AC

[curtdfw]

Well, I've put three 12 oz cans of R-134 into the system and I'm getting up to 40 psi low, 160 psi high with the barest amount of cooling noticeable in mild (~75F) weather. The next day they're down around zero. I tried some red dye, and can't find any indication of leaks, or obvious stuff like dirt accumulations around fittings etc.

What more or less hidden connections can I be missing?

[pdxmotorhead]

You usually need a UV light to see the leaks, its not visible with the naked eye.

You have to use a full on professional style 2 gauge system on the BMW ac unit, the correct amount of R134 is really sensitive. Put in a ounce or two too much and you'll lock the compressor. It also runs at a funny pressure level compared to other R134 systems. If I recall the high side is like 30 lbs lower than a chevy or ford system.

There was a TSB on the expansion valves on 90's BMW's for noise and improper operation.

Dave

Dave

[curtdfw]

Thanks - I have a gauge set (though admittedly not pro grade), and I chose the red dye because it allegedly didn't require a black light, but I've been fooled before. So where are they hiding that expansion valve?

How're things in Puddletown? Spent most of my adult life there, the last ten years with my '74 2002. I miss the beer...

[pdxmotorhead]

Freeking WET.... I am ready for any sun...

I use a Harbour Freight set, it does the job... The expansion valve should be in the manual, its a copper gadget with a coil of tubing ,,, it howls occasionally when my AC kicks in.

Dave

[curtdfw]

The Bentley E36 manual (which seems to deal mostly with sedans & 6-cyl cars) shows the expansion valve behind the glove box - to your knowledge is location the same for the ti? Looks entertaining to get to...

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

You have a good differential on your pressures. Have you done a touch feel test? Is the high side super hot leaving the compressor? Is the low side going in the compressor cold? Is the high side fromthe condensor cooled off to a acceptable temp before hitting the expansion valve?

Did you pull a fulll 30hg vacuum and hold if for 30minutes beforeyou charged the system? If not you might have a small amount of moisture in there which causes a freeze lock when the freon goes through the expansion valve and evaporates...

If your touch feel test passes then you mught have a situation where the A/C is coolingbut your stck in half heat half A/C so your not feeling the cold air...

Just some ideas

[hotmilk400]

atleast you do not have problems like mine.

the first summer i had it, the AC worked.

the 2nd summer, it did not work, and would blow fuses

the 3rd summer, it worked even better then the 1st summer (i did nothing to it)

now this summer, it wont work, and the fuses are okay??

haha

the Green light on the switch even light. i think i have a short on the AC compressor or something, but i am not sure why it works 1 year and not the next..

ehh.. i don't have time for AC problems.. life is to short, and the shops want to much. =/