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Modern A/C compressor replacement for 308

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by rolindsay, Jul 14, 2006.

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  1. rolindsay

    rolindsay Formula 3

    Jul 14, 2006
    1,022
    Houston, TX
    Full Name:
    Rick Lindsay
    #1 rolindsay, Jul 14, 2006
    Hello Folks,
    I have moved to Houston, Texas and its HOT! The A/C in my 308GTB has failed and that was not an issue for most of the year in Tulsa. I choose to rebuild my A/C system and in the process, I want to replace the old piston conressor with a new, small, light weight unit. Anyone here done this and can offer advice?

    Rick Lindsay / '79 308GTB
     
  2. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,209
    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg
    #2 greg328, Jul 14, 2006
    Rick,
    I'm also in Houston, have a 77 308, and replaced my stock York (mouse blowing on an ice cube!) with a rotary Sanden. Much better!

    Call Steve @ Carr Auto Parts, tell him I sent you. He's on Hempstead Hwy.

    713-690-1800

    You'll also need a new drier, and one more part, I forget. Stay w/ R12 if possible. It's very expensive, but blows colder.

    Steve knows the 308 AC requirements. He supplied my parts, and also Sean F., here in Houston and on this board.

    You'll need to shim the mount bracket out a bit to make the belt work. PM me if you'd like to check out my car.

    Good
     
  3. wildegroot

    wildegroot Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 19, 2003
    1,522
    Frenchtown NJ
    Full Name:
    Wil de Groot
    #3 wildegroot, Jul 18, 2006
    Yeah, the Sanden will work. I have a GM radial compressor on mine but it's because I have everything running with only one serpentine belt so I needed to run a shorter compressor due to space restrictions. A modern high volume ducted fan on the radiator/AC condenser helps too.

    R134 refrigerant gas will work fine but you need to add a little more than the normal amount of R12.

    Wil
     
  4. Sloan83qv

    Sloan83qv F1 Rookie
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    Mar 8, 2001
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    Little Dave M.
    #4 Sloan83qv, Jul 18, 2006
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  5. rolindsay

    rolindsay Formula 3

    Jul 14, 2006
    1,022
    Houston, TX
    Full Name:
    Rick Lindsay
    #5 rolindsay, Aug 28, 2006
    Hey Wil, thanks for the post. Do you recall the low-side pressure on your system, and ambient temperature when measured? I have my system charged to 45psi at 90+ degrees ambient. The cooling is poor at best.

    rick

     
  6. Mark 328

    Mark 328 Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
    510
    Orange, Ca
    Full Name:
    Mark Foley
    #6 Mark 328, Aug 28, 2006
    Rick:

    At best, the Ferrari system does not work very well, but at 90F it is very hard for that system to keep-up. However, yours is probably close to as good as it can get. The real problem is that the fan does not produce enough volume.

    My BMW manual says for 90F low side 45PSI the discharge temp for a 134 system is 56F @40% Humidity. For reference, at 80% humidity 90F, 67 PSI will yeild 69F temp. You also need to look at humidity. If you email me I will send you a copy of the BMW table.

    Mark
     
  7. wildegroot

    wildegroot Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 19, 2003
    1,522
    Frenchtown NJ
    Full Name:
    Wil de Groot
    #7 wildegroot, Aug 31, 2006
    Rick,

    Sorry I couldn't answer you sooner. I've been all over the place lately.

    Your low side pressure sounds about right although we've found that experimenting with the amount of refrigerant gas in the system, more and less, can yeild positive results.

    Yes, a bigger blower fan would be nice but make sure your existing system is working correctly first.

    A refrigerant gas identifyier will tell you what kind of refrigerants are in your system but also how much air. Any air in the system, no matter what the pressure, will adversely affect cooling. Most identifyers have the ability to bleed off this unwanted air. While you're at it check for the presence of propane, butane and other explosive " R12 substitutes".

    We have found fans wired backwards and pushing air in the wrong direction. Make sure the condenser and evaporator are clean and well ducted. Check the insulation on the expansion valve and that the capillary tube is correctly routed. Did you install a new receiver/ dryer? Was the system properly evacuated? Any water vapor in the system will also affect cooling. With a marginal system you need to make sure all your ducks are in a neat row.

    My own 308's AC has not been charged yet. We're still doing engine and suspension development.

    Wil
     

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