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Thread: Anyone doing a R134a conversion for summer? Let's pool knowledge...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
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    CT
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    My Cars
    1989 325i 4 Door 5sp

    Anyone doing a R134a conversion for summer? Let's pool knowledge...

    Hi all

    I want real A/C this summer. I've been poking around some threads, several of which are a bit older at this point and figured I'd start one to pool knowledge.

    This thread comes up often on searches: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=246743

    Does anyone have a current shopping list or experience to share?

    Mine is an '89 325i Sedan which the previous owner "converted" to R134a by changing the port and flushing. It doesn't hold a charge. Compressor is leaking some (did a UV dye test). Time to do it right.

  2. #2
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    e24e30e36e39e90
    I haven't done it yet, but I've done extensive research, here's my raw notes dump. There is a mix here of new stuff, as well as some compressor repair/rebuild info. My plan is to buy everything from rockauto.

    http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=246743

    Rock Auto Parts
    Compressor, dryer and pressure switch
    $265
    http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....011700&jsn=387

    Condensor
    $106
    http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....sn=381&jsn=381


    FOUR SEASONS 59976 R
    -12 TO R-134a RETROFIT KITS AND FITTINGS - LOW SIDE

    FOUR SEASONS 59978
    R-12 TO R-134a RETROFIT KITS AND FITTINGS - HI SIDE

    FOUR SEASONS 26773 AC System Seal Kit

    FOUR SEASONS TSR0911 Tech Select A/C Kit Reman

    http://www.compressor-intl.com/index.html

    http://www.thecompressorwarehouse.com/results.cfm

    http://www.techchoiceparts.com/inventory

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MangGmPZc6g

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn9N5sypuME

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh-KIjAqh-A


    pull vacuum before replacing all o rings
    flush system


    compressor repair parts
    http://max-ac.com/10P15E_c_22506.html

    The compressor gasket set contains mostly o-rings: 1) three large o-rings for resealing the case sections, 2) four small o-rings for resealing the suction and discharge fittings - where the shraeder (sp?) valves are located (you know, like the valves on a bicycle tire/inner tube), 3) one small o-ring for the shaft seal seat (a duplicate for the one in the shaft seal kit), and 4) five washers to use with the head bolts (again, duplicates for the ones in the shaft seal kit).



    compressor diagram
    http://www.acsource.com/10p13c10p15c...breakdown.aspx

    repair diy
    http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...so_rebuild.htm

    http://members.rennlist.com/elsies91...nsorebuild.htm

    system picture
    http://s115.photobucket.com/user/bea...nes-1.jpg.html

    refrigerant
    http://www.harborfreight.com/18-oz-a...uge-97275.html

    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...BMW-325i&mg=64

    64521386256
    10P15E
    Denso

    o rings
    http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...5&postcount=11

    oil viscosity
    https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6qM...t?pref=2&pli=1

    http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....011700&jsn=368

    http://www.techchoiceparts.com/inven...-ac-compressor

    http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113435

    http://www.exx.se/techinfo/docs/r134a_retrofit.pdf

    http://www.compressorsoftheworld.com...ompressors.php

    NipponDenso 10p15e compressor $30
    Vapor hose from firewall to compressor w/ 5/8" tube fitting $10

    Buy the following new:
    Receiver-drier $20
    O-rings all around $3
    R134a expansion valve $20
    Compressor-to-condenser barrier hose $30

    Drain the oil from the compressor and rinse with mineral spirits.
    If you have an air compressor, flush some mineral spirits or other evaporating cleaner through each hose individually.
    Last edited by sienayr; 03-13-2018 at 04:50 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Wake Forest
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    My Cars
    2004 525i, 1985 325E
    I plan on taking this on next month. I have a lot of the parts. I had a local shop covert all the rubber hoses to R134 compliant. I have cleaned all the hoses but will do it one more time before installation. I'm still deciding on the compressor. Then I need to source a vacuum pump and charge hoses. Not sure if I want to buy or borrow (I like my own tools). But not knowing if I'll ever use them again has me reconsidering.
    2004 525i Sport, Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Anderson SC
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    My Cars
    2000 BMW 528i
    Quote Originally Posted by tomstin View Post
    I plan on taking this on next month. I have a lot of the parts. I had a local shop covert all the rubber hoses to R134 compliant. I have cleaned all the hoses but will do it one more time before installation. I'm still deciding on the compressor. Then I need to source a vacuum pump and charge hoses. Not sure if I want to buy or borrow (I like my own tools). But not knowing if I'll ever use them again has me reconsidering.
    Can you post up some helpful tips on this thread when you are done, such as any special tools or anything to watch for as you complete yours?
    I am subscribed to this thread because this is something that I think I may want to do soon as well.

    Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

  5. #5
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    When you say 'convert' the hoses what does this mean - recreate or...?

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    corpus christi, texas
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    No e30s, again :(
    You can get a vacuum pump kit with hoses and gages on ebay for around 100 or 130 bucks. I bought one last summer and its worth having. I used alcohol to clean the system on my son's 86 and we opened the compressor, just to clean it, and it was full of little rock looking chunks. We cleaned it out with alcohol, also, and assembled the whole system back onto the car, vacuumed and filled it, and now the ac blows at 54. Its freaking cold and i turn it to low when i drive because its so cold.

    It was not hard at all. Just time consuming to clean everything, and the vacuuming takes time

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    Does anybody know which new compressor is a direct replacement for my nippondenso 10P15E? I suppose I could rebuilt it (it leaks per UV test) but starting with a new, r134 compatible unit seems worth it.

    Image1524434053.259180.jpg

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    No e30s, again :(
    I don't know. I need to find out because my other son's car has a dead compressor. we took it apart and its not coming back so I need another one.
    No e30s again.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    CT
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    My Cars
    1989 325i 4 Door 5sp
    Getting started on this and ordered condenser, dryer, switch and expansion valve, hopefully all correct to R134a - they are to the best of my knowledge.


    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Griffiths says there are two types of nose seals on my Nippondenso so I'll pull and dismantle before ordering the rebuild kit.
    https://griffiths.com/product/porsch...0p15-seal-kit/

  10. #10
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    There are three youtube links in my first post in this thread, they cover replacing seals, bearings and clutch on a Denso compressor, not a 10P15E but close enough to be helpful.

  11. #11
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    I watched them and they are sweet relief from all the "whats up youtube" dudes taking the scenic route. I'll buy parts from him as a thank-you.

  12. #12
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  13. #13
    Join Date
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    No e30s, again :(
    Cool
    No e30s again.

  14. #14
    Join Date
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    Does anybody have a tip about removing the outer plate of the clutch? The 12 mm bolt is off but it does not want to budge. From what I read a gear puller or similar is not supposed to be required

    Image1525180182.170907.jpg

  15. #15
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    No e30s, again :(
    not here. I have not had to go that far, yet
    No e30s again.

  16. #16
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    Using chisels as wedges broke it loose, it was evidently seized on the shaft.

    Still needed a puller once I could work the arms around the back of the plate.

    Rest is easy, remove circlip, remove coil, remove circlip, remove nose piece.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  17. #17
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    more
    Attached Images Attached Images

  18. #18
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    The reason why there are so many problems with belt tension. Replacement part surprisingly reasonable.

    Image1525226910.658886.jpg

  19. #19
    Join Date
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    DFW TX USA
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    1983 320I, 1986 325E
    This hasn't been mentioned yet. You should use ester oil. PAG oil becomes corrosive once it contacts residual mineral oil from when the system ran R12. Ester oil does not do this and is compatible with nearly all other oils and refrigerants. I am running hc12 in my e21 and get vent temps around 45-48 Fahrenheit when moving. The only changes I made to the system were a e30 rotary compressor and new o rings.

  20. #20
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    Thanks for bringing this up. I did some reading and concur - and was able to intercept my recent compressor parts / o ring / oil order in time to change it. FYI I bought from these guys who have been very helpful.

    https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=h...Dsd0jtvm-MGSBw

  21. #21
    Join Date
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    No e30s, again :(
    good info
    No e30s again.

  22. #22
    Join Date
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    1989 325i 4 Door 5sp
    Starting to question if I did some damage to the clutch plate when prying it off. I realize now there is a dedicated tool for this job and that the plate has outer threads. To my knowledge the plate is not available as a replacement part. Has anyone had good experiences with an ebay or Four Seasons remanufactured Denso 10p15E?

  23. #23
    Join Date
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    No e30s, again :(
    I have not tried them
    No e30s again.

  24. #24
    Join Date
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    New receiver dryer is confusing me a bit. It was sold along with the new high pressure switch, but has no threading to accept the high pressure switch as the original unit did. I understand the low pressure switch can be omitted but I'm confused by the the high pressure issue.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  25. #25
    Join Date
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    1989 325i 4 Door 5sp
    doh! the HP switch threads onto the Schrader valve. Okay carrying on...

    This vid explains it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQi3mI9_aEU
    Attached Images Attached Images

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