A6 Compressor Oil leak

[Randy S.]

My AC compressor on my 66 has started to leak compressor oil (ester oil). I have cleaned the hood with a spray degreaser but wonder if there is any other cleaner recommended. The oil has already caused the flat black paint on the hood underside to crinkle. Is there anything I can do to stop the oil from 'wicking" into the fiberglass hood?

Randy

[Jim S.]

Re: A6 Compressor Oil leak

Randy ,

I dont know how much your compressor is leaking but, a fine line sprayed out in the same direction as the pulley rotates is "as per normal" ,believe it or not ! If it is more than that It could be resealed at the pulley shaft.

I went through the same thing on my car ...Had it replaced with a new one and then found out that it was a normal function of the A type compressors.
Jim

[Chip W.]

Re: A6 Compressor Oil leak

Randy, I had the same problem on my 68. After rebuilding it twice and having the front seal replaced twice, I gave up and ordered a rebuilt unit from Danchuck for $99. I also put one on my 67 El Camino. Neither one leaked at all and both functioned perfectly.

Chip Werstein

[Terry M.]

Re: A6 Compressor Oil leak

That leak is not normal. One must use the ceramic seal AND a felt wick. The ceramic seal is, if I remember correctly, a service replacement part, and may no longer be available. Joe L has posted about it in the past. Many rebuilders do not believe in re-installing the felt wick (It was OEM for a reason) because they believe the fibers from the felt will get into the sealing area and cause a leak. In truth, the purpose of the felt is to absorb the minute amount of oil which does seep past the seal. In time the felt will need to be replaced, but if one has the pulley/clutch removing and installing tools, that is a DIY operation.

The worst thing one can do for these seals is not to use the compressor for an extended period.

Once the oil gets on your hood, rapid removal is the only way to prevent it from migrating through the fiberglass and lifting the top coats. Prevention is a far better course of action. There is/was an aluminum shield sold by a lot of the Corvette aftermarket suppliers which was effective at keeping the oil from the hood, but given the last use of the A6 was quite some time ago it may no longer be available. It was simple to remove for judging, so was not an issue in that arena.

[Jim S.]

Re: A6 Compressor Oil leak

Terry,

Good tip ! The use of that felt wick is somthing I will have to look into on my compressors.I guess mine either have none or need to be replaced .I Know that when the new one started leaking I asked a Chevrolet Tech and he told me it was S.O.P. Now I know better.

I do however have to add That I didn't say it was a "good thing". However,
if a felt wick was used to soak up the oil ,and needs to be replaced because it gets oil soaked, and aftermarket vendors created a shield to stop oil from getting to the hood ....well than I would still say ,That why it's preventable , it's a pretty "normal" occurrence! lol

Thanking you in the fist part,and yanking your chain in the second part.

Jim

[Mike M.]

Re: A6 Compressor Oil leak

terry is right on. i fabricated a shield that prevented the inevitable oil seepage from making it to the hood. mike

[Terry M.]

[Randy S.]

Re: A6 Compressor Oil leak

All,
Thanks for the responses. This post was mainly what do I do about the oil on the hood now but alot of you addressed the next question of root cause. The oil leak is NOT minor but about a 1/2" wide oil slick with a tint of green (refrigerant dye I assume). I will continue with degreaser and hope I stop the wicking damage.

Re the compressor it was rebuilt summer of 2003 by Classic Auto Air in Tampa. I requested they use the ceramic oil seal at that time. It went back about 3 months later for an in warranty repair of a noisy clutch. Sept of 03 the system was charged and running. I am aware that the seals need lubrication and run it occasionally. It may have sat 2 months this winter without running the AC when I was doing the cluster. I have not talked to Classic Auto air yet but since it is just out of warranty I am not optimistic.

I am open to suggestions re rebuild again (who) or opt for an exhange. If exchange will I get the better seal?

[Jack H.]

The last time I bought a ceramic seal/bearing kit

picked one up at a Delco dealer on Galveston Island driving back from the National Convention, a fresh felt 'wick' was included with the kit. After I used that seal, I looked for another to put on the shelf and found one at Pep Boys, but it wasn't a GM/Delco packaged unit. If memory serves, it was Four Seasons or something like that...

That kit came without a fresh felt. Ususally, the compressor after-market rebuilders DO save $$$ by installing the sintered bronze bearing/seal instead of the ceramic assy AND they remove/discard the original felt wick used to line the inside of the compressor shaft surround above the bearing/seal and make some mealy mouthed statement to the effect that you should 'expect' to see the compressor throwing 'some' oil until the bearing 'seats'....

[Jim T.]

Re: A6 Compressor Oil leak

I made an alumimum shield to go on my 70's compressor. I just took two pieces of thin steel and used them as braces to attach some aluminum flashing with rivets. Attached the two pieces of steel to the compressor after painting it black. I make it wide and it does the job. I do need to replace the front seal on my orignal compressor.