Thread: Air Con compressor leaking

Originally Posted by roverrescue

Afternoon,

2010 Defender with the 2.4tdci
AC stopped during winter
Decided it would be good to fix

With gauges on system have zero pressure = big leak
Followed whole system looking for oil trace and saw no evidence of leak
No oil in evaporator drain line but I foolishly presumed it would be evaporator

Anyways - before stripping out the dash I took Fridgey Rick130 advice and pressurised the system with inert gas (I used Argon because I have it)

It took all of 5 seconds to realise that my massive leak is from the compressor !
I removed and sealed the compressor lines and the rest of the system holds pressure
So it’s definitely compressor leak

Seems to be from front behind clutch pulley


Has anyone had this before (any vehicle really) and if so is it possible to reseal a compressor or is it a throw away prospect?

Steve

Regular occurrence with automotive air con compressors. The shaft seal dries out over winter when it is not being used. Given the price of new compressors well worth at least stripping it down. Make sure the shaft is not scored and fit a new seal. Not sure where you would buy a new seal, but they are available.

Originally Posted by Old Farang

Regular occurrence with automotive air con compressors. The shaft seal dries out over winter when it is not being used. Given the price of new compressors well worth at least stripping it down. Make sure the shaft is not scored and fit a new seal. Not sure where you would buy a new seal, but they are available.

Very common isn’t it!
I’ve always had my AC on - year round - and just moderate output via the temperature control.

If someone doesn’t want to do that all the time, at least running AC once a week goes a long way to keeping systems healthier.

The later shaft seals,for at least the last 15yrs plus, or so,are very good,and can sit all winter,never used, and are usually fine.

Get the clutch assembly off the compresser,and check there is no play in the crank.

If its all good,remove the seal and make sure the surface where the seal runs on the shaft is in good condition.

If you can get a seal,replace it and see how you go.I don't know where you would get one from,a good auto air shop maybe the first place to ask?

System will then need pressure testing,drier replaced,evacuating,and charged with the correct amount and type of refrigerant.(as you probably know)

Good luck with it.

Thanks Y’all
To be honest the only time the AC not pumping is really when I’m not driving

In winter I’ll use it on start up to de-fog the screen then flick it to hot with AC still running to de-fog screen

In summer I keep it on the feet to keep heat load down

Guess I’m just unlucky on losing the seal


Today I got as far as pulling off fan and drive belt and putting the puller on the front clutch and pulley - baulked before applying soo much pressure as to break the pulley.
Unfortunately can’t easily run without compressor in-situ (single accessory drive belt)
Since I need to drive tommorrow morning I didn’t want to bust the pulley and be off the road

I noticed there is a blanked plate with central threaded hole that I imagine on Non A/C models has a idler pulley in place and runs a shorter belt.



Looking at the price of new compressors I’ll definitely look at a re-seal option I reckon
Maybe I’ll scrounge up a 7pk Idler and measure up a shorter belt
Then I can get this thing on a bench and take my time with it

I have a vac pump gauges and a new receiver dryer (and plenty of Argon)
So my plan is hopefully fix leak
Replace dryer
Vac out system
Charge with Argon to pressure test

If it all holds good I’ll wander down to a local AC guy and get them to vac again and re-oil and re-charge


That’s the plan anyways

S

Last night I finally got to have a play with the compressor
After getting the outer clutch off I could t budge the pulley bearing
Hydraulic puller at near breaking point

Put a spanner on the compressor spindle - pump seized

Aha moment

Not sure whether the seize proceeded the leak or the leak preceded the seize
But the reality is I have ordered a new compressor

Steve