Leaks from Two New Compressors

philoprof on Sat April 12, 2014 2:23 PM

Year: 1981
Make: MB
Model: 380sl
Engine Size: 380
Refrigerant Type: R124
Ambient Temp: 60
Country of Origin: United States

I installed a brand new Delco A-10 style compressor in my Mercedes 380sl last April, and it was leaking from the rear seal immediately. So, I used itÃ¢ÂÂs 1 year warranty to return it, and I got another one, which I installed last May.

Even though I hardly used that one, I was shocked to find now that it, too, is leaking from the rear seal, just like the other one was. And as far as I know, I didnÃ¢ÂÂt do anything that should have caused both compressors to leak.

Before I replace this one, I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether itÃ¢ÂÂs possible that I got 2, brand new, Delco compressors that leaked, or whether I could have done something that caused them to leak.

Thanks very much in advance for any help anyone can give me on this.

Bill

wptski on Sat April 12, 2014 2:33 PM

Read this Thread part way down where it says, "Old post but same vehicle". I just got it back today and may take a quick look at it tomorrow.

EDIT:
Whoops! Rear seal leak, different issue!

Edited: Sat April 12, 2014 at 3:28 PM by wptski

Leggie on Sun April 13, 2014 1:17 PM

Are they brand new or reconditioned used?

philoprof on Mon April 14, 2014 5:17 AM

They were brand new.

wptski on Mon April 14, 2014 9:18 AM

By rear seal leak , do you mean the hose manifold or what?

Edited: Mon April 14, 2014 at 9:18 AM by wptski

philoprof on Tue April 15, 2014 5:18 AM

The compressor case has two large, green seals around it, and they both seem to be leaking now.

Someone in another forum said that his supplier told him that people have been having problems with A4 compressors, because they're not used as much as they used to be. So, they sit on shelves for a long time without oil in them, which causes the seals to dry up. He suggested adding the PAG oil to the compressor a few days before I install it, to allow the oil to sink into and swell the seals. He also suggested that adding a few drops of brake fluid to the compressor might help??

I don't know how true that is. But it seems to me if adding oil to the compressor would swell the seals, the oil I added when I installed it should have caused them to swell by now?

I suppose I could try adding a stop leak, like Red Angel, but I don't want to contaminate the system or the new compressor, as it's still under warranty.

Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.

Bill

WyrTwister on Tue April 15, 2014 3:14 PM

I would get new green seals ( are they o-rings or the flat seals ? ) . Is this a R134a system ? R12 ?

Try some of the appropriate Nylog on the green seals .

God bless
Wyr