aircond problem - E36

[affan66]

Hey all,I think I have some problem with my aircond. Can' find any relevant threads on this after doing some searches on the forum.temp set at 22C, fan speed 1 (usually)Early morning - OK. However, the aircond vents out white smoke when the aircond is cold.after long drive, the aircond becomes hot. This becomes apparent during hot noons.What do you think is happening here? Compressor engages as normalThings already done, 2 months ago:Aircond compressor - refurbishedBelt - renewedGas - filled up, no leaks Valve - newMicrofilter - newThings not yet done:Cooling coil (inside dashboard)Could it be the coil?? Never changed the coil the past two years' ownership of this carHelp and advice welcome.

 

[mnk]

i suspect the cooling coil...its happen to my old junk alfa 75!!
for the first 1 to 2 hour ok,then after that white smoke come out
its like from ice berg!!i have to of the aircon for 15 to 30 min then
i on it again and the aircon start functioning again...check with the aircon man,he says my cooling coil koyak!!!

rgds,

mnk

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by mnk@May 11 2005, 11:42 AM
i suspect the cooling coil...its happen to my old junk alfa 75!!
for the first 1 to 2 hour ok,then after that white smoke come out
its like from ice berg!!i have to of the aircon for 15 to 30 min then
i on it again and the aircon start functioning again...check with the aircon man,he says my cooling coil koyak!!!

rgds,

mnk

if you get white smoke or dew, this means that your cooling coil is freezing up. When this happen, ice will formed on the cooling coil and block the cold air to come out from it. When you off the air con, the ice will melt and clear the air flow between the cooling fins.

forming of ice is caused by dirty cooling fins. Check and change the microfilter. However, i think it a bit late now as the dirt is already trapped between the cooling fins. You need to flush the cooling fins. The reason why the cooling fins freezed is because the dirt prevent the water condesation from sliding down the fins. Check whether there is water discharged from the bottom of the car when the aircon is running.

 

[affan66]

aircond water under car got. That one already checked. Tube not blocked.

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by affan66@May 11 2005, 12:00 PM
aircond water under car got. That one already checked. Tube not blocked.

how about when it feel hot when it running.
Initially, the water come out a bit might when it cooling down.

The water would decreased when it freeze up.
BTW, the air con usually freeze up when it running at high rpm.

Do you get hot air also when it is at idleling speed.

 

[affan66]

hot air at all speeds. Looks like blocked valve. Aihhh $$$$$

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by affan66@May 11 2005, 12:54 PM
hot air at all speeds. Looks like blocked valve. Aihhh $$$$$

time to see naidu???$$$$$

 

[affan66]

you betcha.... might as well fix my dashboard creaks once and for all. Yipeeeee. Refit new rubbers to the dash.

 

[AnGeLiCdEmOn108]

am guessing the cooling coil is choked or there is a leakage within the cooling coil. just be prepared with the cost for the cooling coil as most of the time if it is really dirty, there may be holes in it.

let us know what happened buddy?

 

[Mikeong]

Originally posted by AnGeLiCdEmOn108@May 11 2005, 02:00 AM
am guessing the cooling coil is choked or there is a leakage within the cooling coil. just be prepared with the cost for the cooling coil as most of the time if it is really dirty, there may be holes in it.

let us know what happened buddy?

I think the cooling coil already shows signs of retirement. There is also a leak in refrigerant.

 

[sazli]

in this case i think ur refrigerant system blocked, either expansion valve or receiver drier. Since ex valve located under the dashboard....leave it to ac specialist. But u can check the receiver drier by yourself because it located in the engine bay. Ice will form outside the drier if it block (ac ON). I once experienced it.

 

[affan66]

checked just now. Both alu pipes (in the engine) are hot although aircond is cool (not cold).
The glass window on the receiver/drier looks cloudy which indicates gas is there (right?)

Sob sob sob.

 

[sazli]

another option ......if I were u, I'll vacuum the ac system first, replace the drier, add compressor oil & put new gas . There's a possibility water (moisture) trapped in the system. The water will form an ice on cooling coil when it too cold. If not succeed, u'll rugi on gas charge. If u want to save a bit, U can use R12 freon if the system mean for R134a but cannot if vice versa.

 

[Lee36328]

affan66,

i had the EXACT symptoms as yours recently...

cooling coil gone...

about 2k to rectify....

 

[mr_e36]

I got the same problem with you, my aircond kaput and becomes hot
during day. early morning OK, so cold but during hot day, wahhh manyak
panas. So when i checked with aircond guy, they said my cooling coil and x valve need to replace.

So i changed cooling coil + x valve and cost me BND$460 after discount. Now my aircond back to normal and seems fine now.....

 

[affan66]

oh my.. I need CPR badly... help help.

RM1,275 lighter from the wallet and the car's like an igloo in there. brrr. Details in the E36 maint thread.

 

[Bishop]

affan66,

Where did you get it done?

 

[affan66]

Naidu, behind Shell station/KWSP Jalan Gasing.

 

[xcell60]

Fellas,

I have been reading this thread, coz my ac has died on me. Do all you guys send your cars to Naidu for ac servicing? If he is recommended, then without hesitation I will see hin tomorrow. Hope you can advice.

Cheers

 

[Lee36328]

Yes, it's a good place to get it done.

Quite a number of forumers service their ac at Naidu's.

I just did mine recently. Minimal charges for highly effective servicing. Fixes ur problem without trying to upsell you aggressively.

Now my aircond can handle the hottest days in town..