Ac compressor leaking oil!

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BlackedOut_LSE

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So I got my admitted air intake and hite heat shield today but.... I was doing a visual inspection on my car and saw a wet spot on the driver side part of the skid plate so I checked with a paper towel to see what it is and it looks like my AC compressor is leaking I'm sure it just started since the car has been sitting for a couple weeks. Anyone know what the price range to fix that is or do I need a new compressor? It still works and blows cold air but I know once all the oil leaks out its gonna stop working.
 
thnx shredicus i guess its time to put my income tax money to work. any idea what the price range to get this fixed is?
 
Yes, you need a new compressor. They don't repair these. As you were advised, you need to replace it quickly before it runs out of oil. If it runs out before you replace it, it will tear itself apart and contaminate the whole system.

I think that the dealer charge is around $500 to $700.
 
I dont know how reliable they are used or reman. but these types of leaks are relatively rare. I cant say I have any experience or expertise to recommend or dismiss these but you can buy used ones pretty darn cheap that's roughly equivalent to picking one up from a scrap yard.

http://www.lowmileageparts.com/2002-Lincoln-LS-AC-Compressor-80846.aspx

If you're looking for a new OEM unit I'd contact Max at fivestarford in the ad to the right and give Tasca auto parts a call as well. They'll both do better than dealer pricing.
 
It'll be going in the shop this coming Monday when I have a day off hopefully it can wait a week bummer I was looking to getn some wheels for it haha.
 
joegr said:
Yes, you need a new compressor. They don't repair these. As you were advised, you need to replace it quickly before it runs out of oil. If it runs out before you replace it, it will tear itself apart and contaminate the whole system.

I think that the dealer charge is around $500 to $700.
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Once it starts leaking, as long as you dont use the ac it wont tear itself and contaminate the cooling system right?
 
Shredicus said:
Fairly certain it has to be in operation to self destruct.
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Me too, but just want to make sure :D

I'm in the same boat, I just need to buy some time to save up for the compressor from max and for the dealer work.
 
Alax7 said:
Once it starts leaking, as long as you dont use the ac it wont tear itself and contaminate the cooling system right?
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Yes, this is true, but the climate control really likes to turn that compressor on, in all modes but off.
 
A/C leak

I would have the system checked out by a reliable vehicle a/c tech. Sometimes the o'ring can be replaced.
The low & high pressure valves where you connect to test pressure or fill are replaceable just like tire valves.
 
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^^ So if you're going to do that, unplug the compressor clutch. It's the only connector going onto the compressor.
I use ackits.com for all my a/c parts, and they have the gen 1 compressor for $350, although it appears the compressors may swap between gens. Aftermarket seems to list the same part, while Motorcraft has different parts.
I'd avoid Four Seasons units. They're the Duralast of the A/C world.
 
I dropped of my ls at the dealership today $840 to change my compressor and a couple other things that "suposably" they have to change there goes my income tax money.. but i thought it could be worse price wise.
 
joegr said:
Yes, this is true, but the climate control really likes to turn that compressor on, in all modes but off.
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Yea this is super annoying... Especially right now in the winter time. I could press the auto button and it is already on like 80F+ and the AC starts turning. :rolleyes:

I always press the AC button immediately and usually leave the controls on auto. This will stop the AC from engaging everytime you start the damn car.
 
Depending on what all they did, $840 is not a bad price. The compressor - aftermarket - is $350 alone.

Driz, funny note. On the 2000, if you press A/C, it comes out of auto mode. And in auto, it doesn't light the A/C button. The 2002 DATC doesn't do that.
 
oddball said:
Depending on what all they did, $840 is not a bad price. The compressor - aftermarket - is $350 alone.

Driz, funny note. On the 2000, if you press A/C, it comes out of auto mode. And in auto, it doesn't light the A/C button. The 2002 DATC doesn't do that.
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The dealer quoted me $1400 to replace the compressor last summer because they said they have to replace most everything in the system. I had it replaced at local shop for a little under $800 (compressor, R134, labor).
 
I got quoted over $1,200 parts, labor , freon. They have to replace ac manifold line also. I found brand new OEM compressor on Amazon for about $200+. Way cheaper than the dealer. Im buying my parts and having a mechanic do the work for me
 
LS4me: Weird. Then again, I'm convinced a gremlin lives right behind my DATC. The "2000" unit is actually the PCB from a 2000 in the junkyard, with the display from by 2002. Long story there.

rollingsolo: Not sure why they said they "had" to replace a line. Maybe it is damaged? As long as the compressor is replaced before chewing its own guts you don't need to replace anything else. A flush is a good idea, but not necessary. Again: only if it's caught before any shavings have gone through the system.
 
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