Airconditioner compressor Leak oil? Could it?

[PSAJB1]

First of all I would like to thank all of you members for assisting members like myself that don't no much about desiels. I noticed a large wet spot on my driveway today. looked under the truck and can see an oilly substance on the large bar that run across the front of the truck might be called steering arm. Anyhow the leak is on the passenger side. It is a brownish slim substance "it is not engine oil doesn't have a smell". It appears to be coming from the AC Compressor where the shaft comes out or above the compressor possibly from the trensioner. It is actually getting alittle spray on the underside of the hood, some on the front of the altinator. Is it possible for the AC compressor to be leaking? Is this a warrantee issue? Also, if it is the AC compressor is there any reason that I cann't replace it? I am mechanicly inclined. I have 50,000 miles on the truck and it is four years old past November. All your imput is greatly appreciated.

 

[jelag]

The AC compressor has a clear oil that is used to lubricate the AC system... . it can be suspended in the freon and travel through the system... if you have an oil leak you have a Freon leak as well and your AC will be affected. . it can only leak at the shaft seal or a loose connection or damaged hose...

If your truck has the basic 36K mile warranty than its not in warranty as this is not an engine or drive train part...

The quickest test os to turn your AC to full cold and the air doesn't drop to 38-42* and hod there..... it could be a leak...

Hope this helps. .

 

[LRutigliano]

PSAJB1,



It is possible that your compressor has a front seal shaft leak. Our trucks have the Sanden compressor and this part is notorious for leaks. We also have the "spring leak (lock)" connections at the accumulator and frontwall.



If you have an oil leak, you will also have an R-134a leak. The first symptoms of this are a frosted liquid line going to the frontwall (smaller diameter line) and a frozen evap core (no air to the vents). The orifice in our systems is located behind the air cleaner assy near another spring leak fitting. That is why the liquid line can frost before the evaporator, the orifice is way before the frontwall to prevent hissing noises in the cab. Also, accumulator/orifice systems are supposed to have a low pressure cutout switch to prevent freezing but our trucks use an evap temp sensor. This sensor is located in a location that makes sense for the installing/servicing the sensor in the plastic housings, but the coldest spot in the evap moves as you lose refrigerant. This means that the temp sensor is not always monitoring the coldest spot and the core eventually freezes. If our trucks had a low pressure cutout, this would not occur.



Bottom line. I've added dye, stop leak, refrigerant and oil to my system rather than take it to the dealer. The oil is PAG and Schucks has PAG oil, use their medium 100 viscosity. I've had to add 1 12oz can of refrigerant to my system once each year. All AC systems leak to some degree...



Accumulator systems are very forgiving to overcharging, so adding the 12oz can should not affect anything. Immediately after adding the can, you will notice the liquid line frosting disappear and it will start to sweat.



If you live in a cold climate, it will be difficult to diagnose, because the AC compressor will not engage below 40F.



Sorry for long rant...



Hope this helps,

Louis

 

[daytripper63]

Yes it is possible but if it leaked that much oil then the freon should have leaked out as well and the ac would not work, this would be an easy way to check.

Now what it really sounds like is the same thing my 03 did a year ago, the high pressure power steering line going to the steering box had a hairline crack that I could not see but it kept spraying a mist up in engine compartment and sometimes under the truck, it was heck to find but I finally got it taken care of.

Good luck, I just thought I would give you another idea to check out

 

[JJPage]

It should be under warranty, I was talking to a service writer (Larry) at Dishman Dodge just last week, he looked up my 03, he said I had the standard warranty for that year, 70k / 7yrs w100k on the motor. Basically he said my warranty was good until 2010.



Jess

 

[PSAJB1]

Thanks all for the input. I am starting to dought myself becuase the belt tentioner seems to be wettest part. The fluid is a rust color. The water pump is completely dry. I don't no I'll have to preasure wash all areas and keep a close eye. Just use heater for a while if nothing appears then the defroster and if the leak starts I know it is the AC for sure. It is to cold here in pa for me to test the AC. I don't no sorry for rambling, thanks.