98 C5 oil leak.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
98 C5 oil leak.
I have a oil leak that is mainly on the bottom of the A/C compressor. The oil is very light orange in color. I looked at the engine oil & P.S. fluid to compare colors, they are both darker in color. I have never seen a A/C compressor leak oil before. I do have to recharge the system every year, so there is a slight freon leak. Is there enough oil in the system to drrip off and leave small puddles on the floor?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 9
From: Eddy Texas
I'm betting you lost a seal on your A/C comp. I think the total system holds about 9 or 10 oz of oil, but the compressor will have about 2-3 oz. Can you tell where the oil is coming from. It could be the o-ring seals where the aluminum lines bolt up on the rear of the comp. Or the front seal behind the pulley. If it's leaked enough to leave a puddle, it's probably about dry.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 631
Likes: 3
From: Joppa AL
The oil in our AC systems is crystal clear when new. It could pick up an orange tint from the system. Usually those leaks collect so much dirt you can't tell. How big are those small puddles? You can always add oil to the low side. It comes in a small can with 2oz oil and 2oz refrig.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
You are going to have to replace it sooner or later. Might as well get it done before the summer hits. Any AC shop can verify it for you. Got an extra compressor if you wish to buy it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
I'm betting you lost a seal on your A/C comp. I think the total system holds about 9 or 10 oz of oil, but the compressor will have about 2-3 oz. Can you tell where the oil is coming from. It could be the o-ring seals where the aluminum lines bolt up on the rear of the comp. Or the front seal behind the pulley. If it's leaked enough to leave a puddle, it's probably about dry.
Thanks for the reply.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
The oil in our AC systems is crystal clear when new. It could pick up an orange tint from the system. Usually those leaks collect so much dirt you can't tell. How big are those small puddles? You can always add oil to the low side. It comes in a small can with 2oz oil and 2oz refrig.
Thanks for the reply.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
Leaking A/C compressor.
I looked at it more yesterday, the front & rear areas of the compressor are dry. the oil is on the bottom & middle of compressor. I am thinking it may be leaking where the case is joined.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 295
Likes: 4
From: Riverside California
That is a common failure on these compressors. There are two o-rings which seal the case halves. I have heard of some people tightening the case bolts to re-seal the thing. You could prove that theory with a dye check kit (bottle of oil w/ dye & penlight blacklight), or take dgrant up on his offer before it scatters & polutes the entire system.
