1994 (Gen-1) A/C o-rings

[Steve Morris]

Hello All,

This past summer my a/c compressor started leaking. Before replacing the whole compressor, I was thinking it might be worth while trying to change the o-rings first to see if that resolves my problem. Have any of you done that? If so, can you share whether or not it corrected your leak? Also the level of effort required to access the o-rings? We’re you able to do so from underneath the vehicle? Did you have to remove the compressor to do so? Anything you can share would be appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Steve-Indy]

Yes, it is worth a try. But, before doing that, I would check the Schrader valves at the high and low pressure ports. If they are leaking, you can try to tighten them...or replace as necessary. If replacing these valve stems, bleed off ALL pressure first as they can come out like a bullet !!

Start on the O-rings by first replacing the O-rings at the compressor, then any others that you can easily reach over by the dryer. Vacuum the system,, then refill with r134-a with dye and see how long it lasts. If still leaking, look for the dye at possible leaking spots using a good UV light.

 

[Matt M PA]

I'd also suggest swapping-checking the o-rings at the condenser on the driver's side where the link connects. Both my 200 GTS & '96 RT/10 needed those changed. Not a bad job either, if you remove the panel between the fascia and air filter box...

 

[Robz112]

I did mine and it was pretty easy to get to all the rings with some cleaver use of swivel extensions on my socket. I agree to swap out the schrader valves since they are cheap and you already have to recharge the system. Also before starting the project, hit everything under the hood with the UV light. Would be a waste of dye and time if your whole engine is already covered by a previous dye attempt.

 

[Dollarsignbill]

I did mine and it was pretty easy to get to all the rings with some cleaver use of swivel extensions on my socket. I agree to swap out the schrader valves since they are cheap and you already have to recharge the system. Also before starting the project, hit everything under the hood with the UV light. Would be a waste of dye and time if your whole engine is already covered by a previous dye attempt.

I'd also suggest swapping-checking the o-rings at the condenser on the driver's side where the link connects. Both my 200 GTS & '96 RT/10 needed those changed. Not a bad job either, if you remove the panel between the fascia and air filter box...

Hi, Matt I’m attempting to do this now and I was able to get the first cover off by just removing the two 8mm bolts but I still can’t access the ac ports and believe I need to remove the 2nd cover that wraps around the hood latches? Did you have to remove the hood to do this? I took the front fascia off already cause I read that in a different forum but I don’t really see how that improved access to the condenser inlet and outlet. I started to unbolt the hood latch and decided that was a bad idea with the hood still on cause I think the spring would cause it to fly off. Banging my head against the wall for what I thought would be a 1 hour o ring replacement. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, tom