E30 from Ukraine - "Shadow of Intelligence"

Post Fri Jun 26, 2026 8:29 am

Assembly_201. ETK_64_Heating and air conditioning. (Part 12) Electromagnetic clutch and air conditioner compressor (continued)

So, last time I stopped at the fact that the outlet hose fitting did not screw onto the compressor flange, and the inlet hose fitting did not reach the compressor flange at all.
I started with the simplest - I unscrewed the inlet flange from my compressor and from another, broken compressor. The difference is obvious.

Let me remind you that my "new" compressor was removed from a BMW E34 with an M20B25 engine. And the broken "old" compressor was removed from a BMW E30 with an M20B25 engine. The difference is in the shape of the inlet flange - for the E34 it is straight, and for the E30 it has a slope and an additional valve. Of course, I noticed this immediately, but I thought that the hose could be turned and screwed. But it turned out that its length was not enough for this. Therefore, I will simply replace this flange. I noticed rust residues on the inner mesh, so I cleaned the flange again with a solution of citric acid, rinsed it thoroughly, blew it with air and re-coated it with a cold blueing agent. Now the flange and its inner mesh are perfectly clean.

Complete with a gasket, valve and valve, - ready for installation.

It was more difficult with the outlet hose fitting. Either something got under the thread, or something went wrong, or I'm clumsy... )) But the fitting didn't want to screw onto the compressor flange at all, and the first thread turn was even slightly damaged...

I already thought that I had ruined either the hose or the compressor. But thanks to my brother, I managed to fix everything - he understands these threads and flanges much better than I do. The thread on the compressor flange was "driven" with a similar nut from the fitting of an old air compressor. And to "drive out" the thread on the hose fitting, we had to take a broken compressor as a "donor" - we cut off that flange from it and carefully repaired the thread on the fitting with it.

Here is such a "repair special tool" )

And after that, finally, the outlet hose fitting was in place. Accordingly, the necessary inlet hose flange was installed.

Now the inlet hose is normally in place. Very carefully screw the inlet hose flange to the fitting.

And this is a victory! )) Both hoses are screwed to the compressor.

It seems a bit strange and illogical to me that the inlet hose has thermal insulation, and the outlet hose runs even closer to the exhaust manifold, and does not have thermal insulation.

I checked the photo from ETK - that's how it should be. I even had the idea to install it there additionally.... Does this make sense?

Finally, the air conditioner kit is completely installed!

Now all that remains is to fill it and hope that it will be airtight and will cool well! )

P.S.
By the way, yesterday I drove around my village a little - it's very hot in the car at +36! )
I just stopped by an elderly air conditioner repairman - it's clear that the man has been working in this field for a long time and has the appropriate knowledge, and not just a "refueler" ;) He advised me to contact his colleague, who will easily fill the air conditioner with R12 freon. In addition, he is also nearby, almost near my house. We made a preliminary agreement with him, so I will go and try to fill the air conditioner soon.

Post Wed Jul 01, 2026 9:47 am

First "photoshoot"

I found a "time capsule" that had been sitting in a chicken coop for 40 years! )))

Just kidding )
My garage is really dusty.... (

Washed away from "age-related" dust.

And finally, a spontaneous improvised first "photo shoot" of the fully assembled car!

Not everything turned out perfectly, but it looks beautiful, as far as I'm concerned! )
I drove it a little - the car on the road attracts the attention of others!
It gives positive emotions behind the wheel! And that's the main thing. I've been waiting for this for a long time.

P.S.
Tomorrow I'm going to fill up the air conditioner.
Then to adjust the climb.
Then I'll have to stop by for body polishing.
Then I need to bring the rims and tires into proper shape.
And maybe some other "current" little things...
I don't know when I'll do all this...
And then it'll just be "photo shoots"! ;)

Post Thu Jul 09, 2026 12:43 pm

Air conditioner refill

I drove to work for a few days, in the heat.

And it became clear that the air conditioner urgently needed to be refilled! On the second attempt, I still got to the mechanic.
He liked the car, and he was surprised by its condition and appearance.
We started by evacuating the system.

Then check the tightness of the system with nitrogen.

Pressure 15.5 bar.

We held out for about half an hour - the pressure did not decrease. The master was surprised for the second time! And me too )

Next, repeated vacuuming. All moisture and nitrogen have been removed, the system is sealed. So, you can refuel.

And everything would be fine if it hadn't gotten so bad!...
At first, for some reason the high pressure sensor wouldn't close, although it's new and original. We installed a "jumper" instead - the clutch turned on and the compressor started working. It pumps very well even at idle. This pleased me. But almost immediately, what I was afraid of happened - the old, stiff high-pressure hose couldn't stand it and burst!... The pressure was definitely not exceeded.
This is where the refueling ends...
The hose needs to be replaced, and to do this, almost the entire front of the car needs to be disassembled again, since it goes from the compressor to the condenser.
I was going to have this hose repaired at a specialized service, but unfortunately, they don't give any guarantees. So I remembered that I have a spare original hose - it's good that I'm thrifty! ))

Judging by the number, the hose is from a restyled car, the shape of the tubes is slightly different and it has thermal insulation. I hope it will fit.
Well, I need to somehow check the high pressure sensor, or buy another one.

P.S.
But because of the damned russian monsters and the recent rocket attack on Vyshneve, work on the car is postponed for an indefinite period...
For now, all my strength, time and finances will have to be directed to the restoration and repair of the house and garage... Although, in general, I was also "lucky". Especially considering that it was about 500 meters from my house to the epicenter of the explosions. But still, there is something to do...
It's good that everyone is alive and well. And my cars, surprisingly, were not damaged either.