A/C Compressor dead - Removal question

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
Hi All,
Having had an A/C specialist round for 3 hours yesterday, the conclusion for my lack of cold air is the compressor is shot. Also a weird electrical issue, probably the Hi/Lo pressure switch on the dryer. The compressor was cutting in, even with no refrigerant in it, which probably caused it's demise.

Anyhow, the upshot is: compressor replacement.
Having spent the evening researching on here it seems that the exhaust manifold on the passenger side needs to come off, to allow removal of the under-sump heat shield, to allow you to get the compressor out.

Question: Is it the heat shield that stops the compressor coming out, and the only way to remove said shield is to remove the manifold?

It certainly looks like the compressor could slide out if the heat shield was out of the way.

Cheers,
Andy.
 

RJ237

Member
Messages
107
The US manifold is different, but I think the the process I used would work. I removed the fasteners from the heat shield and bent it down while moving it back to gain access to the compressor. It was not easy to remove the pipe connections, but still quicker than following the factory procedure IMO.
 

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
So you're saying you have a US manifold with the cat in the manifold?
I did read it's possible to remove the compressor on those without removing the manifold.
 

jasst

Member
Messages
2,313
I had a similar problem with my GS, I looked at replacing compressor with the guide on here, but that will not work for european spec cars, the heat shield is totally different, in the end I didn't need to replace it as it turned out to be a fuse ! I did wonder if front bumper off, and Rad removed may be a better option, but cannot say with certainty this would work.
 

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
Hmmm, yes the European version does have a large heat shield. I was wondering if the heat shield could be 'modified' to be in 2 parts to facilitate compressor removal.
Maybe not.
 

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
Just thought I should update this thread in case it helps anyone else.
A/C is now working brilliantly with vent temps down to 3.5 degrees c.

I did remove the compressor without taking off the exhaust manifold. I loosened the heat shield and pulled it towards the front of the car. Then using a slitting disc, cut a section out of the shield! I could then work through the gap, disconnect the compressor and pull out through the gap. To replace the bit of shield cut out I used strips of stainless steel to make straps and used stainless nuts and bolts to re-attach it to the rest of the shield. In effect, I've made a removable section.

The compressor was fully rebuilt by Compressortech for just over £300 including collection and posting back. It looked brand new with a new internals.
91592

All the ac pipes were removed and flushed through.
91593

So in total I replaced the compressor, condenser, pressure switch, dryer and expansion valve. The evaporator was flushed through professionally to remove all the crud in the remaining system.

For reference I found the dryer and expansion valve were Alfa 166 parts and a lot cheaper than Maserati prices.
91594
91595

Cheers.
 

Chris Eggleton

Junior Member
Messages
65
Good afternoon Andy,
I had a similar problem the compressor was leaking oil from the front seal, I had the compressor overhauled and the seal replaced, unfortunately 2 years later: same problem. The A/C technician recommended a new compressor, as he advised that the main shaft was probably worn causing seal failure. I was wondering how well your compressor O/H had lasted. Regards, Chris
 

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
Hi Chris,
It's a bit too soon to say really. I've only done about 30 miles since it was rebuilt. The car is off the road now over winter to allow me to do some restoration work.
The company I used, Compressortech, are a fairly well know refurbisher of compressors so I'm hoping it will last. It certainly looked like new from the outside and was supplied with a test certificate.
Fingers crossed.
Andy.
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
Great work @Andy4200

@Chris Eggleton autodoc had an aftermarket AC condenser for only £300. I don't know anyone who has tried it but worth a shot - just make sure you check with them it's correct and get the returns insurance so they cover the costs of taking it back if it doesn't fit.

Edit: just noticed it's out of stock so maybe try to find it somewhere else
 

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Chris Eggleton

Junior Member
Messages
65
Thanks Andy, Fifty,
Another anecdote from the A/C tech in Darwin (where A/C is very important) was that the compressor unit in the Maserati is a very common Nippon Denso unit. This is a true statement but when you peruse the Nippon Denso catalogue the Maserati replacement unit is significantly more than the Toyota, Nissan etc. The difference being the interface unit at the rear of the compressor, which is different for almost every car. The suggestion was to get a similar specifcation compressor and change out the rear interface unit with the one off the original fitted to the Maserati. Once I have mine apart I'll post an update. Cheers Chris
 

Chris Eggleton

Junior Member
Messages
65
Just about ready to start working on the Maserati, I've been working on Jaguars since my last post. I also noticed that the high pressure side hose has gone porous so Enzed will be getting a visit from me.
 

Chris Eggleton

Junior Member
Messages
65
Chris,
That was pretty much what I was told by Compressortech, the body and internals were all common but the rear part was Maserati specific. Mine was a Sanden.
View attachment 92785
Good afternon Andy, I have removed the low pressure line from the car, but it was damaged beyond repair in the process due to limited space at the rear of the engine bay. Your picture of your removed hoses looks like you got them out intact and in good shape. As I am about to buy a new low pressure hose for a RHD (GD) car, do you have any tips about getting the hoses in and out of the car cleanly and in good condition. Many thanks for your advice, Chris
 

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
Hi Chris,
Sorry, no magic, just took things slowly and gently wiggling to release joints.
Andy.
 

Chris Eggleton

Junior Member
Messages
65
Hi Chris,
Sorry, no magic, just took things slowly and gently wiggling to release joints.
Andy.
Good morning Andy, many thanks, that in itself is a very useful tip, I thought it was impossible, so knowing that it can be done, with a lot of patience is extremely helpful. Chris