1983 320i a/c repair/conversion - BMW Forum

Gene E21 · 08-19-2011, 05:48 PM

hi everyone,

My name's Gene and I have a 1983 320i that I bought new back in the day.
Being a new kid on the block I'm looking for some help. the a/c is not operational. I have begun the process of fixing/converting to r134a. The first two objects of my attention are the expansion valve and the receiver/dryer since they are called out to be changed in most r12 to r134a conversions that I have heard about. I thought I would replace the two items charge the system and see if the compressor comes on, check for leaks, if not go from there. There is some pressure still in the system so it has not been subject to much air or moisture that I can tell at this point.

My dilemma is where the exp. valve is and how to go about replacing it. So far I have the center console fully apart and I can see one of the capillary tubes attached to another larger tube.

So does anyone have experience with this model's a/c and is willing to give some advice/instruction?

Thanks in advance and looking forward to hearing from someone.

jimmythepie · 08-19-2011, 06:24 PM

wheres the pic gone buddy?

Gene E21 · 08-19-2011, 07:23 PM

pic file was too large to post, will work on getting one soon

Gene E21 · 08-19-2011, 07:58 PM

test

Gene E21 · 08-19-2011, 09:20 PM

is this going to be a dead end?

Raymond · 08-21-2011, 12:36 PM

Not necessarily.

The oil in the compressor for R12 is not compatible with the oil used in R-12 so you would have to drain the compressor oil and replace it with PAG or the oil recommended for your brand and series of compressor.

There's a handy chart at Compressor Oil Chart

I can't help with the location of the expansion valve, but I'd be surprised to find it in the console.