E30 A/C help needed - Madison

[vbhargava]

I have an 88 325i convertible and its AC isnt working. I believe the condenser is leaking but wanted to see if there were any E30 experts in the Madison area that might be able to help take a look and develop a plan to get some cold air before the summer hits. 

Thanks.

[vbhargava]

Happy to pay in $ and beer

[vbhargava]

The patient:

[P_Roloff]

Generally, a/c issues with these are expensive because they are designed for R-12 refrigerant, which is extremely expensive nowadays and also regulated as to who can buy it. 

Anyone else please feel free to chime in and correct me where wrong, but you have a few options:

1. Fix whatever leak you have and procure some R-12, fill, and be done. 

2. Convert to r-134a. Here’s a good link to a r3v thread I quickly found on the topic: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=246743

3. Leave it as is or remove it and just drive with the top down as much as possible. Unless you’re driving on a hot and rainy day or stuck in traffic on a scorching day, it’s really not bad.

Sorry for not having a more technical answer, but I feel this should give you an idea of where to start looking.

[jc43089]

Typically a leak can be found using UV dye.  Otherwise you are guessing as to where and how many leaks there are.  Fix known leaks first, then you need a vacuum pump to pull the system down and make sure it holds.  Then recharge by weight.  Do you have A/C experience?  It is a confusing concept and the key is that the change of state from liquid to gas is how the energy (heat) is moved from the evaporator to the condenser.  Also a lot of special tools are needed to do it properly, recovery pump, vacuum pump, gauge set, etc.  I would highly recommend switching to 134a as well.

[Jdesign]

If you want to do the devils dance, you can buy a AC kit with a gauge and check the pressure. Leaks are not as common but they can happen. Oring kits are cheap;

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-BMW-E30-318i-A-C-O-Ring-Kit-Rapid-Seal-Kit-Santech-09-7598-641/360574067494?epid=664090535&hash=item53f3e3a326:g:RO8AAOxyepRRyTtj 

and fairly simple to install but be prepared to pay someone a lot of money to recharge it or convert it. 

The other big fail point is the compressor clutch itself. This tends to be an easy fix, simply by removing a spacer or shaving down the clutch plate. I just recently did this on 2 of my vehicles and have strong AC once again. Best part is it cost me nothing besides a good hour of my time.

[vbhargava]

Jdesign said:

If you want to do the devils dance, you can buy a AC kit with a gauge and check the pressure. Leaks are not as common but they can happen. Oring kits are cheap;

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-BMW-E30-318i-A-C-O-Ring-Kit-Rapid-Seal-Kit-Santech-09-7598-641/360574067494?epid=664090535&hash=item53f3e3a326:g:RO8AAOxyepRRyTtj 

and fairly simple to install but be prepared to pay someone a lot of money to recharge it or convert it. 

 The other big fail point is the compressor clutch itself. This tends to be an easy fix, simply by removing a spacer or shaving down the clutch plate. I just recently did this on 2 of my vehicles and have strong AC once again. Best part is it cost me nothing besides a good hour of my time.

Thoughts on this procedure? https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=246743

[Jdesign]

vbhargava said:

Thoughts on this procedure? https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=246743

That's the way to go if you want to spend the money and do it right.