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Did I break it? 05 Dodge compressor

bubbalinder1 on Tue February 09, 2016 4:45 PM User is offline

Year: 2005
Make: Dodge
Model: Ram 1500
Engine Size: 5.7
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Country of Origin: United States

2005 Dodge Ram with 5.7 HEMI. I am moving components out fo the way to get to the timing cover. I am not disconnecting any ac lines, just unbolting the compressor and moving it out of the way. After removing bolts, the compressor was wedged pretty tight to the bracket, so I gently pried on it with a pry bar against the engine bracket. After giving it a nudge, the compressor starts leaking refrigerant at what appears to the be the gasket where the two halves of the compressor bolt together at the center. See pictures for which compressor it is and the approximate area I was prying on it. I sprayed soapy water in the area to try to see where it was leaking, but was not able to. the compressor is still wedged into the bracket and I'm too angry/afraid to try to remove it at the moment. It leaked a tiny hiss of refrig for a couple of minutes and stopped. I know it still has lots of pressure left.

Suggestions?
did I destroy the compressor housing?
is it possible for a shop (or me) to take the compressor apart and replace the gasket and be good to go?
Should I check pressure and add refrig if necessary?

Thanks



Edited: Tue February 09, 2016 at 5:05 PM by bubbalinder1

GM Tech on Tue February 09, 2016 6:39 PM User is offline

When you are done moving everything around and you put compressor back- I'd snug down the compressor through bolts a little more- as long as it is not hissing, or showing signs of oil and dye- I'd be happy- you can't distort the cylinders halves- they are hard molded aluminum . but you can aggravate the gasket seal in between them- which is probably what has happened- try re-torquing the through bolts- used "mechanics" torque- a small wrench cannot strip the threads- a big one can- just be careful. Then watch it over time- se if it exhibits oil or dye leakage.

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

bubbalinder1 on Tue February 09, 2016 11:08 PM User is offline

Whew! Thanks GM Tech. I am a degreed mechanical engineer, so I was hoping that would be the answer and it does make sense. Thanks so much for the quick reply. My anger was getting the better of me, and now I can relax about it.

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