What I can see missing and do not have spare parts for are the following:

Compressor
Compressor bracket
Serpentine Pulley
Trinary Valve switch
Low Pressure Hose
O-rings

I'm far from an expert on A/C, but I've fooled around with some of these issues. Here are some basic thoughts:

- Back in 1993, cars came with reciprocating compressors, which were inefficient and vibration-prone. Modern cars use rotary compressors, which are more efficient, don't vibrate and are easily retrofitted to earlier cars. So you definitely don't want to find a used, '93 compressor. Something like a Sanden 508 should fit and is available everywhere (even on Amazon).

- You will need a bracket to mount your compressor, and a used Alfa part is your best bet. Try Alfa Parts Exchange Alfa Parts Exchange - Used Alfa Romeo Parts for that and the pulley.

- There are shops in most metropolitan areas that make hydraulic hoses for agricultural, industrial and automotive applications. Making A/C hoses is a pretty standard task for these guys. You'll probably want to re-make all the flex hoses, not just the low pressure, to reduce the chance of leaks.

- A/C O rings are a standard part at any automotive shop.

- I doubt you will find an A/C shop familiar with Alfa spiders, but any A/C shop willing to work on older cars should be able to handle this job once you find the bracket & pulley.

 

Thanks for the suggestions Jay.

 

Jay gives good advice. After collecting the needed parts (the PO had removed and thrown away many of the original A/C parts) I put the A/C system back in our '84 Spider with a new receiver/drier. As Jay advises, I had a local shop make new hoses (re-using the end fittings). After getting everything installed I had a local garage evacuate the system then add the appropriate oil and charge with R134. It is not Toyota cold but it makes the car useable in all but the most oppressive heat.

 

Eric, thanks for the feedback. Sounds like the right path to take. I've started the search for the missing parts.

 

You have an Series 4 Spider, a 1993 model, so your oil pan and side of the block has holes provided for a mount for the Sanden SD508 compressor. You can find them with the ribbed serpentine pulley, on the Vintage Air site, or on E Bay also. $200 and change will get you a new compressor. If you need the compressor bracket itself, then call Larry Jr at APE (209-365-1383) to see if they have one for an S4.
Get a new receiver/dryer also, to ensure the refrigerant stays clean and dry in circulation. Being up there behind the pass side front fender, it takes a little wrenching to get out but any good shop can locate a generic replacement with the correct ports inlet/outlet. The trinary pressure switch is probably ok, and an AC shop can verify that.
The toughest part, the evaporator and fan assembly, is already there behind the dash, so I think it IS worthwhile to resurrect your stock system. Properly charged, they actually cool the Spider pretty well. Also, ensure your cooling fans are in good order, and check the AC condenser fan relay in the fuse block for burning/overheating at the blade fuse. They tend to do that.

 

This is why I often speak up and oppose removal of otherwise useable AC systems on our Alfas, unless they are dedicated track cars. Sooner or later, somebody will want it on the car we have for sale.

 

Thanks for the comments/suggestions.

I cannot seem to locate the Trinary pressure switch on the car. The connector for the switch on the receiver/dryer just has a plastic cap attached. See the photo. According to the diagram on CarDisc, it shows a round switch attached to the receiver/dryer. I've looked in the area for any unconnected wires and don't see any. Where would the switch/wires go to if I trace back. Thanks for the help.

 

I'll take a look up in mine after work, and get back to you. It's on the lift anyway so I can easily check it.

 

Thank you. Much appreciated.

 

I have a compressor bracket from a rusted out 83 spider. Interested?

 

Here's the receiver-dryer with trinary switch on my S4:
View attachment 1691758 View attachment 1691759 View attachment 1691760

Thanks. If you trace back the trinary switch wires, can you tell me where they go.

Thanks again

 

Here's the receiver-dryer with trinary switch on my S4:

 

I'll see if I can locate my shop manual, but my garage is still not 100% set up from our recent move and it's tough just finding things. If any of you others can chime in here in the meanwhile, I know he'd appreciate it. I do recall the trinary switch can drop out the AC relay itself, acting directly on the compressor clutch. The wire leads will be running down the pass side of the hood opening, I would say. Plastic keyed connectors.

 

Thanks. I do see a white keyed two-prong connector without anything connected to it in the engine bay just above receiver/dryer area. Looks like your connector in the photo.

 

Yep... I think you're on to it. I'll see what I can find tomorrow.

 

Here are a couple of photos of the connectors I found. They are indeed attached to the wiring harness. Do they look similar to your connectors... and does your trinity switch have one or two connectors? I would also like to know where I can order the correct Trinity switch and Receiver/Dryer. Thanks, Bruno

 

I'm pretty certain you found them-- just verify the wire colors on a schematic. If I can just lay my hands on my shop manual, I can do that for you! It looks like those wire colors match mine, comparing photos. There are several auto A/C suppliers out there, and I like Vintage Air (vintageair.com).

They have everything you'll need for this, including a trinary pressure switch. Or, when/if you take the car to a local shop, they can also provide a switch for you. This is all common, generic auto A/C hardware and components... not Alfa proprietary stuff.

 

Thanks again.

 

Here's a good post with detailed compressor info:

Everything I know about S4 Air Conditioner

After more than a year and a half and 3 compressors I finally have my AC working pretty well so here is what I have learned: The compressor that came on the S4 is a Sanden 508 "shorty" which has not been made for many years. Even the rebuild kits have not been made for many years so if you get...

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