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oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:50 pm
by allypally
I have an oil leak from behind the A/C compressor. The clear oil is running down between the brackets and down the front of the sump.
It is clear oil like diesel but it has no smell and i cant see where it can be coming from. I cant see any oil behind the alternator or from bosch pump above it.
The A/C hasent worked for over a year so i cant see why it would just start leaking an oily substance.
Has anyone any ideas please?

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:25 pm
by gumby6371
not 100% on what bits are where on the hdi engine but could it be power steering fluid ?

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 7:50 am
by allypally
Thanks for reply but not power steering fluid. Cheers

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 12:44 pm
by Doggy
Could it be diesel - perished leak-off pipe(s), perhaps?

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 5:41 pm
by Busman
A/C compressor oil is clear and odourless, just a thought.

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:58 am
by allypally
Thanks for reply's. The oil seems to be clear and odorless. As the A/C has not worked for some time and i thought that the compressor has only a small amount of oil in it, i thought it would eventually stop. It does seem slower though. I cant determine if it is oil or Diesel.
It could be diesel running down behind the power steering pump, alternator, from high pressure diesel pump at the top.

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:41 am
by allypally
I have had another look and cannot see any diesel running down from HP pump. Also the oil on bottom of A/C compressor does not smell of Diesel. I have checked A/C system and there is no pressure in it. So where is the oil coming from. Can the oil be drained from the compressor ?
Thanks to all who have taken the time to reply.

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 10:38 pm
by Busman
when i fitted a new compressor, it needed quite a bit of oil, although the exact quantity escapes me. From what you've said that would be my guess, although it would be a guess.
How long since it's worked?

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:53 am
by allypally
Thanks Busman. A/C not worked for about 18mths. I had it charged beginning of summer 2011 and it worked for two months so i expect it has a leak. I pressed both schrader valves to see if any pressure and there was nothing. I wonder if all the oil has drained down to compressor and is now leaking out.
My worry now is if it has no oil will it eventually seize up on me even though the pump is not running as such only turning the drive pulley.
I am considering removing it if possible and putting a smaller belt on but i am having trouble finding a belt diagram for non A/C model.
I suspect there is an additional idler pulley at bottom on non A/C models but i am unable to confirm. I know they sell belts for non A/C models.
Thanks again for your help.

Re: oil leak from behind A/C compressor HDI mod

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 2:48 pm
by lozz
Disconect the plug on the A/c compressor so it carnt engage,
the pulley is on a free wheeling clutch, so iwouidnt worry to much unless its giving off any noise