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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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PAG oil at bottom of old evaporator.
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New evaporator and expansion valve going in. Helps if you are somewhat of a contortionist.
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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.
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.
Awesome man I really appreciate it
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
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.
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
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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