Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Gone in 60 on Mon August 13, 2012 1:34 PM

Year: 05
Make: Ford
Model: Five Hundred
Engine Size: 3.0
Refrigerant Type: R134

Hi all, looking at replacing my compressor and dryer soon, as the compressor is leaking oil very slowly from the body gaskets (not shaft seal). Funds are very tight, and I won't be able to afford the parts for a while.

Need to confirm, but from what I've read so far, my compresor takes PAG34 oil. The air is still cold, but if it's leaking oil, I assume it's leaking freon as well. To keep the system alive and prevent any damage before I can afford to fix it, would it make sense to use a small shot of oil that is put into the low side port? I've seen cans at O'Reilly that contain an ounce of type 34 oil, and add freon as needed to keep it cold?

Not planning to use anything that says "leak sealer" on the can!

Leggie on Mon August 13, 2012 3:38 PM

Plain oil that matches your system won't harm it. How much you need, there is no telling. Get the one with UV dye (but nothing else) in it.

Do a before and after check(a week or so later) to rule out oil leaking onto compressor from another source.

If there is a leak, this is not a DIY task unless you have refrigerant recovery equipment. In US and Canada, it's illegal to vent it.

bohica2xo on Tue August 14, 2012 5:18 AM

How about a small shot of "Unplug the compressor clutch" until you can fix it right?

If the compressor fails because you are running it undercharged with an oil leak it will cost you a lot more. You will wind up doing a firewall forward replacement.

.

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"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

Gone in 60 on Tue August 14, 2012 2:39 PM

Thanks for the replies, guys. My main goal is to prevent damaging the system and incurring any more cost than I'll alreay be into for a compressor, dryer, and evac/recharge. Question - if I just avoid turning on the AC until I can fix it, am I going to damage anything any more than it already is? The compressor wouldn't be spinning, so no worries?

buickwagon on Tue August 14, 2012 9:53 PM

google "pittstop ac oil analyzer". It's not a precision measurement, but it does seem to provide reasonable guidance as to the oil concentration in the system.

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I've saved hundreds on service by spending thousands on tools.

Cussboy on Wed August 15, 2012 9:09 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: Gone in 60
Question - if I just avoid turning on the AC until I can fix it, am I going to damage anything any more than it already is?

No, no further damage.


Quote
Originally posted by: Gone in 60
The compressor wouldn't be spinning, so no worries?


Correct, the AC clutch would simply be spinning free on its bearing. It was suggested to disconnect the wire to the AC compressor, to prevent any acidental actuation, a good idea. It should NOT be necessary to use a different belt and bypass the AC clutch (as on a non-AC vehicle of the same type, if they even exist).