Had the compressor filled at or slightly below operating pressure, about 85 degree ambient. Was looking for leaks in the cabin with the engine idling and the AC on, had only ran for a couple of minutes. Without warning the system discharged rapidly. I shut the car off and ran while it cleared out. The r4 compressor split open where the rear piece met the body. It actually forced the main O ring out between the case seam. I am going to have to replace my parallel flow condenser that has about 1 hr of operating time on it probably, will be returning the compressor, and upgrading to a sanden kit with 100% new lines for the entire system, and replacing the (possibly leaking, not sure) evaporator.

At a cost of around $2k when all is said and done...

Will post pictures of the failed compressor when I pull it out.

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'85 300D - federal spec, built in late 84. 85 300D Complete AC System Rebuild