Leon Speed

A question for those who know have messed around with their a/c compressor before.

My compressor is covered with oil and I am assuming it leaks - instead of something else in that area. Before I go tearing into it: the rubber ring on the front of the clutch has a tear in it, should I replace this or does this have nothing todo with a possible leak?

Kind of an off-season question for those in the same northern latitude as I am, but I figured I get a head start on next summer.

Thanks

Tampa 928s

Get a rebuild kit includes seals front, rear and center also internal seals and o-rings. Make sure you check your oil when returning to service. I did mine works great.

dr bob

Most oil on the outside of the compressor comes from the engine. Darn near anything that leaks on the right side will eventually find its way to where the compressor mounts. So "dirty" or "oily" is by no means a reason to overhaul the compressor.

The compressors are based on very common and reliable Nippon-Denso internals. Connections and mounting ears move around on the outside, but the selas, bearings and internal parts are common to a LOT of cars. Take the nameplate data to your local N-D parts supplier, and you should come up with a reseal kit that will do the trick for you.

joejoe

If possible before opening system (if it still has a charge) add some dye to system and check with u.v. light. This will show where your leaks are and may show rebuild not necessary.

Leon Speed

Ok guys thanks for your ideas. Airco was filled this summer, still works, although not as ice cold as I would like (could be the recirc flap that doesn't close). Have to go back a step I guess. Clean the outside of the compressor and then see where the oil comes from.

dr bob

Most US cars in our warm areas are equipped with additional rear air conditioner option, which add another evaporator, expansion valve, solenoid shut-off valve and blower fan in the rear center console. Thes are notorious leakage areas with all the connections, and dried seals from infrequent use. Otherwise, the front AC system is not exotic at all. It's easy to work on, and uses common seals. The original seals in your '89 car need to be updated/replaced if they haven't been replaced already. There may be an original unmolested '89 car with original, working, non-leaking AC someplace in the world, but I have yet to hear about it. In fact, the N-D compressor is likely the most durable part of the system as far as leaks go. So if you decide to open the system for compressor work, invest in a total reseal with new o-rings. Have your hoses rebuilt or replaced with current-standard barrier hose suitable for R-134a service. If you have the rear AC option, be sure to reseal that section too, including seals on all the connecting piping under the passenger seat. New expansion valve(s), and of course a new receiver-dryer as part of any service that exposes the system to air.