A/C compressor question

[davew833]

The '94 LS I just got was in need of an A/C recharge. I suspected a leak so I put a can of stop leak with dye in, followed by a can of R134a. System seems to be operating fine and I saw no obvious leaks at the connections, but the compressor seems to 'hiss' for a few minutes after I shut the car off, gradually reducing in volume before finally stopping. The charge held overnight (at least enough to engage the compressor- I can't take a pressure reading since someone stole my manifold gauges.) but is that hissing normal? If refrigerant's leaking out of the compressor I'm surprised the whole system didn't discharge.

I'm guessing the hissing isn't normal, but I thought I'd ask before I go looking for a new compressor.

[SoCal LS-L]

Yes it is leaking.... mine did that too. Eventually over probably a few days it will bleed out enough to kick the pressure switch and disable the system.

[ensteele]

I would check the O-Rings where the hoses attach at the compressor. That is a very common place for the system to leak. It may not be the compressor at all.

[SomethingElse]

Originally Posted by ensteele

I would check the O-Rings where the hoses attach at the compressor. That is a very common place for the system to leak. It may not be the compressor at all.

+1... They get so brittle all you have to do is lean on one of those hoses coming off the compressor and it will leak at those O-rings.

[davew833]

The hiss seems to be coming from the front of the compressor- I didn't see any dye coming out of the hose attachments to the compressor. I'll check more closely though. (I hope it's not the front seal of the compressor.)