VX a/c compressor leak

blacknight · #1 12-07-2008, 11:38 AM

When the mechanic says the a/c compressor is leaking is there to repair it? I dont want to replace the entire unit (i'm not exactly sure where the leak is) but the mechanic told me that that in the long run the compressor will run down and the gas will slowly leak away.

Hot do you determine whether its the a/c compressor that is leaking or is there another leak eleswhere? I know that there is no refrigerant gas in the system (I checked) but dont want to refill the gas only to find that it leaked again.

accentstencil · #2 12-07-2008, 08:34 PM

The most common place to leak is the seal where the hoses connect to the compressor. They are cheap enough to buy but you have to evacuate the system to replace them. Occasionally the compressor can leak at the centre join. I don't think that can easily be repaired and would require a new compressor.
An air con specialist can add a green dye to the refrigerant and with a special light he can find a leak, providing it is somewhere he can see. By that I mean, he wouldn't be able to see a leak behind the dash somewhere.

GoldCoastCommodoreSpares · #3 26-07-2008, 02:45 AM

most likely seals as mentioned, caused by them drying out from the aircon not being used on a regular basis. they dry out, crack, then will need replacing otherwise the system wont hold gas for long.

centy · #4 29-07-2008, 11:39 PM

many more problem on the old systems to.
1 the bottom orings tend to blow out as there is a lot of pressure on the joint.
2 old hoses leak, there is a figure qquoted by manufactures on how mch gas will be lost from hoses. I think it was about 100grams per meter of hose per year.
3 Damage to the condenser(radiator like think out front)
4 Faulty orings esle were
5 faulty switch leaking gas
6 faulty valves leaking gas.
There are only 2 effective was to find it and you shoud use both at the same time.
Regas with dye and when gassed go over the whole system with a leak detector that looks for coolant gases not air movement.
Some older leak detectors don't look for the gas just air currents.

The seal dying out should not be a problem yet it is still fairly new.
Go get a second opinion. The compressor is the second dearest part of the ac.