Oily leak from A/C compressor

[thieled]

Folks

I've had an oily leak from the A/C compressor for many months. It appears to originate from where the two pipes are attached to the unit. I had been advised that there was a leak in the system (around this connection) & that the oily substance is from the oil in the refrigerant. Not surprising the air coming out is now not cold. Advice from my local mechanic is that the compressor needs replacing. This seems a radical (& costly) solution but I wouldn't know. Does this kind of leak require the compressor to be replaced?

Many thanks for your help!

[accentstencil]

Originally Posted by thieled

Folks

I've had an oily leak from the A/C compressor for many months. It appears to originate from where the two pipes are attached to the unit. I had been advised that there was a leak in the system (around this connection) & that the oily substance is from the oil in the refrigerant. Not surprising the air coming out is now not cold. Advice from my local mechanic is that the compressor needs replacing. This seems a radical (& costly) solution but I wouldn't know. Does this kind of leak require the compressor to be replaced?

Many thanks for your help!

Not if it is leaking from where you described. Just need to replace the seals. It is common for the seals to leak. You will need to evacuate the system first if there is any refrigerant left. That should be done by a qualified refrigeration mechanic. Then regas after replacing seal.

[thieled]

Thanks accentstencil.

Is it normal to get this oily leak if the seals at the pipe connection have failed or is it more likely to actually be a problem within the compressor?

[accentstencil]

Originally Posted by thieled

Thanks accentstencil.

Is it normal to get this oily leak if the seals at the pipe connection have failed or is it more likely to actually be a problem within the compressor?

Yes it is normal, because they put oil in with the refrigerant for lubrication.

[thieled]

Any idea about what I should pay for this job i.e. evacuate system, replace seals, refill with refrigerant? Thanks.

[accentstencil]

Originally Posted by thieled

Any idea about what I should pay for this job i.e. evacuate system, replace seals, refill with refrigerant? Thanks.

When I last did mine I had the aircon guy evacuate and save the refrigerant. Then I went home and changed the seal (costs under $20 I think) then I went back and had the guy replace the same amount he took out and top it up. I can't remember the price but I think it was about $40 or $60 because it didn't need much extra gas. It would probably not cost a great deal more to have the aircon guy replace the seal for you. I wouldn't go to the guy who reckons you need a new compressor.

[thieled]

Is this a time to get the receiver dryer & Tx valve replaced as well? The car has done 104K km.

[accentstencil]

Originally Posted by thieled

Is this a time to get the receiver dryer & Tx valve replaced as well? The car has done 104K km.

I really don't know. I didn't replace any of those things and had no problems.

[VT_Acclm]

Originally Posted by thieled

Any idea about what I should pay for this job i.e. evacuate system, replace seals, refill with refrigerant? Thanks.

Wouldnt have much gas left in the system anyway,seals r cheap ($19.80),just replaced mine(same problem) took me about 1/2 hr.Then got it re-gassed for $69..

[pablo]

When you have the system re-gassed, get the operator to inject a dye into the refridgerant, this will show up under ultra-violet light so you can easily spot the exact point of a leak in the future.

Pablo