1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: AC Compressor on it's way out

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  1. Rae

    Rae Club Coordinator

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    #22 Rae, Sep 12, 2011
    Bummer, the car that we charged a couple of months ago is still running great, and cold. But we don't use the AC often, we may just be postponing the inevitable. Guess we'll wait and see.
     
  2. HRM

    HRM New Member

    Mar 16, 2011
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    #23 HRM, Sep 13, 2011
    Not all of the cans have a sealer included in case you are concerned, but I would recommend using one that contains dye. If it turns out to be a bad leak, you will be more likely to find it easily so it can be fixed once and for all.

    I got lucky and a can has worked all summer. I am thinking the cold shrinks the gasket. If it leaks again this winter I should be able to find the dye and fix as needed. I also went around and very gently tightened all connections just in case something shrunk.
     
  3. RayanMX

    RayanMX New Member

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    #24 RayanMX, Sep 13, 2011
    So as long as we don't use one with sealant, it's oK then?
     
  4. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #25 BlimeyCabrio, Jun 2, 2012
    My AC had been trouble free for 113K miles, other than needing a recharge last year... but now has started the compressor "howl".

    Oy vey.
     
  5. Crimson

    Crimson New Member

    Jul 11, 2012
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    #26 Crimson, Jul 19, 2012
    My ac blows hot air, being in phoenix I NEED COLD AIR.. was told by a mechanic the compressor has failed. I have been reading a few things and wanted your all opinions. Is replacing the compressor and drier a DIY capable job. Or should i have a shop do it for me?
     
  6. Crimson

    Crimson New Member

    Jul 11, 2012
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    #27 Crimson, Jul 21, 2012
    Looking for a diagram on where the drier goes, anyone have a diagram of this portion of the engine?
     
  7. k-huevo

    k-huevo Club Coordinator

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    #28 k-huevo, Jul 21, 2012
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2012
    The dryer is located on the side of the condenser. Facing the front of the vehicle it is the vertical tube on the left.

    [​IMG]


    Here's a photo album to browse, and you can determine if you are DIY capable replacing the compressor, dryer, and expansion valve (if needed).

    You will need to remove & store the refrigerant. Visit your local auto AC repair shop to capture the refrigerant, and after replacing parts revisit the shop to have the refrigerant returned to the system. If the desiccant from the original dryer has escaped, or the compressor failed internally creating debris, it may be necessary to vacuum the system as well.
     
  8. Crimson

    Crimson New Member

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    #29 Crimson, Aug 4, 2012
    Appreciate the reply, i successfully replaced the compressor and drier. Fees great having AC on these 110 degree days :D
     
  9. LIGHTINMCQUEEN

    LIGHTINMCQUEEN New Member

    Jul 29, 2011
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    #30 LIGHTINMCQUEEN, Aug 5, 2012
    I picked up a compressor from Omega Compressors. They have brand new OEM, after market and rebuilt ones. I paid $245 for mine.
     
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