How to remove airconditioner compressor for major service? | FerrariChat
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How to remove airconditioner compressor for major service?

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by bpu699, Nov 28, 2015.

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  1. bpu699

    bpu699 F1 World Champ
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    #1 bpu699, Nov 28, 2015
    Ok , first I have to say, I have the utmost respect for anyone who has done their own major on a testarossa...

    Over the years many on here have done it without a lift, on their backs, using jack stands. I am using a lift, and a really extensive tool collection... And it's a lot of work. It's very doable, but plan on a full weekend. It's been 10 years since the last one...and 6000 or so miles... It's got a whopping 15,000 miles on it...

    Everything so far is done and motor ready to drop tomorrow, except loosening up the airconditioner compressor. The nut that is on the adjustable side came off easy. The 17mm nut on the pivot side won't budge. And it's not like you can get any leverage on it, as you are already fully contorted trying to even put a wrench on it!

    What am I missing here? Is it a reverse thread screw? How the heck do I loosen this thing? I really don't want to vent the system, as the airconditioner works great...

    Also, next time, I plan to save my pennies and pay someone to do this. But I plan to make it a winter project, paint some parts, replace, reseal, etc... I think if I just learned to pay folks for their services I would be way further ahead in life ;). Being a diy kind of guy is a curse sometimes, but you gotta justify having the tool collection...

    Compared to the testarossa, removing a 930 motor is a flipping walk in the park ��

    I also wanted to thank every one who has posted over the years on this. There is also a step by step tutorial someone posted on scribd.com...

    Thanks!
     
  2. OptimusPrime

    OptimusPrime Formula Junior

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    #2 OptimusPrime, Nov 28, 2015
    Maybe you have a little galvanic corrosion on the nut. I'd mix some acetone and transmission fluid 50/50 and brush it on the nut every day for a few days and then try taking it off again.
     
  3. 302Tim

    302Tim Formula 3

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    #3 302Tim, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Not my photo but do you mean this bolt? I have never removed but to my knowledge it is a standard RH threaded bolt that threads into the compressor mount--no nut there just the bolt, three washers and a spacer (per the SPC). I'm sure it's tight (torqued with motor removed) and not very accessible--may have to try a different wrench/spanner/socket combination to get on it. Hopefully someone who has removed will chime in, it's worth waiting if you don't have to disconnect your system...

    Besides removing the nut on the pivot arm you did loosen the adjusting bolt to remove belt tension (if not that will put pressure on the pivot bolt too)?
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  4. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #4 turbo-joe, Nov 29, 2015
    it is not easy to reach this bolt tim showed, but possible. I did it more than once.
    but be carefull when you take out the engine ( when you put it out to the top ), that you don´t touch the fittings. this once happened to me and the fitting was broken and of course the complete AC filling gone. since then I always vacuum the system and remove the compressor before taking the engine out.

    I always take the engine out to the top because then I don´t have to do a wheel alignment after the engine is in again
     
  5. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

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    #5 carguy, Nov 29, 2015
    If everything else is disconnected except for the AC pump, you can lower the engine out of the car a few inches to gain access to the bolt. As OptimusPrime says...apply some penetrating fluid loosen up any corrosion. You do NOT want to accidentally snap the mounting "ear" off...seen it happen before.
     
  6. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

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    #6 vincenzo, Nov 29, 2015
    try kroil - works great - use several applications over time
    rgds,
    vincenzo
     
  7. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #7 yelcab, Nov 29, 2015
    Forgive the ignorance, as the picture shows... don't you suppose to leave the AC compressor on the engine when you are dropping it? After evacuation of the AC...?
     
  8. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #8 Rifledriver, Nov 29, 2015
    Exactly and to do otherwise is a great deal of trouble to avoid a small simple job that needs to be done regularly anyway.
     
  9. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #9 2NA, Nov 29, 2015
    I wouldn't do it any other way.
     
  10. bpu699

    bpu699 F1 World Champ
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    #10 bpu699, Nov 29, 2015
    Thanks guys... Plan to continue next weekend...

    Reaching the bolt, nuts, on the firewall is quite a pain... Putting those radiator hoses on looks to take cirque de solie skills and hyperflexibility...

    In regards to the airconditioner compressor, I though almost every thread on here said to leave it on... Not sure if evacuating the system via vacuum is an option right now... Worst case scenario, is venting it a no-no? I would assume so...

    Again, kudos to those that do this for a living, or have done it at home...

    I couldn't see doing this again in my 50s. My body barely contorts enough in my 40s...
     
  11. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #11 Rifledriver, Nov 30, 2015
    How about 40/wk in your 60's?
     
  12. bpu699

    bpu699 F1 World Champ
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    #12 bpu699, Nov 30, 2015
    Brian, you must be awefully limber! I would hope you would have the help of some svelte 20 year old with thin wiry arms to reach some of this stuff :)...

    Are you still doing a lot of the work yourself? I figured at this stage of the game you just supervised... ;)

    Bo
     
  13. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #13 yelcab, Nov 30, 2015
    What are you complaining about? You rode a motorcycle to Alaska for God's sake.
     
  14. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #14 turbo-joe, Nov 30, 2015
    I´m now 60 and have a 50 h/week, without paperwork

    but I like it :)
     
  15. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #15 Rifledriver, Nov 30, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2015
    Oh I'm not complaining. I'd go again in spring if I had time but I'd go all the way to Prudhoe Bay instead of stopping at the Arctic Circle. Everyone told us not to do it on Harleys. My riding partner and I still don't get that. Hell he was riding with one hand and taking pictures with the other.
     
  16. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #16 Rifledriver, Nov 30, 2015
    It is all I do. It would take a great deal of money to get me to supervise people again. Worst job in the world.
     
  17. bpu699

    bpu699 F1 World Champ
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    #17 bpu699, Nov 30, 2015
    So you are a one man show now? I didn't know that. Kudos for down sizing...
     
  18. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #18 turbo-joe, Nov 30, 2015
    where can we see those pictures?
     

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