[PHeff]

Yes looks like a lot of heat on the seal. If you have a leak detector try to find a leak at the seal. Make sure there is enough pressure in the system.
As easy as that seal is to replace, you might replace it while it is apart. Then pull a vacuum and see if it will hold vacuum.

If you feel a compressor is necessary, they are very reasonably priced. It will come without the pulley assy. The pulley/clutch assy. will probably be more expensive that the compressor.

Phil