I dropped the 348 off at Competizione for some routine service and to check out the non-operating air conditioning. They traced the A/C problem to a failed clutch on the compressor. They said that the clutch itself could be replaced if they could find the part, but finding the part would be tricky because of the special F-car pulley. According to this thread: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50339&highlight=compressor&page=3 ...it sounds like an entire generic compressor could be fitted by reusing the existing pulley. Can this really be done? I didn't find any threads where it was documented. If it can be done, then it might be easier than trying to source just the clutch mechanism. I also thought it might be possible to rebuild the clutch. Can that be done? I'm traveling on vacation at the moment, with very limited internet access. I will try to check back on this thread tomorrow, so thanks in advance for any help/advice. - Eric
Yes... The aftermkt compressors work. I've had one chillen my 348 for a few years. I can have it in Richard's or Fernando's hands on Friday if you'd like. We have about 5 in stock.
I'm running a "standard" Sanden replacement compressor. There was no need to change the pulley. The one on the standard compressor has two more grooves than the 348 original but they don't disturb anything - the belt sits in the middle grooves quite comfortably. Price in Europe was about 500.
2 years ago I changed my compressor as well. We used a compressor which was intended for a Alfa 164. The only thing was we had to take the aft part of the housing from the old compressor and put it on the new one. It works 100 % and as Andrew writes it costs about 800 USD Good luck! //B//
Thanks for the replies, guys. Daniel, I'll give you a call on Friday, as soon as I've had a chance to talk to Fernando. Not sure why I didn't think to call you first -- guess I should put a Ricambi business card in my wallet, next to my Competizione business card. I'll also look into the Alfa Romeo part, although that sounds like it might be a tad more expensive... Thanks again. - Eric
Just to close out this thread... I went with the aftermarket compressor from Daniel. It went in perfectly. The only mod needed was to swap out the electrical connector with the original unit. A/C is now blowing cold again. - Eric
