I have 1990 f350 460, freon leaks at comp. shaft seal(md#FX-15 comp.) i called around and can buy one for $16. does anyone know how to replace this seal and do i need any special tools ? i know i need to recover my freon to do this. thanks

 

just went ahead and did this, it seems to have worked, no more leaks. it is pretty easy if your careful. $12 is better than $260 for a new compressor.

 

Thanks for answering on the board! I posed this very question a few days ago with no response. Thanks, Jay

 

hey jay, just thought i would clarify the details of this job. i just removed bolt on front of comp. ,slid off the clutch plate (no need to pull off belt)pull out the felt ,& cleaned out all the dirt and oil. theres a snap ring that holds in the seal remove it and pull out the seal carefully, not to scratch shaft or comp. housing. lube new seal and felt with refrigerant oil and install. Just remember that you must recover the refrigerant first IMPORTANT: NEVER try this repair under pressure. it probably already leaked anyway steve

 

I have a 1996 F150 w/302, I have a leak in the middle of my compressor (where it mates up / comes together), do you think that this is the shaft seal leaking or is the compressor shot?

 

If it's just a light film of oil over a small area, you're probably ok. If however you have oil oozing all over the thing then the seals are shot. I doubt the compressor is shot. Someone else may know more..

 

i looked in my ford book and it only shows how to replace the shaft seal . it doesnt explain complete disassembly of the comp. are you sure its leaking from where the two halves come together?if its the shaft seal you can remove the bolt on the front of the comp. slip off clutch plate and you will see oil. also my book only covers 1990 but i think these comps. were very common.

 

Is the compressor shaft seal the seal just behind the pulley? My compressor still works great when it holds freon, but one of the front seals are allowing the pressure and oils to seap out. What do I have to do to recover the refrigerant? And where do I get new seals and oils?

 

if you dont have a recovery machine, you should have a shop do this for you, blowing off refrigerant is a no- no. my freon had already leaked out when i did this job. just depress the valve core to see if any pressure is left. i bought my seal at auto A/C parts place. i wasnt concerned with adding oil because i knew that i hadnt lost much.just make sure there is no pressure in the system if you try this.