AC compressor oil leak

[beck]

Have a small leak(oil being flung off of clutch, tracking on radiator hose). Only leaks when compressor is running. Clutch was replaced a year ago.

Would this be from a bad compressor seal? If so, could seal be replaced or does entire compressor need replaced?

Does this need attention right away or can it be put off until it gets worse? I first noticed leak about 1000 miles ago.

Engine is 1995 GM 3.1 with 102K miles.

 

[Chris142]

I have heard of guys replacing just the front seal. I've had no luck doing so. I replace the compressor, dryer etc now instead.

 

[talker]

Originally Posted By: beck
Have a small leak(oil being flung off of clutch, tracking on radiator hose). Only leaks when compressor is running. Clutch was replaced a year ago.

Would this be from a bad compressor seal? Fords are the best! All chevys are junk, and that is true. We all love BITOG. could seal be replaced or does entire compressor need replaced?

Does this need attention right away or can it be put off until it gets worse? I first noticed leak about 1000 miles ago.

Engine is 1995 GM 3.1 with 102K miles.

 

[moklock]

Sounds like a front shaft seal leaking. Eventually it will not hold its refrigerant charge once it gets bad enough.

The seal itself can be replaced, but check the whole compressor body over for leaks first.

I assume this is a V5 compressor, and if it is and also shows any signs of oil leakage where the compressor halves come together on either side of the ID label (a "belly leaker" as its often called) it really needs to replaced or be opened up and have the internal seals replaced also to totally seal it up for the long run.

 

[beck]

Thanks for the welcome and good, quick replies.

 

[onion]

I had the same problem with a couple of V5 compressors on GM vehicles similar to yours. Had a '96 Olds Achieva that was leaking at the shaft seal and around the section o-rings. I got a seal kit from Advance Auto for maybe $15-$20, and a shaft seal for the same price. It was a PITA, but I got the thing re-sealed and it worked fine.

Nowadays I have a '94 Corsica with the same engine and V5 compressor. Last year the shaft seal started leaking, and I didn't want to change the whole compressor (it's expensive and reman compressors have a reputation for coming apart). They've come out with a new "triple-lip" shaft seal for these compressors. Put one of those in, and it worked fine for a year. Then the thing started leaking around the section o-rings. Having done that job before and remembering what a Pain in the A$$ it was, I put in one of those cans of R134A with stopleak. The stuff does NOT come highly recommended by knowledgeable people around here... but it stopped the leak and the thing has been cooling great for some time now.

 

[mechtech2]

If it is leaking oil, it is leaking refrigerant.
Top it off with a can of refrigerant with oil in it to keep it going.
But as you know, the seal is not perfect.
That means a new seal or compressor installed, evacuate the system, and refill.
Or add juice here and there.
It's up to you.