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A6 compressor leaking around shaft seal

cmeseadoin on Fri May 23, 2008 8:38 AM User is offline

Year: 1976
Make: Buick
Model: 225 Limited
Engine Size: 455CI
Refrigerant Type: R134A

Hey guys,

My project now is my 1976 Electra A/C. I replaced the compressor in this car a while back with my conversion to 134, which is a big ole A6. It is now leaking around the front shaft seal and blowing oil out from between the idler pulley and the clutch plate.... throwing the oil up on the underside of the hood and all around within 360 degrees of the compressor under the hood making a mess. I would like to know how hard it is to replace the shaft seal and where I can get a seal from? I assume that would most likely be the cause? I have the compressor presently out of the car and on the bench. I have the hub bolt off and now I need to get the GM clutch plate puller tool to thread into the plate and pull it off the keyed shaft. Once that is done, I know there is a snap ring in there to pull off then my coil and idler should come off. To get to the shaft seal, does the entire compressor have to come apart? I am not familiar with what is inside of this thing, but I want to learn and worse thing that can happen is I mess it up and have to buy another compressor which is not the end of the world for me. It works great but obviously something is not right with the front of the compressor leaking like it does. I am trying to learn and save myself from just throwing another compressor on the car. Anyone have any advise for me? :-) Do I have to take the back plate off that is held on with four big nuts that affix to the welded to the case shanks? Where is the seal available from? Anyone have any experience with these big old A6's and rebuilding them? Thanks!

Chris

Dougflas on Fri May 23, 2008 10:50 AM User is offline

You do not have to disassemble the compressor. There is a snap ring in the front and with the proper tools, it all comes apart. Use a double lip seal as a replacement. Have done many over the years. I use a test plate on the rear to pressurize the replacement. Do not be surprised if the new onw leaks until you turn the shaft a few hundred times to seat the seal.

Edited: Fri May 23, 2008 at 10:51 AM by Dougflas

cmeseadoin on Fri May 23, 2008 2:27 PM User is offline

Dougflas,


Thank you! I have been looking at other postings regarding these A6's and it appears that many of them tend to want to throw oil. Do you know the names of the tools I need and where I could get them? I have an array of small to large snap ring pliers but I know I need a seal extractor to get the old seal out and a seal installer to get the new one in? I would be willing to expense the tools just to gain the knowledge. What about the double lipped seal? Where are these things available? Thank you for the help!!!

Chris

Dougflas on Fri May 23, 2008 4:20 PM User is offline

You can get everything at AMa from Tim. Click on the sponser of this board or give them a call.

oznznut on Fri May 23, 2008 6:54 PM User is offline

I would suggest purchasing the Mastercool Basic Auto A/C Service manual from Tim at AMA. Can't remember what I paid, but I would guess about 20 bucks. Has detailed step-by-step procedure for changing the A6 seal--and a BUNCH of other good stuff.
Dave

oznznut on Fri May 23, 2008 7:11 PM User is offline

Search title " GM front seal replace" by Huskyguy dated 26 April 2007. Has good pictures, steps, parts numbers. Should see you through
Dave

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