The Detailed E30 R-134a Conversion Thread/DIY

[jeffnhiscars]

A couple more notes.

The insulated tape isn't to seal but rather is to limit condensation at the expansion valve and connections.

Any AC will under perform at idle given the lack of air flow to help dissipate heat. My understanding of a swap is you delete the mechanical fan which would actually have a negative effect on air flow at idle.

There is no magic bullet. Clean tight system, evac to 500 microns, charge and go.

[Caperix]

A few thoughts. My HVAC box has three drains. One on each side then one in the middle near the ash tray.

For the leaking near the expansion valve, find some insulated tape, when that area is dry, and seal it all up.

I’ve rebuild my system and at idle the performance is poor. With my 325E and the low gear I’ve started staying in a gear lower than normal to keep the RPMs up.

I'll have to look into that 3rd drain & pick up some insulation tape. I guess the poor idle performance is just one more reason to look into a 24 valve swap.

[tomstin]

I blew air through both drains from the bottom, the pass side is pita to get at.

One other question on converting to r134a, is it normal for them to have poor performance at idle?

A few thoughts. My HVAC box has three drains. One on each side then one in the middle near the ash tray.

For the leaking near the expansion valve, find some insulated tape, when that area is dry, and seal it all up.

I’ve rebuild my system and at idle the performance is poor. With my 325E and the low gear I’ve started staying in a gear lower than normal to keep the RPMs up.

[Caperix]

That could be a cause but don't rule out a clogged drain

I blew air through both drains from the bottom, the pass side is pita to get at. Both drains do have water draining out of them, when I pulled back the corner of the center console it looked to be running down the side of the box from further up.
I do not know how long the a/c did not work in this car, I feel like it was probably a large number of years. I did not see anything obvious when I replaced the expansion valve, but the insulation was falling apart.
One other question on converting to r134a, is it normal for them to have poor performance at idle? I have replaced every part but the evaporator & have a spal 16" pusher installed. With some rpm it works great, but at idle in 90 degree heat with 90% humidity its a little warm. I need to hook some gauges to it and see what my pressures look like. I filled with 2 lbs but I don't know if the parallel flow condenser increases capacity.

[jeffnhiscars]

Does that help with moisture as well? I am getting water running down the pass side of my heater box with the AC on. I need to pull the glove box & find the source, but I suspect it is the expansion valve or lines.

That could be a cause but don't rule out a clogged drain

[Caperix]

I bought a roll of 2" insulating foam tape from an AC supply house.

Does that help with moisture as well? I am getting water running down the pass side of my heater box with the AC on. I need to pull the glove box & find the source, but I suspect it is the expansion valve or lines.

[bellerto]

It's hard to see but the compressor seems to have a wobble. Do I need to contact the seller?

Because it's a video it won't let me do anything but post the link. Sorry

https://www.flickr.com/photos/946846...posted-public/

Hi there. I was looking at your video and trying to figure out the parts needed to mount this on the M20 engine.

I believe the black brackets on the screenshot attached are needed and I can probably fabricate these myself. But I was wondering if this is mounted to the OEM bracket that attaches to the engine block listed here: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/64521717007/

Any chance you can confirm that is what you are using with the SD508 or post a picture of what you have? EDIT: Actually, this looks like the Sanden bracket on this post: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=358611 that is not easy to find.

Thanks.

[jeffnhiscars]

Thank you Jeff! Sorry to be a newb, but what do you mean by "pierce the new fins" on a replacement evaporator?


Cory

The evaporator has soft aluminum fins and while there is a guide hole on the heavier steel end plate, the fins themselves do not have holes for the sensor. Its easy to drive something through the fins but the sensor itself is not rigid enough for this task and WILL deflect.

Hence, use a thin screw driver or awl (something with a semblance of a point) o create a straight bore for the sensor. It doesn't have to be a precise fit as the sensor is measuring air temp.

[cory58]

2. Just above the gas pedal. It's there to deactivate the compressor if the evaporator temp drops below 38. If you replace the evaporator DO NOT use the sensor to pierce the new fins. It is too soft and can deflect which, in my case it did, and blocked the blend door.

Thank you Jeff! Sorry to be a newb, but what do you mean by "pierce the new fins" on a replacement evaporator?


Cory

[jeffnhiscars]

A couple question for those who have done the "full monty" conversion.

1. If I am replacing the expansion valve, how much extra work/hassle is it to replace the evaporator core "while I'm in there?"

2. Where is the evaporator temperature sensor located? What does it do? I don't see it mentioned in conversion threads.

Thanks, Cory

1. Very little since you've already removed the glove box, disconnected the hoses etc. u less you think it leaks or is badly gunned up, you may want to just flush it.

2. Just above the gas pedal. It's there to deactivate the compressor if the evaporator temp drops below 38. If you replace the evaporator DO NOT use the sensor to pierce the new fins. It is too soft and can deflect which, in my case it did, and blocked the blend door.

[cory58]

A couple question for those who have done the "full monty" conversion.

1. If I am replacing the expansion valve, how much extra work/hassle is it to replace the evaporator core "while I'm in there?"

2. Where is the evaporator temperature sensor located? What does it do? I don't see it mentioned in conversion threads.

Thanks, Cory

[bellerto]

I'm just stating a fact, but....I will look in to making these when we get back from Canada since there is clearly a need.

Hi Jeff,
Any chance you can share the details on what exactly needs to be fabricated for this? Im willing to find a machinist to make them and ship them at cost to anyone interested.

Is it just an adapter to fit the compressor onto the OEM tensioner bracket, to the engine mount bracket, or both? Would the adapters be different depending on the r12 compressor in place (Denso, Behr, etc)?

I never imagined it would be such a PITA to replace the compressor on these cars.

Thanks.

[cory58]

Exactly....and I would never mention that my e30 has ANYTHING from a Prius.

Just sayin :)

Kinda like putting a plaid golf umbrella cover in your E30....???

[PDXPeter]

Exactly....and I would never mention that my e30 has ANYTHING from a Prius.

Just sayin :)

LOL, the Tesla one is only about $200 :D

[parkerbink]

Whats wrong with Priii?

lol

We have a '15 and it's great.