Thread: One for the fridgies

Originally Posted by V8Ian

with all the naughty words, swearing, cusses and them some, that we as a collective know.
With all the bits on my bench, I set about fitting the new compressor. To my amazement it was still holding gas. I was unable to stop the gas from venting.
The compressor that took a week and four trips to town, to procure is for a TD 200/300!
The supplier has multiple, correct units in stock, albeit at double the cost.
With the original compressor off it is obvious that only the clutch is knackered. What do you wize men think about replacing the clutch and not the front seal? There is a local bloke who can do the clutch, but it is a different licence to change the seal. He referred me to a company that can do the seals but they only deal with trade custom.

I thought that your learned friend had it under control? If it was still holding gas the seal is probably Ok, but the compressor should be pressure tested while you have it on the bench using nitrogen. It is not unusual for a clutch to fail without any damage to the compressor.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

with all the naughty words, swearing, cusses and them some, that we as a collective know.
With all the bits on my bench, I set about fitting the new compressor. To my amazement it was still holding gas. I was unable to stop the gas from venting.
The compressor that took a week and four trips to town, to procure is for a TD 200/300!
The supplier has multiple, correct units in stock, albeit at double the cost.
With the original compressor off it is obvious that only the clutch is knackered. What do you wize men think about replacing the clutch and not the front seal? There is a local bloke who can do the clutch, but it is a different licence to change the seal. He referred me to a company that can do the seals but they only deal with trade custom.

It seems a shame (read unwise) not to do the shaft seal after your initial description indicated it had a bloody hiding. "Lots of heat" which would mean the seal rubber could be shot or on the verge of being so.

Not to do it now, IMHO would be false economy & could be the next thing to fail big time & spew oil everywhere, & then the comp seizes.


Yer rolling in it so DO IT.

Can Paul or Rick not give you a Trade Order? Bloody Officialdom! It is ridiculous that he can't do both at the same time.

I doubt Paul or Rick would have the appropriate (automotive) licence. Seems rediculous that a bloke can be licensed to fit components and re-gas systems but can't fit a seal.
My mate is pretty busy with his two projects and a rush job rebuilding his daughter's car. He has offered assistance but I'd have to get the car to his joint. He has the qualifications (not recognized in Queensland) but not the tools to perform surgery on the compressor.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

I doubt Paul or Rick would have the appropriate (automotive) licence. Seems rediculous that a bloke can be licensed to fit components and re-gas systems but can't fit a seal.

Not at all. Bureaucracy at it's finest.


I look at it this way. Who's going to tell? I've done several.

If the clutch bearing is in any way compromised, from my (albeit limited) experience the extra load on the main bearings can cause excessive crankshaft runout and it'll chew up a new seal in relatively short order.

If the clutch bearing is in good nick you'll probably get away with a clutch and seal. You might as well do the seal while you have it open and a nitrogen leak test is easy enough for anyone who has the gear. Try and limit the time you have it all open if it has PAG oil.

Originally Posted by 4bee

It seems a shame (read unwise) not to do the shaft seal after your initial description indicated it had a bloody hiding. "Lots of heat" which would mean the seal rubber could be shot or on the verge of being so.

Not to do it now, IMHO would be false economy & could be the next thing to fail big time & spew oil everywhere, & then the comp seizes.


Yer rolling in it so DO IT.

Can Paul or Rick not give you a Trade Order? Bloody Officialdom! It is ridiculous that he can't do both at the same time.

It is not a simple job to replace a seal. Most of them require both a removal tool and an installing tool. It is also sometimes necessary to remove the end plate of the compressor to get the old seal out, which will then also require a new gasket or O ring. As the shaft has been attacked removing the old clutch there is also a good chance that it is scored or damaged.

If the seal was leaking previously there should be signs of oil splattered around under the bonnet.

[QUOTE=BradC;3041290]Not at all. Bureaucracy at it's finest.


I look at it this way. Who's going to tell? I've done several.

If the clutch bearing is in any way compromised, from my (albeit limited) experience the extra load on the main bearings can cause excessive crankshaft runout and it'll chew up a new seal in relatively short order.

If the clutch bearing is in good nick you'll probably get away with a clutch and seal. You might as well do the seal while you have it open and a nitrogen leak test is easy enough for anyone who has the gear. Try and limit the time you have it all open if it has PAG oil.

I look at it this way.

That is the best way to look at it. Hear no evil, See no Evil, Speak no evil. Job done. Brad, Ian is fitting a new clutch.

Already there are two blokes who could have fixed it while you were tanning your arse in WA. Hang on one sec, Brad was in Melbourne.
Bugger.

As it's been in a "fail to proceed" mode for a week, time is becoming of the essence.
Basically, I have two options; replace the compressor @ the thick end of a grand or fit a new clutch to the old compressor.
If I repair the old part with a seal and clutch I'm looking at the end of the week and an estimate (by me) of $400~500, half the price of a new unit.
Taking a chance on the seal and just replacing the clutch can be done tomorrow for an estimated $150~200.
The clutch bearing is the failure point, but appears to be sitting properly on the shaft, with a ball/roller failure.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

As it's been in a "fail to proceed" mode for a week, time is becoming of the essence.
Basically, I have two options; replace the compressor @ the thick end of a grand or fit a new clutch to the old compressor.
If I repair the old part with a seal and clutch I'm looking at the end of the week and an estimate (by me) of $400~500, half the price of a new unit.
Taking a chance on the seal and just replacing the clutch can be done tomorrow for an estimated $150~200.
The clutch bearing is the failure point, but appears to be sitting properly on the shaft, with a ball/roller failure.

Crikey! If you are really that skint maybe we could come to some financial arrangement with my Bank.

Seriously though if you believe things look that good at those $$$, I guess it is worth taking a chance, I mean, what could possibly go wrong,eh? At least if it does poo itself you'll have a good idea what is wrong, right? Then you take it from there................


What can you do? Check alignment & security of the drives.


Ensure the comp contains the correct amount of oil. Some have a Sight glass.

Thats about it. You'll know (by eye) if anything else looks cactus or a bit sus.


Those Clutch bearings work continuously whenever the engine is running & it is only the Cooling call that drags it in to drive.

Bon Chance.



That'll be 500 bucks please. Kerchingggggggg. I have to share it with Brad you know, & he has his expenses too.


Melbourne is apparently not an inexpensive place to spend a couple of Months.