I used flourescent dye on my daughters '81 300D AC system to find a leak. The leak is at the "manifold" that connects both lines into the back of the compressor. I have had one of these apart before, but it's been about ten years ago. Are there O-rings in there or what? Is this a common area to leak?

Putting in O-rings, or whatever it takes to seal it is no big deal, but given the R12 situation, I want to have as much information as possible to ensure that I fix the leak before putting the big buck "gaseous gold" back in there. I want the best chance possible of having the leak fixed before charging.

Thanks for your comments and experience regarding this,

Larry,
There are "O" rings in there. When I recently replaced the comp on my 300D the compressor came with the new rings.

For years all that was necessary was a pair of new o-rings. In the last five or so years the replacement R4 has used a seal with a steel washer and rubber bonded to it. Since this washer arangement came out I have seen 2-3 manifolds that have been overtightened to the point where they are no longer staight across.

There are now at least three different seals for R4 compressors: o-ring, thin metal washer/rubber, and thick metal washer/rubber.

I have not decided when the two different washer seals are used, but the compressor seal area is different for the o-rings.

Steve,

Thanks for the reply. If this is indeed a replacement compressor with the steel/rubber arrangement, can I purchase these seals somewhere, or is this part of the replacement compressor?

Thanks again,
Larry

Yes, the seals are available separately. BUT, you must get the right ones and what is in there might not be right. I would assume them to be right if they have been there for years working. In other words; if you have owned the car for a long period and they were working, I would assume what is in there is right.

The ACDelco number we stock is 15-2723 for the thin washer (my Delco book says it is 1.2mm thick. We also stock a 3mm one that is 15-2721).