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308 A/C System Flush

Discussion in '308/328' started by Glenn308QVturbo, Mar 28, 2021.

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  1. Glenn308QVturbo

    Glenn308QVturbo Rookie

    Sep 20, 2017
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    Glenn Orell
    #1 Glenn308QVturbo, Mar 28, 2021
    Purchased my 83 QV a couple of years ago. Prior owner removed the A/C compressor and the system has been open and I'm trying to get it going again. Appears all the parts are there so for at least now I'm going to run the original York compressor. I'm planning on flushing the system and I've already removed the evaporator to install a higher CFM blower so I'll flush it on my bench. My question is can the condenser be flushed in the car or do I have to remove it to ensure I get all the flush and any old oil and contaminates out? Also I've worked on several older muscle cars with R12 systems and the mineral oil was a golden color, the oil in my 308 appears red in color almost like ATF is this normal or am I looking at a possible compressor problem? The compressor appears to turn and I'm not seeing any metal or signs of a failure.
     
  2. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
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    maurice T
    #2 maurice70, Mar 29, 2021
    The oil should be a golden colour but the red could be traces of a UV dye that may have been added in order to find a leak..

    You could flush it whilst stil connected but since you are pulling everything apart, flushing it on the bench may yield you a better result..

    Obviously replace the drier and it might be a good idea to replace the TX valve as well.

    The TX valve replacement part number should be in the cross reference sticky post.

    I would try and stay with R12 if it is available in your area or alternatively one of the propane based refrigerants.
     
  3. Glenn308QVturbo

    Glenn308QVturbo Rookie

    Sep 20, 2017
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    Glenn Orell
    #3 Glenn308QVturbo, Mar 29, 2021
    Drained the oil out of the compressor today looks like someone used ATF in place of mineral oil for whatever reason. Spent half the day flushing the system out. I was able to flush the condenser on the car and the fluid came out clean after 3 flushes. I'll for sure replace the drier and check into the TX valve. As for the compressor I'll look into rebuilding it or possibly updating to a sanden. I've got a case of R12 and will use it. I've converted cars to R134a and had problems with the compressor seals leaking plus not as cold.
     
  4. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2012
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    SanFrancisco BayArea
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    1983 US 308 GTS QV
    #4 Brian A, Mar 29, 2021
    I have an '83 QV as well. I am the second owner and it had been professionally maintained previously. The oil in my a/c system is red as well. It is not a UV dye. I have thought about flushing it out. It is interesting to read about another '83 with red a/c oil.

    Doing an internet search, there appears to be a red non-UV a/c dye available (FJC brand).
     
  5. Glenn308QVturbo

    Glenn308QVturbo Rookie

    Sep 20, 2017
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    Glenn Orell
    #5 Glenn308QVturbo, Mar 29, 2021
    Wow, that's interesting. I wonder if it is the original oil or a dye of some kind. This is the first euro a/c system I've worked on never seen anything like this before on an American car. It looks exactly like ATF but a dye would make more sense (like to think no one is that ignorant). I talked with two professional A/C guys and they had never seen anything like this before. I will say that when I flushed the system I could tell when I got it 100% clean. At first the flush came out like pink milk and then after 5 flushes on the evaporator it finally came out clear. The lines and condenser only took two or three flushes.
     
  6. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
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    maurice T
    #6 maurice70, Mar 30, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2021
    I would go with the Sanden compressor upgrade,, you need a Sanden to York conversion bracket kit to do it though..
    You will also need to change the hose fittings in order for it to work with the Sanden.

    If you do a search on the compressors for these cars, you will find that the pulley is Ferrari specific.
    I replaced the leaking York on my ex GT4 with a Sanden but used the pulley that came with it..
    The pulley profile on the Sanden is slightly different than the original belt but it still works perfectly well..

    The shaft seal on the Aspera (Sanden) compressor on my 328 gave way 3 years ago and I replaced the compressor with a modern Sanden compressor and that has been running well for the past 3 years whilst still using R12..Definitely don’t go down the R134a road as besides the molecules being smaller and more prone to leakage though the original non barrier refrigerant hoses, the cooling capacity will be compromised as well..

    This is a similar bracket I used when I converted the York to Sanden..
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YORK-TECUMSEH-TO-SANDEN-COMPRESSOR-BRACKET-KIT-SD709-SD5H14-SD7H15-C-/263125140545?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286
     
  7. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
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    Ron
    #7 ferrariowner, Mar 30, 2021
    I suspect if you recharge the AC system you will be disappointed in a short time (besides the fact that 308 AC isan't that good). The AC hoses that run from the front end to the compressor in the rear tend to leak on many cars. Replace those hoses and the system shouldn't need preiodic recharges.
     

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