Do as Sean said, then IF the compressor is dead, you will know. From everything I have read so far, I think your FREON level is low and you have a leak. Clutch/no clutch is irrelevant to trouble shooting this problem, until you have to buy a compressor,
of course.

 

Nope, definitely worth a shot as long as you have an AC machine that will allow you to recover refrigerant. You might want to think about having an actual shop recover and recharge your system and have them inject some tracer dye in the system to make sure you don't have a leak, it might cost you a $100 or so but it's something to think about.

 

Thanks. I have dye & a big drum of Freon. I've done work on ordinary A/C systems, without all the BMW electronics & sensors !!!

I called in the big guns because I read so many posts with guys adding new parts and still have issues to learn later that cleaning num 9 fuses, or replacing a sensor, or Sean's heater control valve. So I'm just trying to make sure that it is what it is before replacing a bunch of unnecessary parts. The guy I bought it from said the ac worked fine. But then again he prob never used it after they fitted water pump and thermostat. But didn't fix transmission.

 

I discharged the system and pulled a vacuum for 15 mins and let it sit for 15 as a quick check. It's loosing pressure.

Went from -29 low to -8 and still dropping in 30mims
And -10 high side to -1 and still dropping.

 

it’s not holding a vacuum

took about 30mins to go from -30 low side to zero and zero in high side also.

 

not holding vacuum = you have a leak somewhere for sure.

 

I took off all the connections on the gagues and put new plummers tape on them to make sure they aren’t leaking. So it’s pulling a 2nd vacuum now.
Next Action ?

2nd vacuum lost pressure also.

10psi on the low side in 5mins.
High side is slower leaking





I guess refill with Freon, oil and some dye and see if it will blow cold for a bit when fully charged ? Then check for leaks.

 

I would not put freon in until you know there is no leak unless you have it to waist. If you do decide to refill you will now a few minutes after starting the refill if the compressor is bad.

Also with the heater control valve it rarely goes out all at once. You would have felt areas blowing hot until it completely failed (meaning the passenger side, then defrost etc.). If the ac completely went out then it's a compressor issue (low freon or went bad). I will make that diagram I talked about tonight so there is a visual on TSing A/C issues.

 

The AC never worked for me.

I have a big drum of Freon






I’ll give it a quick blast, and see if it makes any difference.

If the compressor is fucked could that be why it’s not holding a vacuum. Or will I have to change compressor and find a leak someplace else ?

 

Oh ok. That's when things suck for the owner because you have no idea what happened leading up to it. You're good I think the route you are going is the most cost efficient. Like yourself I do not believe in through parts at a car. I will trouble shoot something until I find out what is the actual fix. I worked on my ac for 4 months before I found out what is was. Then again it was winter so I took my time with it. I'm sure you will find your issue if you keep at it today or tomorrow. Thanks for keeping at it and keeping us posted.