Persistent AC Compressor Leak
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Persistent AC Compressor Leak
I'm having an incredibly frustrating problem with my AC compressor. No matter how many times I replace the seals, I can't seem to get it to stop leaking (where the high/low pressure lines connect to the compressor). My AC is only cold for about 2 or 3 days, and then its undercharged.
The frustrating part is that if I get it to stop leaking from the high side seal, the low side seal will leak. If I fix this, the high side seal starts leaking. Tightening the bolt on the connector as tight as humanly possible, as well as using a rubber hammer to move the connector around a tiny amount helps to reduce the leak, but its always present in some place.
I've replaced the seals at least 3 times, but its the same problem. I use a sealing washer for the low pressure side, and the thicker seals for the high pressure, as I found on the compressor originally.
If anyone can help me out, you'd have my eternal thanks. Florida's sun is particularly unforgiving this time of year. Thanks in advance!
The frustrating part is that if I get it to stop leaking from the high side seal, the low side seal will leak. If I fix this, the high side seal starts leaking. Tightening the bolt on the connector as tight as humanly possible, as well as using a rubber hammer to move the connector around a tiny amount helps to reduce the leak, but its always present in some place.
I've replaced the seals at least 3 times, but its the same problem. I use a sealing washer for the low pressure side, and the thicker seals for the high pressure, as I found on the compressor originally.
If anyone can help me out, you'd have my eternal thanks. Florida's sun is particularly unforgiving this time of year. Thanks in advance!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,413
Likes: 2,745
I'm having an incredibly frustrating problem with my AC compressor. No matter how many times I replace the seals, I can't seem to get it to stop leaking (where the high/low pressure lines connect to the compressor). My AC is only cold for about 2 or 3 days, and then its undercharged.
The frustrating part is that if I get it to stop leaking from the high side seal, the low side seal will leak. If I fix this, the high side seal starts leaking. Tightening the bolt on the connector as tight as humanly possible, as well as using a rubber hammer to move the connector around a tiny amount helps to reduce the leak, but its always present in some place.
I've replaced the seals at least 3 times, but its the same problem. I use a sealing washer for the low pressure side, and the thicker seals for the high pressure, as I found on the compressor originally.
If anyone can help me out, you'd have my eternal thanks. Florida's sun is particularly unforgiving this time of year. Thanks in advance!
The frustrating part is that if I get it to stop leaking from the high side seal, the low side seal will leak. If I fix this, the high side seal starts leaking. Tightening the bolt on the connector as tight as humanly possible, as well as using a rubber hammer to move the connector around a tiny amount helps to reduce the leak, but its always present in some place.
I've replaced the seals at least 3 times, but its the same problem. I use a sealing washer for the low pressure side, and the thicker seals for the high pressure, as I found on the compressor originally.
If anyone can help me out, you'd have my eternal thanks. Florida's sun is particularly unforgiving this time of year. Thanks in advance!
In this post there's two links to sealing systems. The second will take you to a .pdf of actual sized product. You will have to scroll through the link to the R4 seals.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590205103
Last edited by WVZR-1; Aug 13, 2015 at 11:14 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 278
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I'm having an incredibly frustrating problem with my AC compressor. No matter how many times I replace the seals, I can't seem to get it to stop leaking (where the high/low pressure lines connect to the compressor). My AC is only cold for about 2 or 3 days, and then its undercharged.
The frustrating part is that if I get it to stop leaking from the high side seal, the low side seal will leak. If I fix this, the high side seal starts leaking. Tightening the bolt on the connector as tight as humanly possible, as well as using a rubber hammer to move the connector around a tiny amount helps to reduce the leak, but its always present in some place.
I've replaced the seals at least 3 times, but its the same problem. I use a sealing washer for the low pressure side, and the thicker seals for the high pressure, as I found on the compressor originally.
If anyone can help me out, you'd have my eternal thanks. Florida's sun is particularly unforgiving this time of year. Thanks in advance!
The frustrating part is that if I get it to stop leaking from the high side seal, the low side seal will leak. If I fix this, the high side seal starts leaking. Tightening the bolt on the connector as tight as humanly possible, as well as using a rubber hammer to move the connector around a tiny amount helps to reduce the leak, but its always present in some place.
I've replaced the seals at least 3 times, but its the same problem. I use a sealing washer for the low pressure side, and the thicker seals for the high pressure, as I found on the compressor originally.
If anyone can help me out, you'd have my eternal thanks. Florida's sun is particularly unforgiving this time of year. Thanks in advance!
You may have a bend or CRACK in the aluminum part of hose assembly that bolts on to your compressor, use a ruler or straight edge to check if it is straight. Look with a magnifying glass that it is not cracked.
If it is bent or cracked replace it, if not check the a/c compressor body recess where the O rings go, make sure there are no nicks or cracks.
Lubricate the new O rings with refrigerant oil, Check the O rings sit proud of the recess they need to be fairly thick.
Carefully fit the hose bracket and there is no need to over tighten the bolt.
Pressure test it and use soapy water (water with nice thick dishwashing liquid) and look for any leaks
New from corvette central. $120
http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...050f&ukey=8495
New from Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-1987-C4-A-C-Compressor-Line-Hose-to-Condenser-USED-Corvette-/121722066705?hash=item1c57335711
Second hand from ebay... try your luck ...?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-C-4-1985-1986-1987-air-conditioning-AC-dryer-hoses-as-pictured-/252042555889?hash=item3aaee831f1&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-1987-C4-A-C-Compressor-Line-Hose-to-Condenser-USED-Corvette-/121722066705?hash=item1c57335711
New compressor o rings.
http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50f&ukey=18023
You may also be interested in the retrofit kit with new seals?
http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50f&ukey=47360
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 207
From: Orlando FL
I'll just throw this in for now.
I don’t have the specific information at this time, but from what I remember there are 2 different kinds of seals. One is a round O ring, and the other is a flat washer type seal. If the wrong one is used it will not work or seal correctly.
I will see if I can dig out the specific information in my past threads.
I don’t have the specific information at this time, but from what I remember there are 2 different kinds of seals. One is a round O ring, and the other is a flat washer type seal. If the wrong one is used it will not work or seal correctly.
I will see if I can dig out the specific information in my past threads.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I was focusing so much on the seals that I didn't even stop to think about the metal being warped or cracked at all. I'm 99% sure I'm using the correct seals, but I'll cross reference with the links you guys posted.
As of right now, its been 3 or 4 days and my AC is still ice cold. I noticed that if I turn the AC down (from Max to Normal), the refrigerant doesn't noticeably leak. At Max (which I kept it on, and used to charge the system), the seal can't seem to hold. I also found it weird that the system held vacuum perfectly for an hour without leaking. I wonder if the seals are just not rated for that kind of PSI, or maybe there is a tiny imperfection in the metal that is exposed at that pressure?
I'm going to check the compressor and make sure I'm using the proper seals, and post my findings here. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the AC I have until it finally leaks out. When it does, I'll thoroughly inspect the surfaces, throw on the proper seals, and try again....
By the way, I'm sure it would make any difference, but my system has already been retrofitted to 134a. Just adding that detail in...
As of right now, its been 3 or 4 days and my AC is still ice cold. I noticed that if I turn the AC down (from Max to Normal), the refrigerant doesn't noticeably leak. At Max (which I kept it on, and used to charge the system), the seal can't seem to hold. I also found it weird that the system held vacuum perfectly for an hour without leaking. I wonder if the seals are just not rated for that kind of PSI, or maybe there is a tiny imperfection in the metal that is exposed at that pressure?
I'm going to check the compressor and make sure I'm using the proper seals, and post my findings here. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the AC I have until it finally leaks out. When it does, I'll thoroughly inspect the surfaces, throw on the proper seals, and try again....
By the way, I'm sure it would make any difference, but my system has already been retrofitted to 134a. Just adding that detail in...
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
The HVAC control head setting (MAX vs. normal) makes no difference in compressor pressure. The compressor is either on or off. Maybe there is a timing factor (the compressor runs longer in MAX?).
