'Typical' compressor leak?

[oz_shade]

I have a '99 Expy that is leaking PAG oil somewhere in the compressor area. With a dye charge in the system, I can trace the liquid dripping from the underside of the exhaust manifold, coming from the front where the compressor is. Is there a typical location where compressors on the 4.6 usually leak? Is this likely to need "hard parts" in the compressor, or just a seal? Also, anyone happen to know the book time on a compressor R & R? BTW I've already received the "helpful suggestion" that I should just let a shop tear into it for an estimate. I'm living up north here, and it doesn't get hot very often. If the heater ever breaks, I'll fix it not bypass it. A/C is less of a need, so if it can't be done under three or four hundred bucks, I'll just quit using it. So please, if you have ***actual hands-on experience*** with a leak in this location, or have had it fixed on your truck before, I'd sure like to hear about it! I want an idea what this is before I pay someone to look at it. Thanks...

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[speter4205]

Originally Posted by oz_shade

I have a '99 Expy that is leaking PAG oil somewhere in the compressor area. With a dye charge in the system, I can trace the liquid dripping from the underside of the exhaust manifold, coming from the front where the compressor is.

Is there a typical location where compressors on the 4.6 usually leak? Is this likely to need "hard parts" in the compressor, or just a seal?

Also, anyone happen to know the book time on a compressor R & R?

BTW I've already received the "helpful suggestion" that I should just let a shop tear into it for an estimate. I'm living up north here, and it doesn't get hot very often. If the heater ever breaks, I'll fix it not bypass it. A/C is less of a need, so if it can't be done under three or four hundred bucks, I'll just quit using it.

So please, if you have ***actual hands-on experience*** with a leak in this location, or have had it fixed on your truck before, I'd sure like to hear about it! I want an idea what this is before I pay someone to look at it.

Thanks...

I'm interested in this as well. my 2000 f150 (5.4) was leaking through the compressor case. I JB welded it up ( I know if it works a temporary fix at best ) to see if it would even hold, but now I can't get it to take any freon. I tried bypassin the low pressure switch, but it still wouldn't take it.

I'd like get an estimate of time, and money on this fix. My wife has fallen on the latest economic conditions (i.e. laid off) so I kinda have to try to fix this myself. I am fairly mechanically inclined, but not so much with A/C systems.