Air Con Leak - Compressor Area

[Aletank]

I had my Air Con Condensor replaced in June 08, the guy put the dye in to find the leak etc so there has been plenty of dye in my system.
I've just done a oil change and notice my Air Con Compressor is full of green dye !
I've just been to Kwik-fit who told me there is a leak on the system as their machine won't allow them to re-fill my car's air con, they tried twice.
Is it normal for a leak around the Compressor ?
Any Thought's Welcome
Thanks

 

[lynall]

Maybe been off before as looks like a bolt missing from the bracket?

Looks like from pic input seal is leaking so i would be looking for a decent second hand compressor, new is best but as compressor failure is rare any second hand one has a good chance of being okay.

Can you see the top or back where the pipes go in? if the joints are dry compressor is dead.



Lynall

 

[Aletank]

Thanks for that - The missing bolt did have us baffled as the car was 3 year old, one owner when i bought it, So I've not known the compressor to have been of
What do you mean if the joints are dry ? What do I look/feel for ?
Thanks again

 

[lynall]

Look where the 2 pipes go into the compressor if there is no oil/dye anywhere near the pipes or joints they are okay.

Looked at the pic again and it looks like they go into the back of the compressor and from what i can see they are dry.

The oil all the way along the compressor will have been blown back by the engine cooling fan.



Lynall

 

[reflexboy]

Hi-Had exactly the same problem on my W202. My A/C guy diagnosed it as the compressor seals. He gets another guy in to do the seals at a cost of £100. I also had a new condenser (also leaking) and reciever/drier installed as the system was drained/empty.

 

[fisheggs]

Your compressor front seal has given up.I would check to see if the compressor still turns by hand or spanner also drain the compressor oil to check for debris. It is possible your system was over-pressurizing hence the leaky front seal.

If there is debris, you would need to have your system flushed and replace the receiver drier , expansion valve and obviously the compressor.

 

[Aletank]

Your compressor front seal has given up.I would check to see if the compressor still turns by hand or spanner also drain the compressor oil to check for debris. It is possible your system was over-pressurizing hence the leaky front seal.

If there is debris, you would need to have your system flushed and replace the receiver drier , expansion valve and obviously the compressor.

Thanks for that !
How do I drain the compressor oil to check for debris ?
Kwik-fit drained the system today but did not regas.

 

[fisheggs]

The only way to drain the comressor is by removing from vehicle and removing the filler bolt cap which is on top of the compressor. Make sure once seals replaced or replacement compressor fitted has correct amount of oil.

if there is debris in the compressor,you will need to flush system as previous msg

 

[Aletank]

The only way to drain the comressor is by removing from vehicle and removing the filler bolt cap which is on top of the compressor. Make sure once seals replaced or replacement compressor fitted has correct amount of oil.

if there is debris in the compressor,you will need to flush system as previous msg

If I fitted a replacement Compressor myself and took it to Kwik-fit for a regas, wouldn't they add the correct amount of oil at the time of the regas ?
Thanks Again

 

[fisheggs]

Hi again,

They *should* check the oil level or add approximately 2-2.5floz of the specified oil to the the system when recharging.

They*should* use a torque wrench for wheelbolts when changing tyres.

I rest my case

If you are fitting a brand new copmressor,they usually come prefilled but worth taking the cap bolt off and check level.

Good luck.

 

[Aletank]

Your compressor front seal has given up.I would check to see if the compressor still turns by hand or spanner also drain the compressor oil to check for debris. It is possible your system was over-pressurizing hence the leaky front seal.

If there is debris, you would need to have your system flushed and replace the receiver drier , expansion valve and obviously the compressor.

The compressor is still on the car, when the engine runs the compressor turns where the belt is attached(air con switched off) I can also turn the bit infront of the belt by hand.
I'm goin to pick the brains of a air con specialist tomorrow and let them see it for real, There's 2/3 I can think of so i'll get a couple of opinions.

 

[Aletank]

I've been to a air con specialist today AC Vehicle Air Conditioning Services -
He done a pressure test 1st and the system held the pressure no problem, then a vacuum test and again no problem.
Next was to fill with gas and try the compressor, that worked fine to !
He said there seems to be nothing wrong with my system, he said it may have a slight weep but nothing to be concerned about, he even said to call in after a few weeks and he'll check it over again for me but doesn't foresee a problem.
He can't understand why the Kwik-Fit machine wouldn't allow a re-gas.
I've cleaned all the green dye of now so I'll just have to see how it goes.
Thanks for all the replies/help etc

 

[momomo]

Its them Kwik-Fit guys that do not know what they are doing, that was your problem!

 

[lynall]

Maybe but the dye came from somwhere!

Brake cleaner is good for cleaning this sort of thing up.



Lynall

 

[Aletank]

Maybe but the dye came from somwhere!

Brake cleaner is good for cleaning this sort of thing up.



Lynall

Yeah, I know the dye has come from somewhere I'm just goin to have to keep a eye on it and I'll take it back to the air con guy in a couple of months for a check up.
I've got all the dye off now, the air con guy sprayed some cleaner on and I cleaned it up with engine degreaser and soapy water.