95-530: A/C Condenser leaking badly, replacement suggestions?

[demetk]

Finally got around to making the A/C system on the 530 coexist with the M30 engine. After building 2 hoses and changing the expansion valve and receiver drier, wouldn't you know it, it leaked live a sieve. It was loosing 1 psi per minute. Anyways I finally narrowed down my A/C leak to the condenser.

Looking at some condensers available I can get a Nissens for $90 or a Behr for about $136. I'm thinking the Nissens would do just fine.

Suggestions are welcome.

[SW530]

Put a behr on mine last summer. Works great. No idea how it compares.

[demetk]

I'm about to find out how nice the Nissens is. As long as the threads work and it holds pressure it should be just fine.

[ross1]

Start soaking those fittings now. I've struggled mightily with those in the past. Galvanic corrosion. I'd try acidic wheel cleaner first, then penetrating oil.
Good luck, don't be surprised if the lines twist the ends off.

[Binjammin]

Start soaking those fittings now. I've struggled mightily with those in the past. Galvanic corrosion. I'd try acidic wheel cleaner first, then penetrating oil.
Good luck, don't be surprised if the lines twist the ends off.

Oh, AMEN. Not just on e34s, but on so many, many cars.

[demetk]

So I successfully disconnected the condenser with minimal problems. My luck may be improving.

[demetk]

Small update.

Got the Nissens condenser in and installed it. It seems to work at getting the temps down. I'm getting 40 degrees at the vents with R134, which is fine for now. However, the build quality is crap. Talk about cheep. So it looks like I got what I paid for. Should have done the Behr instead.

Getting the HVAC system to control the compressor on the swapped M30 was an interesting experience. Compressor and aux fan control interfaces between the old 95 M60B30 engine and the swapped 92 M30B35 engine harnesses was like night and day. The control pathways were totally rewritten since 92. It took a bunch of time to figure out what needed to be bypassed and rewired to get the system to work. In the end, all it took was 2 wires that were clipped off the engine harness and spliced together. LOL.

I also finished my stereo, shift surround and USB charging port. I think the car is finally ready for a long drive.

Some pics for your enjoyment. Comments are always welcome.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c375/demet_/e34/530/stereo_1.jpg~original


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c375/demet_/e34/530/usb4.jpg~original

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c375/demet_/e34/530/stereo_6.jpg~original

[Binjammin]

You need some vinyl to wrap the face of that subwoofer, other than that? Two thumbs up!

[demetk]

LOL. Now that I know it sounds good, I was going to pull it out and paint it flat black but I do like your idea of the vinyl wrap.