Ok, next problem comming up...Air conditioning
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Ok, next problem comming up...Air conditioning
'87, automatic. I noticed a month or so ago that the ac wasn't as cold as it's been. Also hear a hissing sound when I shut the engine off. Previous experience with other cars tells me it's getting low on r12 when I hear this sound. Yesterday while dinking around under the hood looking for a MAF sensor problem, I believe I found the problem with the ac. There's oil slung under the hood above the ac compressor. Looks like it originates from the compressor shaft. What's the most cost effective repair? I see there are two compressors listed for this year, one says long shaft, the other short shaft. If the best way is just replace it, how do I tell which one to order? Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
All a/c systems should hiss when shut off - that's the pressure equalizing.
The shaft seal can be replaced for about $50 with kits available at NAPA or www.acsource.com or www.ackits.com - but a successful repair requires that you catch the leak before it wears a groove in the shaft. Let it go too long and it isn't going to seal. Replacement involves discharging the system, removing the clutch assembly and then the front of the compressor as the seal is installed on the inside of the front cover. There is a special tool to seat the seal, but you can use a socket of the same size and tap it into place. Also, any oil loss increases wear on the compressor, so whether you replace it or fix it, remove the orifice (at the Evaporator inlet) and clean the metal out of it or simply replace it. The Accumulator should be replaced also - after 5 years or once it's exposed to the atmosphere, it's not as effective as it once was. Finally, get the oil off of the hood. Some have posted that it leaches through to the paint and destroys it.
The shaft seal can be replaced for about $50 with kits available at NAPA or www.acsource.com or www.ackits.com - but a successful repair requires that you catch the leak before it wears a groove in the shaft. Let it go too long and it isn't going to seal. Replacement involves discharging the system, removing the clutch assembly and then the front of the compressor as the seal is installed on the inside of the front cover. There is a special tool to seat the seal, but you can use a socket of the same size and tap it into place. Also, any oil loss increases wear on the compressor, so whether you replace it or fix it, remove the orifice (at the Evaporator inlet) and clean the metal out of it or simply replace it. The Accumulator should be replaced also - after 5 years or once it's exposed to the atmosphere, it's not as effective as it once was. Finally, get the oil off of the hood. Some have posted that it leaches through to the paint and destroys it.
