A/C Compressor Shaft Seal
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
A/C Compressor Shaft Seal
Hello,
I am getting ready to do a 134A conversion on my 89 vette. I want to do it the right way the first time around.... new o-rings, condenser, dryer, VOV, so on. I think the compressor shaft seal could use a replacement.... Unfortunately I do not have the tools to do it. I did it on my 82 and it worked out well but it was a PITA! Anywhere I can send this compressor out to have it rebuilt for a reasonable price?? Its like $400 for a new or reman one,...
DG
I am getting ready to do a 134A conversion on my 89 vette. I want to do it the right way the first time around.... new o-rings, condenser, dryer, VOV, so on. I think the compressor shaft seal could use a replacement.... Unfortunately I do not have the tools to do it. I did it on my 82 and it worked out well but it was a PITA! Anywhere I can send this compressor out to have it rebuilt for a reasonable price?? Its like $400 for a new or reman one,...
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Here's a link to a guy fixing the Nippo shaft seal on his Porsche: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...so_rebuild.htm
There are no special tools required and the kit is about 50 Bucks at NAPA. The '89 Vette Nippo shaft seal replacement is the same as the model in the article. The FSM also covers the procedure, albeit referencing the use of a seal installer tool. The problem with shaft seals is that as they leak, the worn seal can wear a groove in the shaft and there are no specs for how much wear that shaft can withstand before it'll never seal up again.
There are no special tools required and the kit is about 50 Bucks at NAPA. The '89 Vette Nippo shaft seal replacement is the same as the model in the article. The FSM also covers the procedure, albeit referencing the use of a seal installer tool. The problem with shaft seals is that as they leak, the worn seal can wear a groove in the shaft and there are no specs for how much wear that shaft can withstand before it'll never seal up again.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
The system leaked out over 5 years ago (last owner told me) and the compressor ran with little or no oil and refrigerant for that length of time. It think its more than do for a shaft seal replacment, hopefully its not too late for the compressor
DG
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
5 years is a long time - hopefully you've gotten the oil off the hood as some have posted that it leeches through and destroys the paint, including any repaint. And hopefully, no one sucked any stop leak product into it as that just plugs up everything (but doesn't fix the leak). Do make sure that you pull and clean the orifice too (guess who forgot to after their first rebuild?). The lack of oil creates more wear and all that metal ends up in the screen. If you don't clean it, your performance isn't going to be much better once it's charged back up.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
It seems that when I learned how to retrofit these systems, it appears that the proper proceedure is to replace most of the components... some may agree, others will disagree and add sealer,... depends how you look at it.
In any event, I am adding a new VOV, dryer, I accidently broke the condenser (long story), and am tossing over a new set of barrier hoses... they are worn, melted in one area, and I am wondering if there are any cracks that aren't visible and may cause a refrigerant leak; generally they are extremely thick and new do leak but I figure why not replace them anyway...
On the other hand, the cost of a compressor is way too much, and the evaporator is probably fine so those components I would like to reuse. I know a shaft seal is definately in order.
I have to hit the system with with my UV light, but I don't think the oil and refrigerant leaked out from the compressor. In any event when refrigerant leaks out so does oil, so I know the compressor has been running without oil for a while. Last time I did a compressor shaft seal it was on my 82 Vette and I was very successful. I hope I have the same luck here!
DG
In any event, I am adding a new VOV, dryer, I accidently broke the condenser (long story), and am tossing over a new set of barrier hoses... they are worn, melted in one area, and I am wondering if there are any cracks that aren't visible and may cause a refrigerant leak; generally they are extremely thick and new do leak but I figure why not replace them anyway...
On the other hand, the cost of a compressor is way too much, and the evaporator is probably fine so those components I would like to reuse. I know a shaft seal is definately in order.
I have to hit the system with with my UV light, but I don't think the oil and refrigerant leaked out from the compressor. In any event when refrigerant leaks out so does oil, so I know the compressor has been running without oil for a while. Last time I did a compressor shaft seal it was on my 82 Vette and I was very successful. I hope I have the same luck here!
DG
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I finally got a chance to sit down and read the entire article on rebuilding the compressor.... doesn't seem all that bad 
. I may give this a try, I really have nothing to lose.... if it leaks I still have to buy a new compressor anyway.
What does this entire O-ring Kit and Shaft seal kit cost and where can I order one from? I see you mentioned NAPA, but with NAPA you usally need a part number or name if you actually want the correct parts.
DG
. I may give this a try, I really have nothing to lose.... if it leaks I still have to buy a new compressor anyway. What does this entire O-ring Kit and Shaft seal kit cost and where can I order one from? I see you mentioned NAPA, but with NAPA you usally need a part number or name if you actually want the correct parts.
DG
Last edited by Danspeed1; May 18, 2007 at 11:54 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
www.napaautoparts.com for the part number, but I just walked in and asked for a compressor shaft seal kit for the '89 Vette which uses the Nippondenso 10PA20C compressor. Also available at www.ackits.com and they will know what you're asking for. The kit I bought at NAPA was 50 Bucks. Kinda of a lot for a couple of washers and the seal, but I really needed to fix that leak.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
www.napaautoparts.com for the part number, but I just walked in and asked for a compressor shaft seal kit for the '89 Vette which uses the Nippondenso 10PA20C compressor. Also available at www.ackits.com and they will know what you're asking for. The kit I bought at NAPA was 50 Bucks. Kinda of a lot for a couple of washers and the seal, but I really needed to fix that leak.
P.S. anyone know anything about "parallel flow condensers?" Saw them on ackits.com
DG
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
www.napaautoparts.com www.ackits.com and they will know what you're asking for.
While I've yet to explore the site fully, I don't think I'll find any of the "miracal-works with all refrigerants" kind of crap that is down at your local Advance store.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
"Thanks alot,... ACKits.com is where I was planning to buy most my stuff. Thats where I got it from when I did the 82 Vette. I am guessing that your compressor rebuild was a success?"
To the extent that it no longer leaked - yes. To the extent that in my excitement to see what a great job I did, I forgot to pull the orifice and clean it out - well . . . And that was after replacing the Accumulator, pulling a vacuum and letting it sit overnight to make sure it was tight and then adding 2.25 lbs of R12 (which at the time, I'd probably obtained in Mexico so getting another couple of cans wasn't as simple as walking into Autozone, at least not in the US). I like to think that I mess it up so that all that follow will get it right. If space allowed, I'd recount the first time I adjusted valves after replacing head gaskets, but that would be off the subject.
To the extent that it no longer leaked - yes. To the extent that in my excitement to see what a great job I did, I forgot to pull the orifice and clean it out - well . . . And that was after replacing the Accumulator, pulling a vacuum and letting it sit overnight to make sure it was tight and then adding 2.25 lbs of R12 (which at the time, I'd probably obtained in Mexico so getting another couple of cans wasn't as simple as walking into Autozone, at least not in the US). I like to think that I mess it up so that all that follow will get it right. If space allowed, I'd recount the first time I adjusted valves after replacing head gaskets, but that would be off the subject.
