Air con refurb best option

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Paul02

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Hello
I know there are lots of posts on air con but can someone tell me whats the easiest and best method of refurbing or renewing to a more modern system . Car is a 73 with a york system that looks old and wasn't working .

I would prefer to take the stripped out car ( as it is now ) to an air con shop but am in the UK and have not found one yet who wants to do it .

I am in the process of fitting an e12 535i engine from an 81 car which has a bosch compessor on it . Could I use this compressor with some of the original system.

If someone could point me to the link on here which describes the best option I would be grateful.
Many thanks
Paul
 
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In terms of a "more modern system", what exactly are you looking for?

The system is comprised of several parts, all of which impact the system performance:
1. Compressor
2. Condenser
3. Evaporator
4. Blower
5. Dryer
6. Working fluid

Most people switch out the old York compressor with a more modern Sanden unit. It takes less power and compresses more efficiently, improving the cooling. The condenser and evaporator are generally fixed, as they are dimensioned to fit the car. I recall "thehackmechanic" talking about his AC R&R, and short of getting a custom unit, you are stuck with stock there. The dryers haven't changed much, so that is ok. The working fluid is where things get bad. The old fluid (R-12) is more efficient in this kind of system than the modern stuff (R-134a) but R-12 is banned in most developed countries due to its detrimental effects on the atmosphere. So, you will end up with worse performance (in terms of cooling) than old stock, even with the Sanden, unless you make custom condensers and evaporators, which gets mighty expensive.

There's a bloke on bimmerforums that recently upgraded his E-24's AC system, including the condenser. Here's the link:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1428869&highlight=condenser
Should give you some information.
 
Thanks fellas
Atlas when I said more modern I just meant newer as my pipework looks like it had seen better days and just with the passage of time I thought an upgrade must be avaliable . So it looks like I need a sanden compresser ( any particular model number ? ) and that I keep the condenser ( rad like bit at the front ? and get this refurbed ? and the same goes with the bit in the car ( evaporater ? ) . All these question marks are because I am not sure I have the drift of this.
If I can't get a sanden in the UK do you know of a stockist in NJ or NY as I have friends there , although they are not car people.
All the best
Paul
London
 
I got my Sanden compressor from these guys

http://www.iceac.com/

They are the folks that supplied thehackmechanic with the parts he needed for his installation. The important thing is they can also supply the compressor mounting bracket. I also bought a new condenser from them. Haven't mounted it all up yet so no report there.

R-12 is still available in the States, it just costs more and you have to get it from a licensed A/C repair shop. I've checked with a couple of shops around here and can get it if necessary.
 
Thanks again guys , found an air con guy who says he can supply a sanden and get my whole system up and running .Will be taking the advice from here with me .
Paul
 
condenser dimensions

Anyone know the exact dimensions of the condenser if I wanted someone to fabricate new parallel flow type? probably having iceac.com do it.

chuck
 
Doesn't specifically answer your question, but here goes: Original= 18dc2 which converts to 279 in2.

The condensers come in standard sizes, so you pick the closest to the radiator opening or existing coil. They are about a third more efficient than standard.

Here's a link: http://www.ackits.com/c/Parallel/Parallel+Flow+Condensers+-+Aluminum.html

There are many a/c suppliers.
 
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Any competent A/C shop can order a parallel flow condensor, there is no secret sauce involved. As stated they come in standard sizes and you just pick the biggest one that will fit without interfering. I did this 8 years ago for a 230SL.
 
Bwana said:
R-12 is still available in the States, it just costs more and you have to get it from a licensed A/C repair shop. I've checked with a couple of shops around here and can get it if necessary.
Click to expand...

Yes, that has been my experience too - even in highly-regulated California. You pay about 4X as much for R-12 as R-232, but you really don't need that much. Looking at the total bill for an A/C overhaul, refrigerant will represent about 2% - quadrupling the price doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things.

Disclaimer: I made up all the numbers in the above post to illustrate a point - not to provide 100% accuracy.
 
R-12

I pay about $20/ can locally through Craigslist in the parts section. I'm cheap ( parsimonious?) and like to do it myself.

For those who are doing their own work, the most important tips are:

1. Pull a vacumn to make sure there are no leaks and to evacuate the system overnight which removes any moisture so the freon is at it's most efficient. Harbour Freight sells one for about $20.

2. Filling- the charge hoses are difficult to get on as they're close to the engine, etc. I attach on a cold engine ( Unless you're a gluten for burns)and crack the valve to make sure that expensive can isn't wasted. I put a thermomenter in the air discharge. Usually, the temperature won't move below 60 until the very last can is in place at which time it moves rapidly to 40 degrees. In other words, the last 10 percent is the most critical for best results even when the site glass is relatively clear.

GO slow at the end and marvel at the wonders of your coupe with cool air.
 
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