, take it to A/C guy to get it dehumidified & regassed.
Once it's opened to atmosphere, it's important to remove any moisture inside the plumbing with a vacuum pump, which is
A/C guys job. If you have to take it to A/C guy to degas and regas it, I'm not that sure whether there is any big difference in cost.
Also, you would have to make two trips to the A/C guy, instead of one.

Where is it leaking from?
Can you post a photo?

[dom14]

I'm not sure why he said the pump is shot.
Is that 'cos pump's internal seals are worn & they are not replaceable?
If the A/C oil is weeping out, I'm not sure how the gas not leak out in no time!

[mudnut]

It is definitely leaking from the front of the compressor shaft but only when it is in use.

I have been quoted $340 for a unit from Auto Pro. The gas has gone from full to low in only a short time.

I have asked the receptionist at the ref mechs to get a price on getting them to use a sniffer to make sure there is no more problems, then degassing the unit so I can remove the compressor and seal the system until funds permit me to repair it all.

[threedogs]

Id be evacuating the gas then running a dye through it to pinpoint where it leaks

[dom14]

It is definitely leaking from the front of the compressor shaft but only when it is in use.

I have been quoted $340 for a unit from Auto Pro. The gas has gone from full to low in only a short time.

I have asked the receptionist at the ref mechs to get a price on getting them to use a sniffer to make sure there is no more problems, then degassing the unit so I can remove the compressor and seal the system until funds permit me to repair it all.

$340 for a brand new A/C compressor isn't a bad price, considering the prices I've seen on ebay.

O rings are dirt cheap, so replacing them throughout the system is a good idea.

Do the math & find out whether it's cheaper to keep it going the way it is, until you can get it all fixed in one go.

If you already have ascertained the compressor is fubar, then it might be worth the wait till you have enough funds to fix it all in one go.

[mudnut]

That is what a second ref mech said to do. His prices were more reasonable too. The first on rang back and quoted me nearly $900 just for the compressor. OUCH!!! I barely use the thing. I also run the A/C every week or so just to keep it all lubed. I think the trip through the Surrey River and surrounding swamps a while back, may have allowed crap to enter the seals.

[dom14]

That is what a second ref mech said to do. His prices were more reasonable too. The first on rang back and quoted me nearly $900 just for the compressor. OUCH!!! I barely use the thing. I also run the A/C every week or so just to keep it all lubed. I think the trip through the Surrey River and surrounding swamps a while back, may have allowed crap to enter the seals.

Yeah, but ideally it shouldn't, since the A/C pump is already sealed from front and back.
I reckon it's just general wear and tear.
I think, mine's got the same issue, if not similar.
Refrigerant keeps leaking from somewhere, but mine's using Hychill Minus 30, which is cheap to buy.
I rarely run mine(and that's one of the problems 'cos I forget to run it at least once a week).
I've never been a fan of A/C other than it's pretty handy during the winter and rainy days as a windscreen dehumidifier.
I reckon you should do it all in one go. Making two trips to A/C guy & spending your own time on it can turn out to be more expensive.
If you can find a way to degas it cheaply or at home then I reckon it's worth a home job, but you still have to take it A/C guy to dehumidify the system and regas it. $350 for a new compressor is good price IMO(with a warranty of course)

[garett]

there are o rings for a/c. they differ in composition to the standard o ring you find.

[threedogs]

mudnut Ive found air con pump to evacuate the system with all hoses are reasonably priced on Ebay.
Im like Dom never been a fan of air-con and delay travelling on days 40 plus, anywhere lol

[dom14]

there are o rings for a/c. they differ in composition to the standard o ring you find.

Yes, they are the green ones. Places like Pirtec sell them pretty cheap.

[dom14]

mudnut Ive found air con pump to evacuate the system with all hoses are reasonably priced on Ebay.
Im like Dom never been a fan of air-con and delay travelling on days 40 plus, anywhere lol

Yeah, I bought a one from US for around $30. It's not electric. It's powered by compressed air(from a compressor).
Not a bad investment.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-A-C-AIR-VACUUM-PUMP-FOR-R134A-AND-R12-REFRIGERANT-/150431673139?hash=item23066d2b33:g:RTQAAOSwm8VUu0m X

Unless mudnut wanna put R134a compatible hydrocarbon refrigerant like mine, it would have to go to an A/C guy to get regassed. R134a is pretty much impossible to buy in Australia without an A/C license.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/A-C-Compressor-Refrigerant-Oil-PAG-46-R134A-w-UV-Dye-Glycol-8oz-Bottle-/181677164252?hash=item2a4ccd86dc:g:PA0AAOSwSdZWbzD b

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/401240248162?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

[FNqGu04]

Use it or loose it.
That's what the A/C guy said when I took my Navara in to get regassed .
Partners son been driving it ,turned it off cause it uses too much power lol

[mudnut]

The system was supposed to have been serviced not long before I bought the vehicle, according to a sticker on the firewall. I think it will be a case of leave it till some cash is available. That way, the pressure of the gas should stop ingress of moisture.

[dom14]

The system was supposed to have been serviced not long before I bought the vehicle, according to a sticker on the firewall. I think it will be a case of leave it till some cash is available. That way, the pressure of the gas should stop ingress of moisture.

Little bit of gas stays inside, and hopefully that can prevent the moisture from getting into the system.
Once the pressure drops below a certain point, the clutch won't kick in.
It might help NOT using the A/C until you're ready to fix it. That might help preserving what's left of the gas inside the system, I think.

[mudnut]

That's what I am hoping. I won't use the bloody thing, though as I don't want oil splashing over everything.

[dom14]

That's what I am hoping. I won't use the bloody thing, though as I don't want oil splashing over everything.

Don't forget you need to add a bit of A/C oil as well.

[mudnut]

I'll leave it to the mech. Cheers, Dom.

[dom14]

I'll leave it to the mech. Cheers, Dom.

Yep, it's probably better that way. Having A/C oil is one thing. Having the right tools to inject A/C oil into the system is another thing.
But, in your case I reckon oil can be added to the compressor on the bench from scratch 'cos it's a new compressor.