Is leak around small plate on bottom of a/c compressor serviceable?

[poncho-mike]

I have an 02 with the 4-cylinder 5-spd manual with 100K miles.

I change oil every 4K miles. On my last oil change, I noticed a little bit of oil leaking from around a small oval plate on the bottom of the a/c compressor.

I talked to my mechanic, and he said nobody offered a repair kit for that leak. He said he could evacuate the system, remove the plate, and determine if it was sealed with a gasket or O-ring.

Can anyone tell me what's behind the small plate? Is there a kit offered to fix the leak there? The a/c system has never been charged, and still works well.

What is the purpose of the plate? I hate to spend $800 to replace the a/c compressor when the system is working well. My mechanic also recommended staying away from any type of sealer.

Can anybody offer advice on how the plate is sealed, and if this is repairable?

Mike

[fdryer]

Generally, a/c compressors are not repairable when charged and still in working condition. Your mechanic seems to be knowledgeable and is correct about advising against using any type of sealer for a/c problems. Removing the compressor and opening it is about the same as simply replacing it because every compressor whether new or rebuilt is usually sealed with whatever gaskets or O-rings necessary for the life of the compressor. Wear and tear of a/c system use eventually exposes weaknesses and wouldn't be considered unusual. Its a gamble to open and check for a worn/misplaced gasket/O-ring/sealant so its your call as removing components from a sealed system also allows the opportunity of future mistakes; the fittings uses O-rings and there's no guarantee that opening a compressor is a guarantee of sealing it properly again. Any way to post a picture or two of this cover leak? And before posting it immediately, put it up on your own screen to be sure its in focus. Some think their pics are great until too late when all that was necessary was to preview all the pics before posting them. A little tip; don't assume close-ups will work, they don't when snapping pics at least a foot or more away are better focused.

[Ritz]

Generally, a/c compressors are not repairable when charged and still in working condition. Your mechanic seems to be knowledgeable and is correct about advising against using any type of sealer for a/c problems. Removing the compressor and opening it is about the same as simply replacing it because every compressor whether new or rebuilt is usually sealed with whatever gaskets or O-rings necessary for the life of the compressor. Wear and tear of a/c system use eventually exposes weaknesses and wouldn't be considered unusual. Its a gamble to open and check for a worn/misplaced gasket/O-ring/sealant so its your call as removing components from a sealed system also allows the opportunity of future mistakes; the fittings uses O-rings and there's no guarantee that opening a compressor is a guarantee of sealing it properly again. Any way to post a picture or two of this cover leak? And before posting it immediately, put it up on your own screen to be sure its in focus. Some think their pics are great until too late when all that was necessary was to preview all the pics before posting them. A little tip; don't assume close-ups will work, they don't when snapping pics at least a foot or more away are better focused.

I agree. Also try to see if the "oil" is leaking from a point higher than where it is dripping from the compressor. If you're "lucky" you've just got a loose fitting and that's refrigerant oil residue that's running down the side of the compressor and dripping from the lowest point. If it was me, I'd look for leaks first. If it turns out to be truly leaking from the compressor itself, I'd replace the compressor and call it a day. Autozone carries a Visteon brand (part #010470) with the clutch for $359. I suspect that's a LOT cheaper than a dealer part. Keep in mind there's also the labor involved in swapping compressors, evacuating the system, checking for leaks, and then recharging with r134a + refrigerant oil.

Good luck!

[VTchemist]

In case someone tells you to use a freon refill with a "sealant", DO NOT follow their advise. The sealant will damage the rest of your AC system. It is not a quick fix.

Good luck with your AC problem.

[Ritz]

In case someone tells you to use a freon refill with a "sealant", DO NOT follow their advise. The sealant will damage the rest of your AC system. It is not a quick fix.

Good luck with your AC problem.

+1

Although it's great for gumming up reed valves. A can of sealant my be just the thing if you're working on your mother-in-law's A/C. :P