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Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:12 pm Post subject: Alfa 33 1.5IE Airconditioning

I 've got some questions for anyone that has an Airconditioned Alfa 33.

I just want to improve the performance of my aircon as: 1. when at idle and in bumper to bumper traffic they air it delivers is cool but not cold. only when you rev the engine the air becomes cold. 2. my fan always works at full pace to keep the car coolish.

I can live with it but is there any way to improve the performance of my aircon???

In addition I am pretty sure that it does not need re-gasing. Should I clean up the airways of the fan and if so how can I do that???

Thanks in advance... Smile

_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:04 pm Post subject:

Hi,

According to what I have heard from 33 owners with A/C they have the same opinion with yours. The bottomline is that the 33's A/C system is not 100% effective since the two radiators live under the front wings, and the air flow is not as much as it is in cars where the radiator is behind the bumper. In addtion the radiators are somehow thick enough and this also contributes to low performance when car is in traffic and summer sun is high.

Hope this helps.

Regards.
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Bellamachinna · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:49 pm Post subject:

Hi...
My A/C is also giving me some trouble. Confused

It was never an very efective A/C. It always delivered more cool air than cold air... Sad

.
However everything worked. The fan started working in its minimum speed when the A/C was turned on (without help from the Heater fan knob). Smile

Recently, the heater fan only works on its maximum setting, and the A/C lost it completly... NO COOL AIR, NO COLD AIR.
I believe that the A/C needs a fresh dose of gas, but i want first to solve the mistery of the fan. Shocked

I`ve replaced the Fan knob in the heater-A/C panel, but the fan only engages when knob is rotated till the max... Sad

Any ideas????
Will i need to dismantle the heater assembly to reach the fan itself? Shocked

Thanks in advance
_________________
All'interno della mia macchina, vi sedete, tenete sopra e CHIUDETE IN SU...

gritsop · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:24 pm Post subject:

Don't know if this helps but the fan speed is regulated by a ceramic resistor accesible fron the engine bay. Probably this has to do with your trouble.

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 8:53 am Post subject:

Hi everyone and thanks for your replies...

So Gritsop is there any way to maximize flow to these radiators???
Are they literally under the wing (right or left, how they are positioned there? isn't too tight?)? I hope I wouldn't have to 'drill' any holes to it!!!

By the way you are probably running an aircon 33. What gives me a bit more comfort down here in Lefkosia (41 degrees yesterday alone) is to set the air-direction dial somewhere in between the windscreen and towards-the cabin setting (the two top settings of the dial). In that way a bit of cool air runs through the de-misting slots on the doors and believe me it makes a difference.

So aircon 33 owners try that as well.

Thanks Smile

_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:02 am Post subject:

Hi,

Unfortunately, my 33 does not have A/C installed ... Have tried to find a good second hand one but in vain. The first one had the radiators hit (car involved in accident) and the second one was cheap, less than 300€ but was from a series 1 33. Anyway will keep searching.

If you take a look under the front bumper you will see two radiators; one for each side of the front wings. The space there is small enough and everything 's so close to each other.

I have heard that some people have installed radiator vents since they produce higher air flow, but don't know their effectiveness.

Hope this helps,

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:38 am Post subject:

Hi again...

just another short question!!!

By removing the plastic cover-grill where the windscreen wipers sit that would give me access to the air intakes of the fan system???

Thanks Smile

_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:42 am Post subject:

Hi,

You cant do much as everything's so chaotic in there. You will only see the flaps and your hand should be very very flexible in order to even touch these flaps. It is a real pain if you get involved with the A/C - heater system of the 33.

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:44 am Post subject:

I won't bother then...

Thanks and take care...
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

Bellamachinna · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 3:57 pm Post subject:

Hi

gritsop wrote:

gritsop · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:40 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Take a look at the diagram.

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Bellamachinna · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 4:18 pm Post subject:

Yup...
I`ve seen it. I was thinking, that connector was the frost sensor (15). Embarassed

Saturday i´ll take a look at it and lets see how it goes... Mr. Green

Thanks

P.Camilo
_________________
All'interno della mia macchina, vi sedete, tenete sopra e CHIUDETE IN SU...

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:28 am Post subject:

Hi again...

've checked under the bumper and as you said Gritsop on the right hand side wing I could see the evaporator and on the left the condenser. They are actually two small 'radiator-like' components and each has a fan drawing air out from the vents. From my investigation i found that the condenser has moved back a bit towards the plastic cover lining the wing, blocking (and brobably recirculating the hot air under the wing) the fan's capacity to push warm air out and affecting its efficiency to withdraw heat.

I could really say that I have not seen much of a difference regarding cooling but at least at the traffic lights the air the aircon delivers its a bit more cool than before and sparingly I drop my fan from full blast to a bit lower setting.

In addition blowing some air through the vents of both components it will surely remove some debris caught in there and will eventually improve (partially) the aircon's ability to cool things down.

Thanks Wink

_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:28 am Post subject:

...
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:32 am Post subject:

Hi,

Glad to see that you have made some progress even marginally...

By the way do you live in Athens or are you in vacation in Cyprus? Is your car a RHS one?

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Guest · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:23 pm Post subject:

Hi Gritsop...

My fiance is here in Cyprus and I 'll be down here permanently from now on. In Athens I live in Gerakas (you probably know it).

My Alfa is a White 1.5IE (cat) maybe one of the last ones from the production line (It was registered March of 1994) with 173000 Km on the clock. It was kept well by just one onwer. I am happy with it (and I can admit I am becoming an Alfa lover - Alfa 159 here I come) apart from the little gremilins poping in and out of it. Whatever my next buy will be I will keep the 33 as it is not worthing while selling such as a nipy and unique car.

If you need and help with a RHD Alfa 33 layout let me know.

We will keep in touch through the forum.

Be well

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:25 pm Post subject:

By the way it was me but I forgot to log in...

Shocked

_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:36 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Glad to hear from you! Give my regards to Cyprus and talk again !

Χαιρετισμούς
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Bellamachinna · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 4:44 pm Post subject:

Hi...

Just a progress report...
Saturday, dismantled the dashboard, central console, to gain acess to heater/AC panel and wiring...
HEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPP...... Shocked

What a mess... Sad

Wires from the loom, connected to anywhere, with electric tape on the end`s....
Seems that the previous onwer, or someone, had installed an alarm/imobiliser, and removed it when selled the car...
The loom needs to be completly checked, and remove anything that isnt working.
With all this, i completly forgot about the heater. (completly, is not acurate. First will clean up that mess, and then will move to finally get that heater/AC to work.
Take care
P.Camilo
_________________
All'interno della mia macchina, vi sedete, tenete sopra e CHIUDETE IN SU...

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:05 am Post subject:

Hi again...

I got another question for the aiconditioned alfa 33 owners???

Through the glass window of the drier the flow of the freon gas what should look like??? Just a lean transparent freon flow with no bubbles or a vortex like flow again with no bubbles (what I mean is that I can see the gas-liquid spinning around through the glass window of the drier but there are no bubbles)???

I addition some people have reconditioned the various aircon parts. Which one of these parts when restored proved to give better cooling results???

Thanks v. much
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:40 am Post subject:

Hi,

Here is a diagram which will help you.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:54 am Post subject:

Gritsop...

Thanks for the great schematic...

Unfortunatelly none of the above match my situation. The gas looks like when water drains down the sink (swirls down) but no bubbles can be seen. On the other it is not a clean undisturbed flow!!!

As I believe that with aircons the less you mess with them the better, I don't want to risk it to have it re-gassed as it might make things even more worse. So i want to be sure before doing that!!!

Thanks for the fast response...

Any ideas???

Laughing

_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:59 am Post subject:

Hi,

Don't know ... usually suspects are the compressors itself ...

But dealing with them can be a reason to kill your wallet ...

Cost is high...

Perhaps some other guy can tell more .

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:03 pm Post subject:

Chears Gritsop...

I might ask a couple of aircon guys to tell me what they think. Re-gassing the system it costs around 30 Euros down here but the thing is that I heard many cases that other systems lost some of their cooling due to regassing.

Thanks once more...

Greetings from the boiling hot Lefkosia (41 degrees C)...
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 4:21 pm Post subject:

Update on the airconditioning 'condition;...

I had it today recharged with R12 freon gas. According to the aircon man it needed a bit of gas in there.

Now I can record 17.5C at idle when before it was at 23C and at 4000rpm it records 10C but unfortunatelly i have not checked the value before recharging. It did make a bit of a difference but is not a fridge in there either.

Luckily the guy I went to check my aircon proved to be and Alfista to (he drives an 164) so that litttle gas got in there for free...chears.

Next as I did not have the time to do it I will try to either jetwash or just blow air through the vents of the condenser and evaporator to clear out any dirty stuck in there....

Keep up the goood work everyone

see you soon

_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)