gavin11

Hey everyone,

It was a hot day here in the DFW area. I jumped in the car (1988 930) and decided to take an air-conditioned cruise.

With both air conditioner ***** turned fully clockwise nothing happened. I could faintly hear the fan, but no compressor sounds and no cool air. I decided that I'd have to have the system checked out.

I rolled down the windows, opened the roof and took off. As soon as the engine hit about 2000rpm, I noticed an acrid smell. Then I saw white smoke coming out of the air conditioner vent. I stopped and checked the engine compartment. Compressor belt turning, no smoke anywhere.

Did my compressor burn out? Has anyone experienced this problem?

Any help is appreciated.

r22tek

The problem is the evaporator fan blower, located in the smugglers box in your front trunk. Was the motor making any squeaking noises prior to this? If so, it will need to be removed and lubricated, maybe even replaced if you can't get it to turn smoothly. You also want to check for overheated/burned parts and/or wiring. Your motor may have overheated due to a loose connector or burned wiring. Check the fuse box in the front trunk-I think the fuse for the blower is the 25amp fuse in the 2nd slot starting from the point closest to the windshield. Make sure the fuse is in tight and is the correct size(25 amp). check the screw holding the wiring as well. If you actually saw smoke you should have no problem locating the point of origin. If you can't see it- follow your nose! The nose knows!! Let me know what you find.

horst

I have a hunch it is not the evaporator motor in the smuggler's box. However if it IS be prepared for a frustrating difficult repair. I would suggest, in that case a new motor, as it is a royal pain in the *** to get out. The good news is with patience, you can do it yourself. DO NOT CRACK OPEN ANY FREON LINES WHEN DOING THIS!. The main difficulty will be the securing clips, which need to be captured as they fly off, and, of course, are also a pain to put back later. New motor about $200. Seems that Hans could have provided a way to lubricate the original motor. Some on this board have suggested ways of making some sort of modification to make this possible. Forgot who or when.

gavin11

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I found the motor in the smugglers box and decided it looked pretty ugly to get out(not much of a do-it-yourselfer). Thankfully I was able to blow out the smoke and smell with the fresh air fans.

I rarely use the AC anyway, so I guess I'll just go without until I get the chance to take it to the shop.

Thanks again for your thoughts!

john walkers workshop

the footwell fans are the most likely culprit for a smokeout. they burn up all the time. you may just have had the AC on at the time. they have inline fuses next to each fan. remove the carpeted kick panels to check them. get your nose close to the tops and smell for burnt plastic.