A/C Compressor Shaft Seal Replacement

[Carl Haines]

Has anybody trie replacing the shaft seals on their A/C compressor?

My A/C leaks and it is obviously leaking out the compressor shaft. It looks as though a replacement compressor is difficult to find. If I do find one, it will likely be expensive. Therefore, I am entertaining the idea of replacing the shaft seals which looks like there are a few special tools involved.

Any thoughts or ideas?

[KevinK]

It is covered in the Ford repair manual. Section 36-38 for the HR-980 compressor. Yes there are a few special tools to remove the ceramic seat and seal. Kind of like pulling a lifter out. You also need to remove and reinstall the clutch (more tools).

The Motorcraft site lists the 84 seal as YF-1335 covering years 1981 thru 1995 but didn't say what compressor it was for.

[Carl Haines]

As of right now, I have removed the pulley and clutch. I left the dust shield in place until I am ready to change the seals. They do sell aftermarket seal kits for this compressor, which is what I was planning to use. The main thing I was looking for is whether or not I can successfully change the seal without having the special tool set. Any suggestions or ideas on improvised tools would be helpful. The system is low on freon and has not been opened up to the outside air yet. I'd like to do this in one shot, rather then look at replacing the accumulator as the result of opening up the system and leaving it open if I hit a snag while replacing the seals.

Also, I do have the manual and looked over the section on the HR980. That is why I know that there are special tools involved.

[8T6 SVO]

I have an extra Seal Kit. There is a special tool (I borrowed one from the local Ford dealer).

Let me know if your interested in the seal kit - I also might have some compressor hub parts, nuts, etc.

8T6

[turbizzy]

Whoa, i thought the Tecumseh HR-980 was not serviceable at all due to its welded case and blah blah. Hmm. I guess i was wrong. But even all my school material says its not. What gives?

Could you not switch to a turbocoupe compressor and do the serp. belt swap at once?

[Carl Haines]

8T6, What tool did you need? The one for the O-ring or the one for the ceramic seal? Let me know how much you want for the seal kit.

turbizzy, The only thing servicable on this compressor is the shaft seals. The compressor cannot be rebuilt AFAIK.

[8T6 SVO]

Originally posted by Carl Haines
8T6, What tool did you need? The one for the O-ring or the one for the ceramic seal? Let me know how much you want for the seal kit.

I used a new compressor during replacement and installed a new field, pulley, and clutch. On the f,p,& c assembly, there is a pulley retaining nut that needs to be installed with a special tool (a deep well socket with two nubs - a spanner wrench type socket Ford tool # T83P-19623-A) and tourqued to 65-75 Lb-Ft. You will need this tool when you take the Pulley off and on the outer hub.

The seal assembly is located on the inside the hub, and you need the Rotunda T719P-19703-M or the Motorcraft YT-486 tool to remove & replace the "ceramic seal seat". There are other tools to install the "O" ring, to protect the shaft seal, etc. which all are in the Rotunda or Motorcraft HR980 compressor kit. Though you can probably do with out a couple of these tools, it would be beneficial to have this complete kit. Saves the hassel of re-do's.

The Ford seal kit I have comes with 5 parts:

Seal assembly
Ceramic seal seat
"O" ring
Snap ring
Dust cap

If you don't have access to the Ford Manual, I can scan the pages you need to perform the tasks involved with the seal replacement. The seal kit is $25.00 shipped to you.

[turbizzy]

Oh coo, i learned somethin today.

BTW: I kno someone who has an original HR-980 compressor in new Ford Box never used. I think he wanted like $200 for it. Hes who i bought mine from.