Sanden Compressor leak

[OverlandZJ]

I have a leaking Sanden compressor on my 94. I tried to charge it the other day (factory 134a) and now i see evidence of a leak behind the clutch assembly where it bolts to the rest of the Sanden body.

I tried to tighten the bolts, but they arent going anywhere.

Is there an oring or something that needs replacing, is it servicable, or should i just spring for another compressor?

 

[jeepdude10000]

It is serviceable, and i belive it is a end seal like a crank on the engine(not same size).
u might need some type of puller for the clutch.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PDFs/

 

[anony91xj]

You need special tools to rebuild a compressor. It's probably time for a new one. Get a reman'd unit with a warranty, or if you need something cheap call local junkyards.

 

[Mudd]

My '88 has a Sanden SD-508. With a sniffer I detected leakage "just behind the clutch assembly". Research showed a high probability that it was the shaft seal. I ordered a shaft seal kit, o-rings, receiver-dryer, and expansion valve from ACSource.com and ACSource.net (they seem to be the same people but it cost me two shipping charges to get everything). On eBay I found a shaft seal tool kit for $25. The guy still has some: http://tinyurl.com/pmro3. He shipped fast and the kit works great. You don't have to pull the clutch, just the face plate. The Sanden repair manual is online: http://www.sanden.com/support/servicemanual/index.html. It tells exactly how to change the seal. Overall it wasn't too difficult. I am a mechanic so your opinion of "wasn't too difficult" may differ My system is the old R-12. Previous owners had "converted" to R-134a. I changed the oil to PAG and charged with R-134a. It cools pretty well overall. We're into triple digits now in central Oklahoma and the temperature at the vents is 60 deg f. With a black XJ and no window tint it's barely adequate but it's better than driving with the windows down. During milder weather it's fine.

Sounds like you have a leaking seal. You can do it yourself and save some money if you like to wrench. I cannot stomach the thought of buying a compressor because a little piece of rubber is leaking.

Good luck,
John

 

[OverlandZJ]

JeepDude...thanks for Bill's link, it's been downloaded and printed out.

Mudd, thanks for your input and the link which i'll also check out. I'm not afraid of wrenching and will look into this some more. I'll have to see if there is any variation in this procedure when comparing an R-12 and R134a compressor.

I might just try a u-pull compressor since i have to make a run this weekend anyways. Thanks Guys.