A/C compressor help
 

Hey all,

Recently got my A/C regassed on my 1987 911 at my last service. Worked well for a month, then after my last drive I opened the decklid and saw that I had a green liquid sprayed all over the bottom of the decklid and the A/C compressor. I'm guessing the compressor has a seal which failed, causing the dye to go everywhere.

My question is, I'm wanting to fix and most likely rebuild the compressor, but the service is about 12 months away. Should I turn the A/C on still from time to time to lubricate? I'm not really sure how the compressor works, but if there's no gas there might be no point turning it on at all?

Basically my question is while I wait to fix it for the next 12 months is it better to turn the A/C on, or leave it off until I get it rebuilt (new seal kit).

Thanks

I wouldnt worry about it. Wait until you are ready to do the job and replace everything all at once. I just replaced all of the ac lines/drier in my 87 with Griffiths hoses. Not a terible job and the hoses seem to be great quality.

If it's leaking that bad then no, I wouldn't continue to run it. Are you sure it's the compressor and not a hose, fitting or a pressure switch? I haven't priced a replacement compressor in a long time but you may want to consider that if the price isn't too objectionable.

No don't run it.

Just replace the compressor & receiver dryer, and flush the lines. Then recharge and run it.

The "gas" contains the lubricant, PAG. You will ruin the compressor running without it.

Did you know BF and PAG are basically the same compound ? Another fun fact ... the "freon" turns into acid once exposed, thanks to the choice of refrigerant.

IMO, if you still have the original lines, you may be wasting time and money. A new compressor is available and not crazy in price 400-500 max. Suffer once, replace the lines and compressor. You cold have it done in a weekend. Its getting hot fast.

Wouldn't the acid ruin your engine bay?

More worthwhile to rebuild compressor, or replace?

I can't find any new ones online anywhere. They're all refurbished.

Griffiths.com has them, along with all you'll need to rebuild your AC https://griffiths.com/product/911-930-nippondenso-with-clutch/

I went with their full upgrade kit 5 years ago (along with a 134a conversion) and my system's been great ever since (still colder than new) https://griffiths.com/product/porsche-911-ac-compressor-upgrade-kit-1984-89-lh-drive/

For now, unplug the compressor clutch wire so the compressor does not engage.

Compressor wise:
You can't really rebuild the compressor, you can only reseal it.
Before you buy a seal kit take it apart, leaving the pistons on the swash plate shaft
inside either of the case halves so they don't fall out. Inspect residual oil in the compressor for signs of debris: black matter, grey matter, silver matter (use a 5x magnifier) any debris then you toss it. Inspect the swash plate (round disk on shaft) for signs of wear, inspect piston surfaces and cylinders for wear, reed valve plates, any issues then toss it. Else, just get a new Denso in Denso box.

You'll need 5 new hoses, o-rings, drier, compressor oil. Getting a low-high pressure switch built into the hose set helps to protect the system. 86-87 evaporators tend to leak over time.

If you are not upgrading these items, AC flush the rear deck lid cond, front condenser, evaporator with TEV removed.

Depending upon what replacements or upgrades you are doing, plan on spending a 15 hour to 24 hours of dedicated work, all doable if you focus on it. You do not need a lift, just 4 jack stands, jack, eyewear, old baseball cap, shop vac, a few Becks.