How hard to R&R AC compressor with engine in? | FerrariChat
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How hard to R&R AC compressor with engine in?

Discussion in '348/355' started by carwhisperer, Jan 3, 2015.

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  1. carwhisperer

    carwhisperer Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2014
    426
    Sacramento, CA
    Full Name:
    Brian
    #1 carwhisperer, Jan 3, 2015
    I am in the middle of my engine out and I have decided to get a new AC compressor. Obviously it would be easier to replace it with the engine out but I'm wondering how difficult it would be to do with the engine back in the car. I probably won't get my compressor until the end of next week but I have tomorrow and the next day available to put the engine back in because I already have the belt changed.

    Any feedback?

    BRian
     
  2. pnicholasen

    pnicholasen Formula 3

    Jan 14, 2011
    1,364
    South of Philly
    Full Name:
    Paul Nicholasen
    #2 pnicholasen, Jan 3, 2015
    Don't know for sure, but I suspect it can be done. I think access is pretty good through the right rear wheel arch. I had a hose to my compressor changed once with the engine in, so that should indicate no major problems there. I would just eyeball the rear frame and make sure there's space to squeeze the new compressor into place. Having to drop the whole engine cradle again because the compressor body doesn't quite fit between frame rails would be a big PITA!
     
  3. plugzit

    plugzit F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2004
    7,789
    Redondo Beach, CA
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    Bruce Bogart
    #3 plugzit, Jan 3, 2015
    Yes, PITA but can be done.
     
  4. modena2904

    modena2904 Formula Junior
    Owner

    Jul 6, 2007
    917
    Ellicott City, MD
    Full Name:
    Eric
    #4 modena2904, Jan 3, 2015
    Competizione replaced mine with the engine in the car. No idea how difficult it was, but they charged me just under $500 for the labor (I had the replacement compressor drop-shipped from Ricambi).

    - Eric
     
  5. dahveedem

    dahveedem Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,603
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    David
    #5 dahveedem, Jan 3, 2015
    I did it in my 348 Took a couple hours. The hardest part I recall was getting to the uppermost bolt. Had to get a stubby wrench to get to it. I might have pics of the process...I'll dig around and see.
     
  6. Drock28

    Drock28 Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2013
    1,430
    Montreal
    Full Name:
    Tony
    #6 Drock28, Jan 3, 2015
    on the subject can the AC belt be replaced as well with the engine in?

    my compressor seized and snapped the AC belt.
    this happened to the previous owner before a bought the car.
    so my compressor is just bolted there with no belt.

    therefore if I get a new compressor and belt
    how can the AC belt be mounted on to the crank pulley?

    as I believe the AC belt mounts on the inner rails of the crank pulley.
     
  7. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    #7 2NA, Jan 3, 2015
    Alternator belt needs to come off.
     
  8. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    #8 2NA, Jan 3, 2015
    You're buying yourself a bit more work by doing it "in the car". I'm doing a major right now on a 348.
     
  9. dahveedem

    dahveedem Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,603
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    David
    #9 dahveedem, Jan 3, 2015

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