Now, Michael, you know the answer to that question...

The leak on the compressor seal is below the "water line", or in this case,
below the oil level. Even though the whole system is pressurized, the oil
is the only thing coming out because the R-12 is simply pushing down on the
oil, and oil is squirting out.

The caveat: I don't know whether R-12 mixes with, or permeates the oil. If
some AC genius can confirm that it doesn't, than I am right. If it DOES
permeate the oil, than I am wrong, and you may want to mark this date on
your calendar.

BTW I feel vindicated about the Bernoulli gas/water column gauge thing.
Thanks to all who explained. You can take Tuesday the 17th off your
calendar as a day I was wrong. :)

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Michael Townsend [SMTP:townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE]
Sent:   Friday, August 20, 1999 8:03 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Sealing Compressors

That's interesting,

I had mine evacuated, the receiver dryer replaced, and the system
recharged.
(The DPO's left broken for at least 4 years) It has worked fine all
summer -- which is important down here in the land of 98 F, 37C; 90%
humidity.  Anyway, there is compressor oil stains all over the underside of
the compressor, and all around the metal cooling pipe below it.  I have
even
seen a drop of oil on the lowest point of this pipe below the compressor.
How can the compressor be leaking so much oil without leaking the R-12?
 How
long do I have before it locks up?

Thanks,
Michael Townsend

-----Original Message-----
>
>|      Napa has compressor shaft seal kits  for $10 - $20 depending on the
>| sanden model in your van and your discount rate.  The compressor is
>probably
>| ok