AC compressor leak - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #1 06-20-2015, 07:45 AM

I have this AC compressor (an original GM) on my 82 240D which I bought thinking it was new. I suspect it may have laid around for a while though as it worked ok last year but did not get driven much. This year when I got the car out the ac was inop so I took it to the indie. He reports that the big seal that goes around the entire body of the compressor is leaking all the way round.

Is it practical to replace this O ring or is the compressor just toast?

ROLLGUY · #2 06-20-2015, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I have this AC compressor (an original GM) on my 82 240D which I bought thinking it was new. I suspect it may have laid around for a while though as it worked ok last year but did not get driven much. This year when I got the car out the ac was inop so I took it to the indie. He reports that the big seal that goes around the entire body of the compressor is leaking all the way round.

Is it practical to replace this O ring or is the compressor just toast?

Of course I am biased, but I don't think it is worth the effort to fix (and continue to do so) an R4 compressor. They are just too problematic. They are inefficient, power robbing (especially on a 240) and noisy. This is just my opinion, "your mileage may vary" as they say.....Rich

t walgamuth · #3 06-20-2015, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Of course I am biased, but I don't think it is worth the effort to fix (and continue to do so) an R4 compressor. They are just too problematic. They are inefficient, power robbing (especially on a 240) and noisy. This is just my opinion, "your mileage may vary" as they say.....Rich

Well, if it turns out I can fix this one for $100 and it takes $400 to convert to the Sanden its a no brainer for me since the only vehicle I have ever owned for 10 years is my big Dodge truck.

Austin85 · #4 06-20-2015, 12:21 PM

OK great now can we see a picture of this '39 coupe!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I am building a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup street rod at the moment in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.....

ROLLGUY · #5 06-20-2015, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Well, if it turns out I can fix this one for $100 and it takes $400 to convert to the Sanden its a no brainer for me since the only vehicle I have ever owned for 10 years is my big Dodge truck.

Well for your sake (especially your wallet), I hope you can get the R4 back in service on the cheap. However, it has been my experience that fixing an R4 ends up being more expensive in the long run. If a seal went out, you can bet all the oil went with it. When these compressors go bad, the distribute their innards throughout the system. Let's say you were able to replace the case seal, there is no guarantee the rest of the compressor is good. Either way, you should flush the entire system, replace the drier, and add oil before charging the system. Of course you need to check for leaks (with a dry gas) before charging.

Charlie Foxtrot · #6 06-20-2015, 07:53 PM

Gosh how I miss those R-4's. (Like a root canal!) When they worked OK, they were good enough. When they leaked they were trash can filler. When R-4's were current production on GM's I used to stock 6 new comp's every spring - usually restocked every couple of weeks 'till fall. R-4's aren't worth the time to rebuild. If you are going to stick with one, get a new unit built for R-134/R-12. Murray, Four Seasons, and others make new units that have been upgraded for about $200 retail. Oil, refrigerant, filter/drier, labor, etc and you are in for very near or more than $400. The Sanden conversion starts to look better & better.

t walgamuth · #7 06-20-2015, 07:57 PM

It was supposed to be a new one. I suspect it may have laid around for a while.

t walgamuth · #8 06-20-2015, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin85

OK great now can we see a picture of this '39 coupe!!

Look at my signature. Its a coupe express (pickup with car chassis and doghouse). If you care to a search of 39 Studebaker coupe express images will yield about 50 pictures of my truck in various build stages.

rrgrassi · #9 06-20-2015, 10:54 PM

The Hancock Industries (Hodyon) R-4 that I paid $200 for five years ago is still going strong. I do have the Sanden set up waiting for the R-4 to quit, but it keeps going.

t walgamuth · #10 06-20-2015, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

The Hancock Industries (Hodyon) R-4 that I paid $200 for five years ago is still going strong. I do have the Sanden set up waiting for the R-4 to quit, but it keeps going.

lucky you!

Charlie Foxtrot · #11 06-21-2015, 02:51 PM

Quote:

I have this AC compressor (an original GM) on my 82 240D which I bought thinking it was new. I suspect it may have laid around for a while though as it worked ok last year but did not get driven much. This year when I got the car out the ac was inop so I took it to the indie. He reports that the big seal that goes around the entire body of the compressor is leaking all the way round.

All kidding aside, in the field replacement of the housing O ring is quite a challenge even with the rebuilding fixture. You can find new R-4's on line pretty cheap (2 minutes on Google yeilded several below $140) or you could try pushing some AC oil into the system w/N2 and try circulating it by hand. Let it site for a day or two, & recheck for leaks. The oil may help seal a dry O ring. Good luck!

t walgamuth · #12 06-21-2015, 06:22 PM

Oh, thanks for the suggestion! I'll have my indie try that.