2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C Compressor dripping oil

[Mick2500]

My truck only has 12,000 miles on it since new but I just noticed something strange. There is a drop of oil on the garage floor below the A/C compressor. I checked the suction line manifold and it is secure and not wet at all. The oil is clear and appears to be coming from behind the compressor pulley.

I have charged the A/C twice since new. It must have a VERY slow leak somewhere. Last time I charged it, I may of overcharged it just a bit (8oz). That was over about a year ago and I have not touched it since. Could that overcharge have caused this oil drip? Last I checked, the A/C was nice and cold.



Thanks,

Mick

 

[WDixon27]

it sounds like the front seal is on the way out on the compressor, not really anything to do for it but keep using it till either the oil on the clutch makes it slip or it dumps the freon, last year i scored a good deal on a new (not rebuilt) compressor on ebay but i can't remember how much it was, it ended up being a few bucks cheaper then the clutch i really needed (compressor clutches are usually close to the price of a complete compressor assy and you still have a old compressor if you spring for the clutch)

 

[Mick2500]

That was my guess too and it doesn't look like the seals are available separately. I found a new compressor in TX for $259. I may just get it and keep it as a spare for when this one does die.



Thanks,

Mick

 

[WDixon27]

if you were local id hand you my old compressor for nothing as a spare as all it needs is a clutch but it is rather old and not worth shipping

 

[Skydiver]

Mick2500. your seal may have dried out fom not being used. Add an oil charge only when you think it is ready. A seal conditioner might help.



My 96 12er has been leaking oil from the high pressure cutout switch for 8-9 years. Still works perfect. I bought a new set of expensive guages last summer. What I found to be strange. When I raised the RPMs the low side pressure actually went up slightly. Never seen this before. I have a tech school degree in AC/refrig. No way to hook the guages up backwards. That was 30 years ago and I have forgotten a lot.

Thoughts?

 

[WDixon27]

i have seen this a few times on cars, sometimes the reed valves are a little worn in the compressor and it takes a little rpm to get them to seal up right, sometimes the charge level is a tad off and the fan screws with the pressure a little as it pulls the high side down, i could also be talking outta my azz too :-laf

Mick2500. your seal may have dried out fom not being used. Add an oil charge only when you think it is ready. A seal conditioner might help.



My 96 12er has been leaking oil from the high pressure cutout switch for 8-9 years. Still works perfect. I bought a new set of expensive guages last summer. What I found to be strange. When I raised the RPMs the low side pressure actually went up slightly. Never seen this before. I have a tech school degree in AC/refrig. No way to hook the guages up backwards. That was 30 years ago and I have forgotten a lot.

Thoughts?