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Question

I am having trouble with a freinds 325 is conv. The A/C in his car has not worked since he bought it, apparently due to a burned clutch on the compressor. He bought a 134a kit which included a compressor, drier and orifice/temperature block. While disconnecting the high pressure hose from the old compressor, I found a small stainless steel disk in the hose at the joint(I have a picture). I figured this was the cause for the failed compressor. However, after the swap, the A/C uses WAY too much power and his gas milage plummets. What could be the problem and how can I find out?

Submitted: 114 days and 17 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $20
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Year: 1990
Make: BMW
Model: 325 is conv

Already Tried:
Thinking of looking at pressures to determine if:
a. bad drier
b. plugged line/fitting
c. bad temperature control block

Posted by Sam 114 days and 17 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello and welcome to Just Answer.

 

How big of a gas mileage decrease are you talking about?

 

What year is the car?

114 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

It is a 1990 325 is conv. Although I don't know exactly, the gas milage may drop by half on the highway.

Posted by Sam 114 days and 17 hours ago.

Info Request

How much oil was extracted from the old system?

 

How much oil was added to the new system?

 

What type of oil was used?

114 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

The kit provided the oil, although I'm not sure of the type. I didn't remove any oil, although the compressor and drier probably held much of the old oil. I added maybe 3-4 oz.

Posted by Sam 114 days and 17 hours ago.

Info Request

That could be your problem. R134a and R12 oils are not compatible. If 3-4 ounces of R12 oil was in the system and you added the supplied oil, there will be way too much oil in the system, and the wrong type of oil.

 

What other components were replaced with the retrofit kit?



Edited by Sam on 7/31/2009 at 3:50 AM

114 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

Whoops. I want to correct my previous reply. The oil I used is labeled "Johnsen's ESTER Premium synthetic lubricant for R134a Systems" I added 6 oz of the 8 oz container. The kit indicated that the whole 8 oz should be added.

The only components in the kit were the compressor, drier and the temperature valve.

Posted by Sam 114 days and 17 hours ago.

Info Request

Was the system flushed before the new components were installed?

114 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

I flushed the system, although I'm not sure how well. After seeing the little disc, I was concerned there may have other debris/parts in the system.

By the way, how much oil should be added after changing these parts?

Posted by Sam 114 days and 16 hours ago.

Answer

The BMW literature says 3.4 ounces of oil.

 

Too much oil could be the issue.

 

I would check the pressures first before you evac the system again.

114 days and 16 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks - I will flush the system again and add the proper amount of oil. Is there a way that I can let you know if this resolved the issue?

Accepted Answer

Just keep answering here. No need to start a new question.

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Expert: Sam
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 7/31/2009

BMW Master technician

BMW S.T.E.P. graduate, 10 years BMW dealership experience

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