urquattro20Vt

Guys-
OK so I think I've identified the slow leak in my AC system - appears to be at the compressor (car is a '91 Turbo) - I put dye in a about a month ago and I'm seeing seepage on the lower junction of the plate that has the service ports. Is there a gasket between the plate and compressor body? Did a couple searches and haven't found an exploded anywhere yet. Or is the leak likely from seals/sealing washers for the hex bolts (4)? If it is sealing washers - do you think I can take one out at a time and not lose too much refrigerant? I'd think so but just curious about BTDT.

Thanks-

Brandon
'91 964 Turbo

Spyerx

you need to evacuate the system first, its under pressure.
Is part # on the turbo 96412612101 ? if so they are only about $300 for an OEM denso...

Earlydays

There is a rubber gasket where the manifold meets the body of the compressor....also rubber o-rings on the hoses that attach to the manifold.
A coincidence, mine is also leaking right now.

Stephen Koch

Mine was leaking too in the same place, the garage couldnt get the gasket so we had to order 96412690200 which is the plate and gasket at £300. Sounds like it is a relatively common place for a leak, i had thought i was unlucky as garage hadnt seen it leak there before.

griffiths

You can disassemble the compressor, inspect the cylinder bores, pistons, wobble plate and reed valves, if all look good, no signs of contamination (grey matter, metal particles) then
just toss in a Seal Kit

urquattro20Vt

I guess the real dilemma is do I try to fix/seal this original compressor? - or just buy a new compressor? As I sit here I'm thinking just get a new compressor - as Spyrex says I see them for sale around $300.

Hardest part might be finding a shop who can/will evacuate my R12...

Brandon
'91 964 Turbo

Spyerx

A compressor swap will most likely be much faster than a repair. Costs may end up being similar... this is one of those toss ups but personally I'd just put in a new compressor. Who knows what other surprises you might find inside.

Regarding shops, they are out there. Even in eco-eccentric CA there are a lot of them that deal with R12. They will be AC specialist shops, not general mechanics. one shop near me has probably 50+ 30lb cylinders of the stuff he bought waaaay back when it was being phased out. Its expensive though, when I had my 89 G carrera charged up it was about 125/lb. Unfortunately I have near the exact same issue you do and the compressor is seeping (you can see oil bits. I'm going to swap the compressor and receiver / dryer (you should do same) and have it converted to 134 as it is MUCH cheaper to charge with. I'll eventually put Griffith's hose kit on that car too. BTW, I have his fuel lines for my 89 and they're top notch. Great parts.

My 964 is already converted to 134 and it blows super cold, system works really great actually.

urquattro20Vt

Yeah my frame of mind is pretty much the same - who knows what else is lurking in 27 yr old compressor...probably better to just get new. Need to confirm P/N - the pics all show compressors with a normal fan belt pulley but mine (all 964?) has a serpentine belt. And yes - dryer too.
I have a stash of R12 so no plan to convert to R134 at this time.

Brandon
'91 964 Turbo

-nick

The turbo compressor uses a ribbed belt, Denso 471-1125. You can find them as low as $220 and for that price I would just replace. They come with a new manifold gasket (the one that's leaking on you) because you'll have to swap your manifold over. I just replaced my 3.6 compressor and it's a snap.

urquattro20Vt

Ah thanks for that info. Appreciate it.

I think it'll do for now for the Rennsport trip but when I get back will do the swap. Should got on this before. At least it's slow and the charge should last a few weeks...

Brandon
'91 964 Turbo

heliolps2

I have a few questions, when you said you just replaced you 3.6 ac Compressor, Is you car 964 Turbo ? I own a 92 964 turbo myself, It looks to me that the compressor on the 964 Carrera looks to be the same as the Turbo except for the manifold and the rib belt clutch, and both seem pretty easy to exchange over or replace with Turbo parts, Is that what you did ?

-nick