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Thread: Potential Evaporator leak

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Woodstock, GA
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    566
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    2001 BMW 540i6

    Potential Evaporator leak

    Is it common for them to go bad on these cars? I think I smell PAG oil through my vents and the ac is weak.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Brooklyn, NY
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    294
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    1995 840Ci, 2013 X5
    Refrigerant leaks are almost binary. Either you have one and no refrigerant remains, or your system is tight and the only leak is the gradual diffusion of refrigerant through the hose walls. There could be some slow seepage around o rings as well. I have that issue and cured it by running in a can of leak stop. Look for the one that bonds with metal. AC&R guys cringe when I tell that story, but it worked.

    Brett

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Gardendale, AL USA
    Posts
    306
    My Cars
    1995 840 Ci, 1959 Sprite
    I had this same issue last year. Evaporator leak likely cannot be fixed with leak seal additives in refrigerant. What you will do with that stuff is freeze the input low pressure port Schrader type valve so that you will have leaks there as it won’t close effectively and wind up buying a very expensive piece of BMW plumbing(just guess how I know). The evaporator can be replaced by knowledgeable tech and if you smell the oil like I did, just bite the bullet and get it done. No other long term fix.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Woodstock, GA
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    2001 BMW 540i6
    I was just gonna do it myself. Just wanted to see if that was an issue on these or if it was some other weird quirk or failure.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    CT
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    780
    My Cars
    '97 840CI
    When I replaced my evaporator, it appeared that one of the brazed connections to the expansion valve started to leak. I noticed a film build up on the windshield.

    IMG_0732.JPG

    PAG oil at bottom of old evaporator.

    IMG_0738.jpg

    New evaporator and expansion valve going in. Helps if you are somewhat of a contortionist.

    IMG_0748.JPG

    Over the years, also replaced the condenser leaking at the inlet/outlet and a seized compressor. At least on my '97 840, the AC works great.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Woodstock, GA
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    My Cars
    2001 BMW 540i6
    Quote Originally Posted by Mike in CT View Post
    When I replaced my evaporator, it appeared that one of the brazed connections to the expansion valve started to leak. I noticed a film build up on the windshield.

    IMG_0732.JPG

    PAG oil at bottom of old evaporator.

    IMG_0738.jpg

    New evaporator and expansion valve going in. Helps if you are somewhat of a contortionist.

    IMG_0748.JPG

    Over the years, also replaced the condenser leaking at the inlet/outlet and a seized compressor. At least on my '97 840, the AC works great.
    Did this require complete removal of the dash or is there a faster way

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    780
    My Cars
    '97 840CI
    No, just the glove box. Over simplified process at this link, 64 - 51/2

    https://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/721en/index.htm

    I had posted a number of photos in the past, but Photobucket no third party posing fixed that.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Woodstock, GA
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    566
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    2001 BMW 540i6
    Awesome man I really appreciate it

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    spain
    Posts
    34
    My Cars
    bmw 520i e39
    Hi Mike. Mine have to be replaced. It can be done by myself. I mean , just unscrew and screw , or somethig else? I would really appreciate it if you retrieve the photos or a small description

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    CT
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    My Cars
    '97 840CI
    Some photos:

    IMG_0749.JPGIMG_0752.JPGIMG_0701.jpgIMG_0745.jpgIMG_0757.jpg

    I fought somewhat with connecting the lines and as I remember, loosening the lines at the fire wall to move them away. Was some years back.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    780
    My Cars
    '97 840CI
    And I found this one on the connection. At least the way I did it.

    Attachment 653642

    I had cut the tubing on the evaporator away on removal.

    Attachment 653643

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    spain
    Posts
    34
    My Cars
    bmw 520i e39
    Thank you very much. Over all pic with sensor location. Last two links doesnt work for me but now I got enought information. Thanks.

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