"Bob Urz" > wrote in message
...
> My 1996 S10's V5 compressor seems to have a bad seal behind the clutch. I
> evacuated it and added one can of R134a and it was trying to work.
> (did not add any more R134 until i was sure it was not leaking)
> But when i shut it off, i could hear the constant hiss in the area of the
> compressor clutch long after the motor was off. I had dye in the system,
> but could not see behind the compressor clutch.
>
> What special tools do i need to do this?
> I know there are two groups of them. One set to take off the clutch and
> put it back on, and another set to remove the seal and put it back on.
> I don't need a $250 tool set to do this once. Autozone might have the
> clutch tools in there loaner program, but i don't think they have the seal
> tools. Any suggestions to do this economically? Since the compressor is
> still pumping, i hate to replace it when all it
> probably needs is a front seal?
>
> From what i see on line, these compressors are prone to leak.
> Any tips? Will any other cars V5 sub to a S10? From what i can tell,
> the early ones used o rings on the back and will not directly sub.
>
>
>
> Bob
>
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Now days the accepted practice is to replace the compressor rather than try
to reseal the shaft. Replacing the shaft seal is a tricky job that often
requires multiple attempts. Now, if you worked in an A/C compressor
reconditioning factory and your job was to replace the seal on every
compressor that came through, you would probably become very efficient at it
and would have a very low failure rate, but if this is the first seal you
ever replaced the chances of you getting it right the first time are rather
slim. Having the correct tool is essential and developing the correct
technique is something that usually takes practice.. Who knows though, you
just might get lucky the first time and save yourself some money. It's your
call, but at least now you have been cautioned .
BTW, I doubt that you will easily find a source for the specific seal
replacement tool because it is customarily sold as part of a universal set,
most of which are rather pricey. You could try OTC, Snap On, or RobinAir
sites to search for the correct tools to service the compressor, just to
name a few.
--
Kevin Mouton
Automotive Technology Instructor
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
Red Green