AC Compressor

[tjm]

I think my AC compressor has sprung a leak. Everything is dry from above. Really haven't used the AC much in the last 3 weeks, might have turned it on once. the fluid is feels like a light oil.

Any help on troubleshooting would be appreciated.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Ahhhh I'm quite familiar with this place. If you look the wet spot seems a little higher on the bracket, looks like coolant. That bracket the compressor is mounted on is also the lower rad inlet neck, there is an o-ring behind the bracket that can leak.

I'm getting around to replacing mine the right way with the o-ring after two reseal attempts with FIPG.

Check your coolant level and if your A/C works.

 

[tjm]

Ahhhh I'm quite familiar with this place. If you look the wet spot seems a little higher on the bracket, looks like coolant. That bracket the compressor is mounted on is also the lower rad inlet neck, there is an o-ring behind the bracket that can leak.

I'm getting around to replacing mine the right way with the o-ring after two reseal attempts with FIPG.

Check your coolant level and if your A/C works.

Thanks Darkbloodman - I'll double check.

may i ask whats the right way?

 

[Darkbloodmon]

The O-ring of course, I was hard headed and pressed on time though. Verify before you buy.

Here is a blow up diagram from Cummins pointing to #2 which is the O-ring for that bracket.

Here is the corresponding Mahle gasket I sourced from Rock Auto matching the Cummins number. It got here faster for me and I've got plenty of Mahle gaskets in use without issue (Oil pan, oil cooler, rear main, etc.)

 

[tjm]

The O-ring of course, I was hard headed and pressed on time though. Verify before you buy.

Here is a blow up diagram from Cummins pointing to #2 which is the O-ring for that bracket.

View attachment 131632

Here is the corresponding Mahle gasket I sourced from Rock Auto matching the Cummins number. It got here faster for me and I've got plenty of Mahle gaskets in use without issue (Oil pan, oil cooler, rear main, etc.)

View attachment 131633

Yeah i realized after the post that it was the o-ring. I also now know what FIPG means. Thanks a bunch darkbloodman. Looks like a thanksgiving project for me. Cant complain though 16 years on the original gasket.

Again thanks for the tips!

 

[Darkbloodmon]

The O-ring of course

Not me being smart, but a shot across my own bow for knowing what would solve it and trying my luck anyways.

Looks like a thanksgiving project for me. Cant complain though 16 years on the original gasket.

It's not terrible. Drain Coolant -> Airbox -> Belt -> Alternator-> A/C compressor -> Bracket -> O-ring

 

[tjm]

Not me being smart, but a shot across my own bow for knowing what would solve it and trying my luck anyways.

Been there done that. Who hasn't right?

It's not terrible. Drain Coolant -> Airbox -> Belt -> Alternator-> A/C compressor -> Bracket -> O-ring

so no need to evacuate AC refrigerant? Just tie the compressor up and out of the way?

oring at local dodge dealer $25. Bought it.. asked them how much to replace it - 4 hours of labor and $700.

Noticed no leaking on my drive back - o ring expanded when hot is my guess. and we've just recently dipped into the upper 30's at night on a few days so o-ring shrank.

 

[Ozymandias]

If you have a hard time getting the compressot bolts out, you have to lift the engine with a Jack till the bolts and the holes in the frame line up.

 

[tjm]

If you have a hard time getting the compressot bolts out, you have to lift the engine with a Jack till the bolts and the holes in the frame line up.

so i have to remove the bolts from holes lined up in the frame? and where would one place the jack - oil pan probably not a good idea.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

so no need to evacuate AC refrigerant? Just tie the compressor up and out of the way?

Correct, there should be enough room to unbolt it from the bracket and let a few of the bolts rest in the compressor. I forget how many can come out.

4 hours of labor and $700.

Man I should go into business.....

Noticed no leaking on my drive back - o ring expanded when hot is my guess. and we've just recently dipped into the upper 30's at night on a few days so O-ring shrank.

Nail on the head, This is exactly why on my 2200mi trip to Texas my coolant reservoir only dropped half an inch, But when sitting in the cold there'd be a drip spot from contraction.

 

[tjm]

Thanks Gentleman I think i have a game plan.

 

[Ozymandias]

so i have to remove the bolts from holes lined up in the frame? and where would one place the jack - oil pan probably not a good idea.

I'd choose the oil pan seam with something that fits properly into it, like a hard wood piece cut to measure.
You only take some weight with it, not the whole engine so it's not a big deal.
If you have an engine hoist it would be even easier.

 

[tjm]

So I took the air box off and saw this: So i tightened the clamp. maybe should have replaced the clamp with a better one. I'll monitor my coolant levels to see if this was the culprit. 99.999% sure it is. saving 0.001% for maybe having 2 leaks .

Can a moderator change the title of this thread to coolant leak so search is easier for others?

 

[Ozymandias]

Somebody took away the constant tension hose clamp, to bad.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

So I took the air box off and saw this: So i tightened the clamp. maybe should have replaced the clamp with a better one. I'll monitor my coolant levels to see if this was the culprit. 99.999% sure it is. saving 0.001% for maybe having 2 leaks .

Can a moderator change the title of this thread to coolant leak so search is easier for others?

View attachment 131731

Is that a Mishimoto rad hose? The exterior texture looks familiar. I'm running their rad hoses and clamps. Really nice products.

I was gonna post some pictures of that seal in comparison to the old one. I tore into mine on Wednesday. But this is good news.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Somebody took away the constant tension hose clamp, to bad.

Aye worm gears aren't the surest solution, but I'd take them in a pinch. I went to a pull a part and scavenged 5/8ths OEM CTC of 1500s for my custom coolant and power steering filter plumbing. 2 dollars to wander around, no charge for the handful of hardware I walked out with.

 

[tjm]

Is that a Mishimoto rad hose? The exterior texture looks familiar. I'm running their rad hoses and clamps. Really nice products.

Thats a Mr Bobs silicon hose.

I was gonna post some pictures of that seal in comparison to the old one. I tore into mine on Wednesday. But this is good news.