I bought a 2003 S but the AC did not work when I got it. I got a new compressor put in and the AC worked good. I noticed when the AC is on it feel like it sucks up a lot of horsepower. Is this normal for the MINI? I have had several other 4 cyl cars and the AC did not seem like it took that much power form the car. Yesterday the AC quit on me again felt like it locked up for a few seconds and killed the car. The car restarted and drove it home without the AC on and it made it home no problem. Has anyone else had any problems like this?

 

Was the replacement compressor a new MINI OEM or a re-manufactured aftermarket compressor? If re-manufactured it might just have been poor quality that had a lot more internal friction/compression that took much more horsepower to turn. That might also explain why the compressor seized on you.

Who installed the A/C compressor? Maybe the correct amount of oil was not added.

I have had a few major problems with cheap re-manufactured A/C compressors.

 

Just had it looked at compressor was seized up. It was a new compressor. The shop that did it had been doing auto AC for 25 years and had worked on some of my other cars without any problems. He thinks just got a bad compressor said happens every once in awhile but not often. Im hoping that is why it was sapping more power.

 

Hopefully they purge the system and clean any debris in the lines. Was that originally done? How about replacing other line components like the drier too.

 

When he put the last one in the system was purged and all of the other parts were replaced, reciever and dryer. He is going to order another one and replace it since it was only a month old. I'm hoping that it was just a bad compressor to start with and that is why it was sapping so much power. How much power loss does anyone else see with the AC on in the MINI cooper?

 

Did you replace the orifice tube? Do yourself a favor, change it, they cost so little. Most manufacturers of A\C Compressors want to see paperwork showing that the system was flushed correctly and certain other components were replaced at the same time or they will not consider a warranty claim. Most, but not all Compressors are shipped with assembly lube NOT refrigerant oil. Make sure you use the correct oil and the correct amount.

 

it was done at a AC shop. I did not do the work myself but he has been doing AC for 25 years and he is the one who will be fixing it for free. I'm not sure if he changed the orifice tube or not did not ask. i'm guessing since he changed the reciever and dryer he probally did.

 

Where is the orifice tube?

 

Make sure the mechanic is replacing all the associated parts again since the compressor seized and probably spread junk through the lines and all system components. Sounds like a good mechanic so I am sure he plans to replace everything but just to make sure.

 

The orifice tube or expansion tube is in one of the pressure lines. cant remember which one hi/lo pressure.

 

I'm thinking he will I don't think he want to do it a 3rd time