BMW 325i won't take a full charge

[tbirdtbird]

That finned tubing looks more like the evap to me
With everything changed out except the pump, and since they said you had black death (which usually means comp failure), I would have replaced the pump. Tim the site owner has access to beaucoup AC parts at his site ackits.com, or email him.
That comp sounds pretty sick

[LongTallTexan]

That finned tubing looks more like the evap to me
With everything changed out except the pump, and since they said you had black death (which usually means comp failure), I would have replaced the pump. Tim the site owner has access to beaucoup AC parts at his site ackits.com, or email him.
That comp sounds pretty sick

oops. corrected.

I'll see if Tim can help me out.

[LongTallTexan]

You're pushing 300 psi and climbing. Then it shuts off. I would think there are other issues besides an expansion device. Mist the condenser and she when the pressures do.

If that clanking noise is the compressor. That sounds horrible.

Tim, it looks completely different from yesterday when I mist the condenser with water.

It is 98F today. The static system pressure with the car cold is about 95psi on the low and high sides.

Again, I only got 10oz of R-134a in when I calc it calls for 28oz.

With the condenser misted, at idle low side is around 45psi, high 125psi.

Revved about 1.5-2k rpm, the low side came down to 20psi and high up to 150psi.

The vent air measured 80F.

So with the misting, it acted more like it was just undercharged.

The compressor is still banging. I put 4oz of synthetic ester oil in yesterday before I started.

So,
1. How could I ever get another 18oz of R-134a in? The static pressure scares me.
2. The new expansion valve doesn't seem to close down at idle to give me a good pressure differential
3. The suction hose from the evaporator to the compressor measured about 90F
4. The discharge from the compressor to the condenser measured 110F
5. The hose from the receiver/dryer measured 96F (just like the condenser)
6. The compressor.

video link:
https://youtu.be/ulKAcoX5Tes

[LongTallTexan]

Because I know you are all waiting for my next update ;^)

I managed to get in 27oz of refrigerant.

And the static pressure is sitting at 110psi.

And at 2k rpm, low is 50psi and high is 180psi.

The vent read 60F with my laser temp gun.

I guess I should try it without the hose misting the condenser.

[Tim]

Such a small condenser and being serpentine does not bold well for proper cooling and R134a. Plus, from what I can hear in your video, that compressor sounds pretty bad. Make sure the electric fans are working correctly. I see a supplier that shows a PF replacement condenser for this vehicle. But none are in stock.

16-1/2 x 13-1/2 x 1-1/8 T/F

In my opinion, poor condenser capacity and a junk compressor.

[LongTallTexan]

Such a small condenser and being serpentine does not bold well for proper cooling and R134a. Plus, from what I can hear in your video, that compressor sounds pretty bad. Make sure the electric fans are working correctly. I see a supplier that shows a PF replacement condenser for this vehicle. But none are in stock.

16-1/2 x 13-1/2 x 1-1/8 T/F

In my opinion, poor condenser capacity and a junk compressor.

There might be a little piston slap and mechanical valve lifters adding to the noise.

But I agree the compressor needs to go.

I see some double row condensers in conversion kits. The one I bought this one from RockAuto.

[tony1963]

Actually, that's the evaporator core, not the condenser.

Your system is full of contamination. You need to remove all of the lines and fittings, flush like there is no tomorrow.

On that evaporator remove the expansion device and flush the core and then clean it with a garden hose and mild detergent like dishwashing liquid. Rinse well.

As far as compressors, get a reman unit, a new drier and also a new expansion device. All new O rings and new valves at the ports.

[Tim]

I see (3) models of condensers on a competitor's site. It depends on which one you purchased.

[LongTallTexan]

I see (3) models of condensers on a competitor's site. It depends on which one you purchased.

I see a heftier Nissens parallel flow unit with a/c solutions conversion kit -but only sold in the kit. I don't think that kit's compressor fits with my engine (even though they say it will).

[LongTallTexan]

Damn, now I know why I stayed with freon in my '78 928 when I rebuilt that system 14 years ago. (Did I buy the barrier hose and fittings from ACKits?)