A/C Question

[416stroker]

Tested the wire with a/c running it has 12 volts. It was originally connected with a plastic connector, but it was falling apart so I removed it and covered the connection with electrical tape. Original connecter was for 3 wires but there was only the one wire going to the compressor.

it only needs that one wire.

If your system didn't have charge I'd say pull the compressor apart inspect it and if it looks OK put a new clutch on it and really seal it.

I did that with my old 24v pump

[Ryann]

Tested the wire with a/c running it has 12 volts. It was originally connected with a plastic connector, but it was falling apart so I removed it and covered the connection with electrical tape. Original connecter was for 3 wires but there was only the one wire going to the compressor.

Unless you've got a weird grounding issue between the compressor and engine, your compressor clutch is bad.

I'd suggest sourcing a good used clutch- or an entire used compressor with a good clutch attached to it. Swap clutches and you should be cool again. There are lots of guys parting cars and deleting a/c around here, try a WTB thread in the r3v Parts Wanted subforum.

[jjc-hi]

I started this conversion with a working used compressor, so how do I tell if a used compressor has a good clutch? I think I will look for an auto a/c shop that can either rebuilt my compressor/clutch or find a rebuilt compressor. Either way when I am doing this work I should also change the expansion valve, right?

Thanks to all for helping diagnose this problem.

[Ryann]

^Good used clutches emit an audible *click* when energized w/12v. There may be nothing wrong with your compressor. Based on the pressures I've seen posted lately, the real issue with 134a conversions in our cars aren't with the expansion valve but with condenser coil size/fan speed (discharge pressures are high).

[jjc-hi]

Looking around for a source for remanufactured compressor. Currently I have Denso 10P15E type compressor. Can't locate a source here in Honolulu so I an looking to order one. I found two online retailers that have the same unit.

Auto Parts Distributors

http://www.autopartsdistributors.net/product/5511804-86-91-BMW-REMANUFACTURED-NIPPON-DENSO-10P15E-COMPRESSOR-AND-CLUTCH/Default.aspx?gfid=p306-c2725

RockAuto.Com

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?catalog=14&partnum=4730302&a=FR14-4730302-642578

Both are $325. Pelican sells a 4Season for $465. Any recommendations on what brand to get or where to purchase from?

[Huff]

Just an FYI on this... The one wire that goes to the compressor actually goes through a temp switch. Then, the power goes to the clutch. That switch can go bad and cause your clutch to not work. If you can verify that power it actually getting to the clutch itself (it's the wire that goes directly to the clutch), you might save yourself some money. I've bypassed this switch (it's designed to release the clutch if the compressor locks up; it looks like a silcone block) and had compressors work fine. That switch does go bad on the compressor.

[jjc-hi]

Just an FYI on this... The one wire that goes to the compressor actually goes through a temp switch. Then, the power goes to the clutch. That switch can go bad and cause your clutch to not work. If you can verify that power it actually getting to the clutch itself (it's the wire that goes directly to the clutch), you might save yourself some money. I've bypassed this switch (it's designed to release the clutch if the compressor locks up; it looks like a silcone block) and had compressors work fine. That switch does go bad on the compressor.

Thanks, I haven't decided where to get the rebuilt compressor yet, so I'll check this out first. Still sweating it out.