R4 compressor oil leak? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 06-06-2009, 05:37 PM

Where does this dude like to usually leak oil from?

Thanks

Oracle12345 · #2 06-06-2009, 06:59 PM

from the seals mainly

JimmyL · #3 06-06-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle12345

from the seals mainly

Under-rated line Hitman.......

Hit Man X · #4 06-06-2009, 07:05 PM

Ah coy today are we?

Front shaft? Body?

Oracle12345 · #5 06-06-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Under-rated line Hitman.......

lol

the only thing than logically leak is the seals under normal conditions unless you put a hole into the casting of the compressor...

bearings usually go before they began to leak.

Hit Man X · #6 06-06-2009, 07:13 PM

Hm okay, I have some thin mystery oil in that area and had me alarmed after a few week rebuild and I'd be madder than a wet hen if the compressor was leaking. Shaft has no oil under and rear orings are fine. Guess it can only be PS due to the location.

Guess I'll just run it until it blows up.

Oracle12345 · #7 06-06-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Hm okay, I have some thin mystery oil in that area and had me alarmed after a few week rebuild and I'd be madder than a wet hen if the compressor was leaking. Shaft has no oil under and rear orings are fine. Guess it can only be PS due to the location.

Guess I'll just run it until it blows up.

i can post a picture of a leaking ac compressor, from the 190E 2.6 which has a leaking ac compressor. Not R4 exactly but a general idea

leathermang · #8 06-06-2009, 08:11 PM

In the usual course of life it would leak at the main shaft ... since it has an ' engineered ' leak there to keep the front seal lubed... which means one should start and engage the air compressor once a month even in the winter..
If something has been changed out then the seals at the manifold are going to be suspect...

Hit Man X · #9 06-06-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

In the usual course of life it would leak at the main shaft ... since it has an ' engineered ' leak there to keep the front seal lubed... which means one should start and engage the air compressor once a month even in the winter..
If something has been changed out then the seals at the manifold are going to be suspect...

This would drip straight down if it was main shaft seal would it not?

rscurtis · #10 06-06-2009, 08:30 PM

After I R&R'd the original compressor on my '83 to replace the shaft seal, I still noticed some oil on the steel housing. In order to keep from wasting R-12, I replaced it with a new one. Upon removing the steel shell from the original, it was like brand new inside. What was leaking were the large "O" rings that seal the housing to the body. I replaced them, and kept the unit as a spare. If anyone is interested, I'll get the Mcmaster-Carr part # for you.

Johnt49 · #11 06-08-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rscurtis

Upon removing the steel shell from the original, it was like brand new inside. What was leaking were the large "O" rings that seal the housing to the body. I replaced them, and kept the unit as a spare. If anyone is interested, I'll get the Mcmaster-Carr part # for you.

I'd be interested. I've got one with the same problem sitting on a shelf waiting to be resealed so I'll have a spare. How did you remove the steel shell from the comp body?

rscurtis · #12 06-08-2009, 08:58 PM

I spoke a little too soon on the P/N, as MMC did not retain my order history (over two years old). However, the package calls this a "75 Viton, size 258". They are sold in groups of two. Measure your ID, OD and thickness, and look for that dash # (258) on their website, and that will give you the part #. To remove the shell, bend the retaining tab out of the way, and VERY CAREFULLY using a block of wood and a hammer, tap on the edge of the shell. Once it is upset, it will come off easily. Use plenty of refrigerant oil when re-assembling, and a helper will come in handy.

leathermang · #13 06-06-2009, 08:29 PM

Straight down from whereever it followed the compressor body and encountered a change in direction back upwards...

mobetta · #14 06-06-2009, 09:00 PM

power steering can leak from the cover gasket or the front seal, and get thrown all over the place from the pulley.

I'd imagine it would be similar for the AC comp.

Hit Man X · #15 06-07-2009, 02:21 PM

I wiped it clean yesterday, hopefully it's just PS. But with the R4, it's probably not. Let's just hope it'll get me through the summer.