Compression System - Air Conditioning

Compressor troubles are mainly following three types: gas leakage, noise and insufficient pressure. Compressor gas leakages in most cases develop from the shaft seal. When detecting gas leakage, always use a leak tester. If a small amount of oil seeps out from the shaft seal, there is no necessity of replacing the seal. The shaft seal has been designed to allow a small amount of oil to leak out for lubricating purpose.

The operations described below are based on bench overhaul with compressor removed from the vehicle, except as noted. They have been prepared in order of accessibility of the components. When compressor is removed from the vehicle for servicing, the oil remaining in the compressor should be discarded and new refrigerant oil added to the compressor.

Minor repair procedures may be done on the vehicle without discharging the system. Major repair procedures require that the system be discharged of refrigerant.

Thus, the shaft seal should be replaced only when a large amount of compressor oil is leaking out or when gas leakage is discovered by using gas tester.

In regard to noise and insufficient pressure, repairs should be made only after diagnosing the trouble properly.

CAUTION: When servicing the compressor, keep dirt or foreign material away from getting on or into the compressor parts and system. Clean tools and a clean work area are important for proper service. The compressor connection and the outside of the compressor should be cleaned before any "On-vehicle" repair or before removal of the compressor. The parts must be kept clean at all times and any parts to be reassembled should be cleaned with Trichloroethane, naphtha, kerosene or equivalent solvent and dried with dry air. Use only lint free cloths to wipe parts.