AC Compressor (Calsonic) shaft seal replacement

caseyjay · #1 07-19-2016, 11:50 AM

Hi all..my AC's been out 10 days ever since strange thing happened - aux fan was heard running on its own, at least 3 hours after engine was shut off. Since then no compressor running.

Just heard back from the shop who are testing the charge - compressor is leaking around clutch/shaft.

I ran INPA diagnostics and no obvious fault but did report a low voltage reading on the pressure sensor so guess a leak is the reason..

Before I shell out $$$ on a new one, my parts guy has suggested if I have a good mechanic I can replace just the shaft seal.

Is this recommended? And a DIYer job? Alternatively, are used (not reconditioned) compressors ok? Calsonics are hard to come by so price can be pretty high..

thx in advance

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wpoll · #2 07-19-2016, 05:41 PM

Out of curiosity, have you checked the system for fault codes...?

A shorted out aux. fan controller may have caused it to run until it cooked itself. Once the aux. fan is dead, the A/C will not run - the system will store a code for the failed aux. fan that prevents the compressor from engaging. Or so I understand.

Not disputing the leak on the compressor - but the leak may not be what causing the non-run condition. I suggest this as I cannot figure a link between a leak/low gas pressure/volume with the aux. fan running autonomously.

X53Jay4.8is · #3 07-19-2016, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caseyjay

Hi all..my AC's been out 10 days ever since strange thing happened - aux fan was heard running on its own, at least 3 hours after engine was shut off. Since then no compressor running.

Just heard back from the shop who are testing the charge - compressor is leaking around clutch/shaft.

I ran INPA diagnostics and no obvious fault but did report a low voltage reading on the pressure sensor so guess a leak is the reason..

Before I shell out $$$ on a new one, my parts guy has suggested if I have a good mechanic I can replace just the shaft seal.

Is this recommended? And a DIYer job? Alternatively, are used (not reconditioned) compressors ok? Calsonics are hard to come by so price can be pretty high..

thx in advance

If this is the original compressor just do yourself a favor and get a quality remanufactured unit. Its not DIYer job since most folks do not have a AC reclaimer unit or vacuum pump to clear the system. Just gonna have to bite the bullet for cold air. Compressor is nowhere near as bad as failing/leaking evaporator.

caseyjay · #4 07-19-2016, 06:05 PM

hi, yes I used INPA to check for codes and found nothing under AC - I used the same to test the Aux fan in various speed modes + various circuit testing.

My initial guess was the FSR/FSU as this has a history of playing up - swapped it out, no change. Then tried evap temp sensor, again no difference.

The pressure switch was receiving 5v but diagnostics showed it as 0.4v so figured maybe faulty switch or low pressure - have heard these systems can be fussy without the exact amount of refrigerant...

Could just be a coincidence or I might replace and refill and find I have other problems to throw money at...

caseyjay · #5 07-19-2016, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is

If this is the original compressor just do yourself a favor and get a quality remanufactured unit. Its not DIYer job since most folks do not have a AC reclaimer unit or vacuum pump to clear the system.

I contacted an AC specialist who can supply the full replacement unit and they were the ones who suggested checking if it was just a seal.

The system has been vacuumed and checked and I am picking it up tomorrow empty so have the option to remove compressor, replace seals and o-rings, chuck in a dryer and take it back to the shop to get the system tested/charged, or so I thought?

Unless I am missing something?

Cost for reman unit c$385
Cost for seal/o-ring/dryer c$70

g300d · #6 07-19-2016, 08:59 PM

If you are equiped to do the shaft seal, I dont see why not, if that is the only problem.

I would do the expansion valve also while you're at it. It's accessible from the passenger side footwell, you just need to remove the carpet panel below the center console.

upallnight · #7 07-19-2016, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caseyjay

hi, yes I used INPA to check for codes and found nothing under AC - I used the same to test the Aux fan in various speed modes + various circuit testing.

My initial guess was the FSR/FSU as this has a history of playing up - swapped it out, no change. Then tried evap temp sensor, again no difference.

The pressure switch was receiving 5v but diagnostics showed it as 0.4v so figured maybe faulty switch or low pressure - have heard these systems can be fussy without the exact amount of refrigerant...

Could just be a coincidence or I might replace and refill and find I have other problems to throw money at...

Fan fault will not be under the AC module, but in the DME module, since it is the DME module that controls the aux fan.

80stech · #8 07-20-2016, 12:34 AM

I would say get the fan working first and go from there.

caseyjay · #9 09-07-2016, 02:56 PM

an update on this problem as still not resolved:

I replaced shaft seal and dryer and took back to the shop for vacuum and refill but did not manage to replace the expansion valve (time constraints).

Shop told me it took a while to cool down but system was 'ok' and suggested I replace the pressure sensor. They also told me I could safely do this at home as there was a schraeder valve underneath.

They were wrong. The second I heard a 'whoosh' of pressure as I undid the valve, I got straight outta there and all the gas escaped (apologies to the environment).

New valve fitted, straight back to the shop for a recharge and they tell me it's still all ok but a little slow to kick in.

Few days on and I'm in 90F and not finding it cold enough (my 21yr old Jeep is colder). At rest, it appears to get warmer

So, fan is running ok, clutch is on (full time as I understand this is normal for a variable displacement compressor), new pressure sensor voltage is still 1.9v as before and the manifold reads 40psi Low and 150psi High.

Is the High reading too low given the high ambient? I am thinking there might be a problem with the compressor not compressing enough (I hear there is a pressure control valve inside)...

I am pretty stuck otherwise as the shops round my way just use a plug and play machine and are clueless when it comes to diagnostics....

upallnight · #10 09-07-2016, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caseyjay

hi, yes I used INPA to check for codes and found nothing under AC - I used the same to test the Aux fan in various speed modes + various circuit testing.

My initial guess was the FSR/FSU as this has a history of playing up - swapped it out, no change. Then tried evap temp sensor, again no difference.

The pressure switch was receiving 5v but diagnostics showed it as 0.4v so figured maybe faulty switch or low pressure - have heard these systems can be fussy without the exact amount of refrigerant...

Could just be a coincidence or I might replace and refill and find I have other problems to throw money at...

A bad aux fan trouble code will not be listed under the ac module, but under the DME module.

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