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Haaatschi
10-26-2005, 04:35 PM
Hi guys,

I'm new here and I guess I'll contribute more often in the future. My 1987 325 is going strong with 1 little problem: The AC compressor is gone, as comfirmed by 2 mechanics independent from eahc other. One of them quoted me $900 for a replacement. I find that realistic in general but a bit steep on an 18 year old car.

Today I found this on the net: Rebuilt ACs. Are they any good?

http://aircoparts.com/shop/advanced_search_result.php?search_make_id=4&search_model_id=42&search_year_id=183

I know that it's a bad idea to get an AC compressor from the junkyard and that it's worth fixing it properly. Just looking for clues how to do it properly and affordably.

Cheers,

Haaatschi
Just Bryce
10-26-2005, 04:41 PM
I got rid of mine. That compressor is heavy and weighs the front end down.
RakNaks
10-26-2005, 04:53 PM
try a sanden conversion they work well and they are new compressors much less than the bosch unit.
Haaatschi
10-26-2005, 05:33 PM
Stupid follow-up: What is a Sanden conversion?

Bryce: Does tha car go faster without the compressor ;-)? :bigpimp:
dkmr
10-26-2005, 06:44 PM
every hundred pounds is 1/10 of a second off your 1/4 time slip :drive:
RakNaks
10-27-2005, 05:33 AM
nothing is stupid bro

Sanden is another company that makes a/c compressors. You will need to get the mounting harware with it. An excellent price for a new compressor. A/C systems are very simple once you have the basic understanding. I have done a complete overhaul on the same car years ago. I will try to find out who I can get it from.
Just Bryce
10-27-2005, 05:36 AM
Stupid follow-up: What is a Sanden conversion?

Bryce: Does tha car go faster without the compressor ;-)? :bigpimp:
Probably not, the chip and exhaust probably gave me a much bigger gain but since the car is more of a toy for me I figure any weight loss is helpful.
Haaatschi
10-27-2005, 08:07 PM
nothing is stupid bro

Sanden is another company that makes a/c compressors. You will need to get the mounting harware with it. An excellent price for a new compressor. A/C systems are very simple once you have the basic understanding. I have done a complete overhaul on the same car years ago. I will try to find out who I can get it from.

I thought I had heard that the yequipped the cars with different compressors back then. And when you replace yours you absically have to get the same as a replacement because the mounts, connections etc. are totally different from model to model. That being said I have not even looked what compressor I have :angel:

But any help is appreciated. Thanks for finding out for me!

Haaatschi
jrmarshall
02-24-2006, 09:18 AM
Did you complete the conversion? Successful? My 87 325is A/C is also shot after years of nursing it along with annual Freon R12 charges. Time to bite the R134a conversion bullet before hot Florida summers arrive.

I've read that you can sometimes get away with not swapping out compressors, but you still need to replace the receiver/dryer and flush the system of the old oil. Any truth to this?...would save $$$!
Haaatschi
02-26-2006, 07:58 AM
No, I have not fixed it yet. Sorry :-(
renchr56
03-01-2006, 06:40 AM
FJC makes an oil that is compatible with all oils. So you won't have to replace the oil. But you should replace the reciever/drier & possibly the expansion valve.
jrmarshall
08-24-2006, 11:57 AM
Just to let the group know that I did successfully convert my A/C to R-134a and it works great now! Cools better than the day I bought the car new! My mechanic drained the old compressor oil and used the new type oil, replaced the receiver-dryer and a few other things, and I'm back in business! Good luck to others.