AC expansion valve?????

[dm635]

system still holds pressure,but does not cool.looking into the sight glass it appears to be a thick and dark something running thru the lines.at minimum i know that the drier and the expansion valve will need replaced,as well as flushing the lines.
my question is does the heater/AC box have to come out to get to the exp. valve?if so that's more work than i care to get into.but i also wouldn't trust someone else tearing my dash out.

[jmenacker]

On our '84 Euro the expansion valve can be seen on the side of the console if the glove box door is dropped. It looks kind of tight back there. Perhaps the expansion valve can be replaced with the console in place with enough patience and skill.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/jmenacker/84-635/1984BMW-635-ExpansionValve1.jpg

Joe M in WV

[dm635]

thanks Joe for the pic.i'll have to take another look.i've had the interior(including the console)out on mine before.but i don't think mine is visible.if so i should see it by dropping the glove box.i've heard the exp valve can get clogged,but also back flushed.i don't know why the freon looks black,maybe the insides of the drier came apart.when the compressor is turning all you can see is slow moving dark bubbles.thanks for the tip.

[jmenacker]

When l was ordering the expansion valve, Steve Haygood asked if the valve was in the console or in the engine compartment. I'm guessing that the ones in the engine compartment are for dual a/c models with the rear cooler.

Anyway, if yours isn't in the console, it may be worthwhile looking around the firewall area on the passenger side.

Joe M in WV

[dm635]

i recently found the difference between the early and late 86.mine is early and just has the normal AC.sons is a late 86 and has the rear AC,and there is something at the fender/firewall on his in the line.Mine also has vents in the C pillar behind the drip rail,sons does not.must have closed that vent up when rear AC came along.

[Alex E24 E30]

I too am having A/C problems, and have been troubleshooting here and there to see what the problem might be. Where is the sight glass that you're talking about? My compressor runs, but something between it and the console is shot. Previous owner said that it worked intermittently, but I have yet to have it work for me. All I know is that the underhood blower motor makes one heck of a grinding noise if turned on. The in dash motor works fine.

Thanks,
Alex