A/C oil leaking? Chaaaaarrrliiieee!!!!!!!

[SuperSix]

Fuuuuck

I was cleaning out the Eldorado so the wife could drive it, I need to take her Acura in to get the A/C fixed (I really don't like working on that car) and was filling the washer fluid.  He motor was running, the A/C was on, and I remember I heard it ticking the other day. The ticking stopped if I turned off the A/C, so I know it's the compressor. The compressor was replaced about 6-7 years ago, it's still R12, and I saw a sticker that the Caddy dealer had used UV dye. I figured I would take a look, and pointed the flashlight down in the A/C area, That's when I saw what looks like oil trails coming out from the compressor, and a small puddle of what look like may be a very light, clean, yellowish oil on the belt assembly splash guard. SO - the compressor front seals are leaking oil, I assume. But the A/C is still blowing cold, how can oil leak like that and not the freon?

This sucks.

[Charlief1]

It is leaking R-12 Mark. It may be a minor leak but it is a leak. The oil mixes with the oil like a foam so where ever the R-12 goes, it goes. Sorry to tell you this but it looks like it's time to replace the compressor. You can get a seal if you want but you'll need to discharge the entire system to replace it and have the right tools. Then suck it down and re-charge it.

Forgot to ask why notification are coming in email.

[SuperSix]

Shit. I was hoping you wouldn't say that. he AC compressor is a bitch to get to. I may as well go to 134 then, after the compressor swap. 

Are Delphi compressors any good? 270.00 at Rock Auto, $20.00 more for AC Delco.

[Charlief1]

Delphi are ok Mark. Just don't get a rebuilt one. If you check with the parts houses most of them offer a 3 month warrenty but if you buy accumulator/dryer and orrifice/expansion valve you get an extended warrenty. AZ offers 2 years on new compressors and 1 on remanned if you buy the extra parts, plus 10% off as well right now, if I remember right.

[SuperSix]

Delphi are ok Mark. Just don't get a rebuilt one. If you check with the parts houses most of them offer a 3 month warrenty but if you buy accumulator/dryer and orrifice/expansion valve you get an extended warrenty. AZ offers 2 years on new compressors and 1 on remanned if you buy the extra parts, plus 10% off as well right now, if I remember right.

I've heard that, and plan on buying new, not a reman.

So - I need to get the red mid-90's Ford pickup orifice tube, etc when I convert to R134, oil, and freon.

I have been putting off buying the vacuum pump and a 134 gauge set.. Oh well.

[Charlief1]

I've heard that, and plan on buying new, not a reman.

So - I need to get the red mid-90's Ford pickup orifice tube, etc when I convert to R134, oil, and freon.

I have been putting off buying the vacuum pump and a 134 gauge set.. Oh well.

Check Harbor Freight on the pump and guages Mark. You should be able to get out less than $200 for both. I have had 2 sets of guages from them and both have lasted about 5 years. The pump I've got isn't from there so I can't speak for the pump.

The red tube is the one you want. Make sure you flush everything and use PAG150 oil in the system. Don't let anyone tell you to use Ester in it. You will have problems later if you do.

[SuperSix]

THAT'S the kind of info I need. I was wondering what type of oil to use. I had planned on getting the tools from HF. They just had their 2 stage vacuum pump on sale for $40.00 off,and I missed it.

[Charlief1]

I can PM you my number if you have any problems Mark. For some reason I seem to get calls for help with the AC stuff all the time. LOL

[SuperSix]

I can PM you my number if you have any problems Mark. For some reason I seem to get calls for help with the AC stuff all the time. LOL

I was thinking about something last night. To this day, I still feel bad bugging people for advice.

Please do, this will be my first Acura/R134 compressor replacement.

I am going tonight to get these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-manifold-gauge-set-92649.html
and this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-cfm-vacuum-pump-98076.html
Armed with a 20% off coupon of course.

The Denso compressor comes with OE seals and oil:
http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,14,partnum,4711174,d,Denso_4711174.html
"DENSO Part # 4711174 New; w/ Clutch - DENSO is the OE supplier for this vehicle; OE-specified O-rings and Oil included."

Aside from what's listed above, what else do i need? Should I used UV dye? The rapist mechanic said there's UV dye in the system already, I assume I will lose that once I open the system. The belt looks new - is there an orifice tube I should replace?

I have a large A/C O-ring assortment, should I even fiddle with replacing the accessible O-rings?

**WHOOPS - Posting about the Acura repair in the Eldorado AC problem thread**

[Charlief1]

Compressor Works/A/C Compressor
For your 1986 Buick Regal 3.8L SFI OHV Turbo 6cyl
$209.99

Everco/A/C Accumulator
For your 1986 Buick Regal 3.8L SFI OHV Turbo 6cyl
$33.99

Santech/A/C Orifice Tube
For your 1994 Ford Truck F150 1/2 ton P/U 2WD 5.8L MFI 8cyl
$1.99

Granted that this is my local price but this really looks like the better deal Mark. As far as the UV dye, when you flush the system it should be pretty much done. Add some dye when you either suck it down or add the first charge.