AC blowing hot air 85 308

Like all Ferraris up into the 90s (at least), the "key area" that cuases the problem is......... <drumroll> ..... the system.
Often described as a mouse blowing across an ice cube. Switching refrigerants from R-12 over to the newer R134 because it's easier to find, and therefore save a few bucks, doesn't help, especially if the lines are not only replaced, but replaced with something made to contain the smaller molecules of R134.
The fan motors themselves also don't move much air on their best days, and to make it worse, some don't have a functional Recirculating setting, so what little is "conditioned" starts at the outside ambient temp. My contribution to the "mouse blowing across an ice cube" descriptor is that it's a particularly asthmatic mouse (too many Gitanes smoked on the factory production lines).

Plenty of threads in the 308/328 section on upgrades, as there are for every other model into the 90s - to be found using the Search function.

 

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Check to determine if the AC clutch engaging.

 

You will need to replace the ac hoses. Try the ez clip version from Vintage air. Smaller exterior diameter and easier to install. No expensive crimp tool required. See my post on Modern AC in a 308 if you really want modern AC.

 

Just another '85 data point... I kept my original system (with York compressor) and converted to 134-A (incl. new A/C dryer, O-rings, schrader valve, and 134-A service port kit). Yes the smaller molecules will leak out through original hoses, etc., but I get at least two full seasons between proper evac/refills. 2-hr drive in 90 degree heat last week (it's season two) and my wife did not complain, so it's adequate for an eastern PA climate.

 

Far too early to make that call. We've not even determined that the compressor is engaging, that the system is holding vacuum, high/low pressures within the system, etc etc.

 

"So id assume that the AC system on this car is pretty standard for the time period?"

No, it wasn't. It was inadequate from the beginning, basically just an adaptation of a late 50's/early 60's add-on AC system like a Mark IV Monitor. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachments/img_2359-jpg.3887022/ A late '60's US factory air could freeze you out of the car so the Ferrari 3x8 AC system was waaay behind the times. Of course, it was exactly what it appears to be - an add-on cobbled together to answer customer demand - most likely USA - and NOT a system that was an original part of the design/function of the car

I did a lot of work on my 328 AC to get it to function up to the level I'd call 'Fair' at best. It is adequate in temps in the mid 80's, maybe a bit higher if the humidity is low. But beyond that it cannot keep the cabin comfortably cool in Texas during the heat of the day. There are a lot of threads here re 3x8 AC and the primary limitation is generally agreed to be inadequate airflow volume from the evaporator.

TBF, the 'comfort level' of an AC system depends on the preference of the people being cooled AND the climate where the car lives. Some folks like warmer cabin temps, some like cooler. And obviously, cooling requirements in northern latitudes are less than they are further south. In Texas, between May and October, I would describe my 328 AC system as able to make the interior "a little less hot."

 

this is normale

 

37 year old rubber...Easy call. Agree he may have other troubles. But if you want to do it right, especially with R134a. Replace the hoses.

 

Here's my point: he never mentioned the age of the hoses, nor anything else about the component particulars.

My car had the hoses replaced 4 yrs before I bought it. AC was blowing hot air. The problem was electrical.

Absolutely, might be old bad hoses. But the car needs an actual diagnosis before just replacing them, because it's not a minor repair.

 

there are only four hoses but thick, could possbly be good when o-ring has fail.
insert 50ml of A/C dye to see where is out from

 

I'm the new'b here so of course take this from someone with limited 3X8 experience.

I was warned about the inadequacy of the AC in the whole series of cars and to keep my expectations in line. The seller committed to having his system charged/leak tested prior to sending the car because he was in a northern climate and hadn't bothered to recharge after the last service. So I have a receipt for a charge/test from a reputable Ferrari mechanic that says its fine.

With that in the background. I would agree with you .. it "slightly/barely" cools the air coming out of the vents but can't say much for helping the car feel any better. I will probably have a local mechanic just verify that it is/isn't leaking and call it a day for now. If I do decide to do something about it, I know a guy in Savannah that has done a system upgrade on a 308 that supposedly provides proper cooling and is a real fix. If I knew then what I know now I would have tested it a little deeper but he seemed to know what he was talking about. I think If my system is actually what it's supposed to do, I would probably just pay the bill and get upgraded because from what everyone is saying.. i'd be chasing my tail to try and make this one any better. Coastal SC is 9X% humid and 9X degrees all summer so during the day either the top needs to be off or the AC working. I think he said it's about $4K for the system so.. ok maybe next summer.

 

I will check this out

 

The OP seems to have lost interest in the replies. So his AC doesn't work. Without ANY diagnosis, and very little information, what's the point of replying. There's NOTHING exotic about the AC system, and if he knows nothing about it, take it to a shop and have it looked at.

For what it's worth, i charged the AC on my 328 eight years ago, and it still works great. I AM running the original r-12 however. I don't drive my car when it's a 100 degrees outside, but on a 80 to 90 degree day, the car is comfortable.