f*#*ing potentially expensive air con fix

ryanmyo · 11-07-2012, 04:39 AM

Had a chat with my mech today after i had my 3 serviced, got me worried my a/c leak might be the evaporator. I have a shhh-ing noise sounds a bit like a blow off valve coming, i think from my dash when i take off in the morning.

Anyone know of any specific evaporator symptoms? As opposed to other o-ring leaks etc?

Wolrab · 11-07-2012, 09:19 AM

Do you actually have a leak that you're trying to find? According to another recent thread, that sound you're hearing is pretty common, and it's probably from the expansion valve. I'm hearing the same thing, it works fine, and there is no leak.

Edit: If you do have to replace the evaporator, you're right, it's going to be fn expensive. Half the car has to be dismantled to get at it.

87isee · 11-07-2012, 02:29 PM

That sound could be a sign that the system is a little low on refrigerant. If it gets low enough, you'll notice the air coming from the right side of the center vent is much warmer than that of the left. For a couple hundred bucks, a dealer will evacuate and recharge the system with a little dye added so they can check for leaks. Start with that.

11-07-2012, 04:39 AM	#1
ryanmyo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: melbourne Posts: 18 My Ride: 325i Imola M Sport View My Garage	*f#ing potentially expensive air con fix* Had a chat with my mech today after i had my 3 serviced, got me worried my a/c leak might be the evaporator. I have a shhh-ing noise sounds a bit like a blow off valve coming, i think from my dash when i take off in the morning. Anyone know of any specific evaporator symptoms? As opposed to other o-ring leaks etc? Last edited by ryanmyo; 11-07-2012 at 04:39 AM.

11-07-2012, 09:19 AM	#2
Wolrab Registered Gadfly Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 483 My Ride: 330Ci MT, 545i SMG View My Garage	Do you actually have a leak that you're trying to find? According to another recent thread, that sound you're hearing is pretty common, and it's probably from the expansion valve. I'm hearing the same thing, it works fine, and there is no leak. Edit: If you do have to replace the evaporator, you're right, it's going to be fn expensive. Half the car has to be dismantled to get at it. __________________ Engineers do it with a torque wrench Last edited by Wolrab; 11-07-2012 at 09:31 AM.

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11-07-2012, 02:29 PM	#3
87isee Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2 My Ride: 87 325ic; 03 325i View My Garage	That sound could be a sign that the system is a little low on refrigerant. If it gets low enough, you'll notice the air coming from the right side of the center vent is much warmer than that of the left. For a couple hundred bucks, a dealer will evacuate and recharge the system with a little dye added so they can check for leaks. Start with that.