A/C Compressor Seal Leak? (1 Viewer)

[Charles4x4]

Just got a 4Runner from TX over the weekend. The PO told me I needed to recharge my '87s A/C system with R12 and it'd be good to go. Bought R12a on Amazon and went to work.

The system held pressure but I could hear some hissing. A/C finally blew cold, but wasn't freezing as I was expecting. Then saw some splatter on the battery and let it rest for the night.

The next morning this was below the Compressor:

Looks like a seal leak in the front of the Compressor? Here is the splatter:

And the Compressor itself:

Is this an easy fix or do I have to spend $200-300 on a new Compressor?

I'm thinking of doing a 3.4L swap and a few more things like this could expedite my swap timeline.

4Runner on its way from TX to AL last Saturday (it decided to ask for a new alternator at 11pm in central TX...)

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

A full gasket and shaft seal kit will run you 30-40 bucks and any tools you may need to do the rebuild. Might be the front shaft seal.

Maybe see if you can get a used one cheap from a pick and pull. If your 3.4 swap is a way off, maybe get a reman compressor.

I am getting ready to do the R134 conversion on mine in a few weeks, should be fun.

 

[FrankTorres]

I've never had luck replacing that front shaft seal, very easy to damaged with out the proper seal installer tool.

phrogger has some good advice...

 

[Charles4x4]

I've never had luck replacing that front shaft seal, very easy to damaged with out the proper seal installer tool.

phrogger has some good advice...

Sounds like I need to put a rush on the 3.4L swap instead. I was looking for a reason to start it anyway!

 

[KLF]

I tried to replace that seal on mine years ago, it was difficult to get out, I seem to remember you need special snap ring pliers. Then it still leaked. Ended up ripping all the AC out. I would try to find a boneyard compressor if I were you.

Nice truck.

 

[Charles4x4]

I tried to replace that seal on mine years ago, it was difficult to get out, I seem to remember you need special snap ring pliers. Then it still leaked. Ended up ripping all the AC out. I would try to find a boneyard compressor if I were you.

Nice truck.

Probably a wise suggestion. Thanks!

 

[Charles4x4]

Ok, I found a replacement A/C Compressor (remanu unit with 1-yr warranty). Is the swap as straight-forward as I could hope? Unbolt old compressor and lines. Remove Fan Shroud (hopefully not radiator) and pull the old one out. Put new one in. Recharge with R-12 (or alternative). Put everything back and good to go? Or am I missing the complexity?

 

[KLF]

If you open the system, it is my understanding you should replace the dryer canister. You'll also need to replace all the O-rings on the connections you open. System needs to be evacuated before adding refrigerant.

 

[Charles4x4]

If you open the system, it is my understanding you should replace the dryer canister. You'll also need to replace all the O-rings on the connections you open. System needs to be evacuated before adding refrigerant.

Surely someone makes a kit for all of this? I've got an air compressor - can I somehow use it to evacuate the system and make sure there is now water in there or do I need to spend $$$ on special A/C tools?

 

[KLF]

You don't need compressed air, you need vacuum. And at least a set of gauges. You'll also need to convert the compressor ports to R134a. And add ester oil. And...

Or just take to a place that does AC work. That's what I did.

 

[Mudder]

I took all of yhe A/c components apart, cleaned the condenser and line with brake clean and compressed air cleaned the AC compressor and took all the o rings down to Napa and bought new ones. Currently doing it to an 86 f250 as well. After that I take it down to my local AC shop have them vacuum it and test it for leaks and they refill it for about $400.

 

[Charles4x4]

I took all of yhe A/c components apart, cleaned the condenser and line with brake clean and compressed air cleaned the AC compressor and took all the o rings down to Napa and bought new ones. Currently doing it to an 86 f250 as well. After that I take it down to my local AC shop have them vacuum it and test it for leaks and they refill it for about $400.

$40 or $400?

 

[FrankTorres]

I know autozone loans out vacuum pumps and gauges if you want to DIY...

 

[Mudder]

$400. That was including a special oil, vacuuming for a couple hours and fixing one or two leaks.

 

[Prairie Swamp]

$40 or $400?

I don't think an A/C shop will unlock the doors for $40. The reality of it is that they are licensed with the EPA and have a shop full of very specialized tools and the price reflects this. Having said that I have about $200 total into Harbor Freight manifold/gages and their 2 stage vacuum pump. But I also have 6 or 7 mobile A/C systems around.