96 blazer a/c problem

[molehole]

Hi Everbody
I have a 96 blazer with only 62,000 miles. The other day I noticed that I no longer had cold A/C so I figured that it had leaked out through an o-ring. Well anyway I bought a recharge kit and charged it and it blew cold air. I came out the next morning to see if everything was still fine and found that all the r-134a had leaked out. I added a little more and then I shut the car off. I found that the freon is escaping through the front of the A/c compressor through the clutch. Is this strange because I have never heard of this happening before. Do I need just a clutch or is the compressor shot?? I should mention that for some reason the previous owner replaced the compressor with a evap inc. aftermarket compressor.
Any help is appreciated
Micah

[rlith]

You need a whole compressor

[molehole]

Isn't there a gasket between the compressor and the clutch that can be replaced? Like I said before, the compressor that is on it is a remanufactured one, so I know that its not the original one. If it is the compressor which brand should I look for for better performance and reliability and where would I get it for a reasonable price?
Thanks for any and all suggestions

[rlith]

There is no gasket for the clutch... The clutch is held onto the compressor by the bearing... Your best bet is to get a dye kit and find the leak with a black light...It may not be the compressor, it could be the condensor or the drier...or a bad line..

[molehole]

A condensor, drier, or a bad line could cause a freon leak by the compressor?- I'll have to get a dye kit- thanks for the help

[rlith]

oops, my bad... I was thinking you didn't realize where it was... Anyway, the clutch itself is held on by a bearing (all it really is is a metal plate).... At this point since your gonna spend 75 bux on a dye kit when you can get a reman compressor for a 130.00 at most autoparts stores.... Replace the compressor and be done with it..

[molehole]

Thanks I'll let you know how it turns out