AC blocks removal path of my oil filter on 911SC. My first time self oil change but o

[redbird 83]

I would like to do my first oil change on my 83 911sc. The oil filter is going to be difficult to remove secondary to AC and associated plumbing. After loosened, which way to proceed with removal? I have owned this car since 1987 and had numerous oil/filter changes but just now realize difficult situation.:confused

[mike sampsel]

Pictures might help, I do not recall difficulty removing the oil filter with the A/C compressor in place. My A/C has since been moved to the front of my car so I can't do a picture. Lots of us have moved the compressor onto the fender to perform various tasks, such as spark plug change and valve adjust, I've never done this for oil filter removal. It's not so hard to move it out and up on the fender a "couple" of bolts hold the mounting plate on. But I do not think you need to to get the filter off.

[REVerend]

Just bought my first 911, an ‘83 SC like you, and have been wondering the exact same thing. The oil was freshly changed before I bought it so I have a little time to figure it out but it is something I’m curious about. Obviously mine has a non-original AC compressor and plumbing.



The previous owner is a guy I work with and he said it wasn’t a problem… but it looks really tight to me. What I’m guessing is that the oil filter basically just clears the threads before it runs into the AC plumbing and from there you can rotate it out. I did order one of those oil filter change catch tray doohickeys from our host just because it was $7 and it’s either that or I stuff a ton of paper towels down there to catch oil from the filter.

In any case I’m really curious how it works out for you because a similar fate awaits me.

[EC900]

I’ll throw this out there for what it’s worth…
I removed my AC altogether, but it seemed to me that the method prior what to loosen the compressor mount/ bolts and simply lower out of the way to access the oil filter. There was sufficient slack in the hoses to accommodate this.
Might be worth a look to see if your’s are the same.

[sigchuck]

I have a Kuehl compressor on my 83. It adds about 10 minutes total, but really not a tough job to loosen the compressor. There’s a tensioner nut on a stud that’s parallel to the ground near the fan housing. Loosen that, then you can loosen the three bolts holding the compressor on the bracket. There should be one on the back RIGHT side near where the hoses connect and then two on the front. Bentleys probably does a much better job explaining it, but overall not that bad of a sacrifice for AC.

[Discseven]

Red... I think there might be just enough space to work filters off & on there. Put a rag below the filter to catch the oil that comes out of it. Once loose (assuming this is possible) the filter should be turned so the open end of the filter is pointing up... otherwise the oil in the filter will be coming out. I'd suggest seeing if you can get it off before taking anything else apart. If you get it off, remember how you managed it and install the new in reverse.

If y our AC is not working, I'd suggest shifting the position of those hoses if there is enough length to do so. Departing the compressor, the hoses should dive down and turn towards the front of the car out of the filter's way. If the AC is working, I'd leave it.

[mike sampsel]

Well, we don’t know what the OP has, but the pictures provided by others show tighter quarters than the stock setup.

Seems likely you can get the filter off and out without moving the AC. Do as said, lots of rags under the filter to catch any oil. You will need to go approximately 1/2 inch to get the filter off all threads. Than maneuver as best to keep the distant end up in the air.

Good luck

[kuehl]

Is there enough slack in the hose to route it on downward arc and then upward arc,
so that you can open and close the engine deck lid without the hose 'pulling' and not relaxing. If so, safety glasses, cotton gloves, open end wrench, very carefully loosen the fitting nut on the compressor a few degrees, re-orientate the 90 degree fitting downward enough to so you can remove the oil filter, snug up the fitting nut.

And, if you wondered, yes, we did change the hose design years ago to a 90 degree fitting at the compressor and relocated the pressure switch on a T several inches toward the back.

[REVerend]

Originally Posted by kuehl

Is there enough slack in the hose to route it on downward arc and then upward arc,
so that you can open and close the engine deck lid without the hose 'pulling' and not relaxing. If so, safety glasses, cotton gloves, open end wrench, very carefully loosen the fitting nut on the compressor a few degrees, re-orientate the 90 degree fitting downward enough to so you can remove the oil filter, snug up the fitting nut.

And, if you wondered, yes, we did change the hose design years ago to a 90 degree fitting at the compressor and relocated the pressure switch on a T several inches toward the back.

That’s more or less what mine seems to be doing… maybe the OP can post a pic of his situation. I don’t need an oil change just yet but I’m halfway thinking of spinning my oil filter off just to see how it works.

[kuehl]

And, its been awhile since we had an SC in the shop, but factory SC diagram shows a hose clamp
on the RH deck hinge to hold the hose in place, you will want to check your RH deck hinge to see if there is a 5 mm nominal hole to put on a hose size 8 clamp to secure the hose so the fitting or condenser inlet manifold don't get under stress