Broken sensor on A/C heat exchanger | FerrariChat
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Broken sensor on A/C heat exchanger

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Philwozza, Dec 18, 2010.

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  1. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2009
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    Winchester UK
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    Phil Worrall
    #1 Philwozza, Dec 18, 2010
    On my Euro '87 Testarossa there is a twin wire cable going to some form of sensor that is clipped / fixed to a pipe that connects to the A/C heat exchanger in the LHS front fender. It has broken and I need to somehow fix it. Does anyone have a close up picture of this part to show me how it fixes to the pipe.

    It appears that the clip / fitting just holds the sensor up against the pipe. Is this correct?
    With this broken is it the reason that my A/C failed to work at the end of last summer?

    I did take a picture but I think my computer ate it :D

    Any help much appreciated.

    P
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    Steve Magnusson
    #2 Steve Magnusson, Dec 18, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2010
    Yes

    Depends what you mean by "failed to work". That thermal switch prevents the AC condensor fan from coming "on" until the temp of the refrigerant is hot (i.e., when the refrigerant is hot, the thermal switch closes, which closes the AC condensor fan relay and runs the AC condensor fan motor). When the coachwork is stationary, it would greatly reduce the AC efficiency if this thermal switch never closes. When the coachwork is moving at moderate/high speed, there wouldn't be much difference. Until you get a new clip, you can just connect the two wires together (simulating a closed switch) and the AC condensor fan will always run whenever the AC is "on".
     
  3. sowest

    sowest Formula Junior

    Aug 18, 2006
    899
    #3 sowest, Dec 18, 2010
    Yes, the sensor is simply held against the pipe by a spring clip. The same setup is used on the TR, Mondial, and 328 (perhaps others? ), so the parts should be around.

     
  4. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2009
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    Phil Worrall
    #4 Philwozza, Dec 18, 2010
    Thanks for a very quick response gents. I will go and try and find a replacement clip.

    Steve, what I meant by not working was that I got no cold air out of the A/C at all last summer. I thought that I had perhaps some how disturbed some of the pipes when I took the engine out for service. That still sounds the most likely scenario but as I hardly use the A/C (it rains a lot in the UK) it probably is in need of a re-gas.

    Only problem is that the original gas is outlawed here in the UK and I really dont want to downgrade to the new gas :(

    Decisions, decisions...... :D

    I have the front end apart for a clean and refurb presently. The seats and door cards are removed ready for my 'leather' man to do his magic on the creama leather.

    Cant wait for the next driving season, roll on April...........:)

    Merry Christmas to all in the USA from me in the (unusually) snowy UK.


    P
     
  5. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #5 Rifledriver, Dec 18, 2010
    Those thermo switches are no longer available but there is nothing magic about them. I suspect you could get a usable replacement at an auto A/C specialist. It can be attached by any method that will hold it in good contact with the pipe.

    When that fan does not cycle on the freon pressure gets so high so quickly the over pressure switch will cut off the compressor to prevent damage to the system. I suppose it is possible that is why you are not getting cold air but I suspect there is a greater chance it is due to low gas volume in the system as you suspect.
     
  6. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2009
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    #6 Philwozza, Dec 18, 2010
    Thanks Brian,

    I will make a quick fix to see if that is the problem. If it works I will get the real clip in place, if not it is a re-gass as I suspect that there is a drop in pressure.

    P
     
  7. pv908

    pv908 Karting

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    #7 pv908, Dec 26, 2010
    This is interesting, when I start the car (cold start) the air cond gets very hot and eventually goes cold after 5 minutes. Then when I sit in traffic stationary again, it gets warm again.
    The aircond guy I took the car to refilled the gas and we changed the compressor as I thought it a good idea at the time.

    It would be nice to fix this. if there is a picture, I would appreciate it.
     
  8. Juri

    Juri Formula Junior
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    Juri
    #8 Juri, Dec 27, 2010
    Can you please indicate which Ferrari part # it is?
     
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #9 Rifledriver, Dec 27, 2010
    Different problem.
     
  10. pv908

    pv908 Karting

    Oct 11, 2004
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    Paul V
    #10 pv908, Dec 27, 2010
    Shame Brian, I was hoping it was the same problem and a simple fix.
     

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