AC Shop in LA?

[aoncurly]

Does anyone have a recommendation of a good AC shop in Los Angeles (or preferably in Pasadena) that is knowledgeable in air-cooled Porsche AC systems that can get my 1981 911SC AC functioning again? I want to maintain the original York compressor and for me, originality is preferred over AC efficiency, but I do want it to work. Some background: AC hasn't been used in the past 20 years. When last used, it worked, but the refrigerant would leak out within a couple of weeks, even though the system was supposedly checked for leaks. This went on for a couple of years, where I would recharge it, and the refrigerant would all leak out within a few weeks and I finally said enough, and stopped using it.
I suspect I need new hoses, a dryer, and possibly have the seals replaced in the compressor and obviously the system pressure tested, charged. I do not want to do any of the work myself and have no desire to purchase pressure testing equipment and deal with the headaches of testing and finding leaks. All I want is to have my original AC functioning without having to recharge it every few weeks. Thanks in advance.

[GH85Carrera]

If you are just average handy with tools, get the Griffiths system, follow the instructions step by step and you can do all the work of replacing the hoses yourself with not one special tool.

Just stop when it needs the charging and take it to a understanding professional.

I would really suggest talking to some local parts stores and see if any of them rent the gauges and a vacuum pump. Hook them up, and pull a vacuum for a few hours, turn off the pump and let it sit with a vacuum and see if the pressures rise. Keep it under a vacuum for the weekend, or longer. Then just take it to the pro, and have him check for leaks and ask if he does a nitrogen purge. If he is familiar with old 911s, he will know there is over 40 feet of hoses and lot of remote components. Lots of places where moisture can hide.

All the work leading up to the point of vacuum is just simple mechanical work.

Charlie Griffith can advise you about keeping the old compressor. If it has sat for 20+ years it may or may not be fully functional. You will likely want to replace the evaporator and the the receiver dryer has to be replaced. Does the fan for the AC system work? Again, tell Charlie what you have, and what you want as an end product. He can help.

[88911coupe]

Speaking from personal experience, the only benefit of someone being familiar with Porsche systems is the fact that there is a LOT of hose to be vacuumed out. There's nothing "special" about Porsche AC systems, except that the older ones sucked...badly. The critical thing, as Glen and a few others have pointed out, is the flush the system with nitrogen a few times. I spent FIVE years screwing around with my AC till I finally broke down and got a nitrogen tank and did this myself. I knew I was NOT getting ambient air in the system but every time I recharged I was getting symptoms of air/moisture in the system. The nitrogen purge was the only thing that worked. I'd ask the shop if they are able to do that. That will save you from spending a couple hundred $ on the nitrogen tank, gas and regulator. I am a glutton for punishment and wanted to do it myself...

[GH85Carrera]

I am a self confessed tool junkie and prefer to do it myself if I can. The nitrogen rig is the real answer.

And for sure, the 911 AC system mechanical parts are nothing special or difficult. Just getting the system truly dry and moisture free is the part that makes our cars "special" in the world of AC.

40+ feet of hoses, multiple condensers, sprinkled front to back are unlike any almost any other vehicle.

[Marc Bixen]

" I do not want to do any of the work myself "

And the reply from a 67,000 post member

"If you are just average handy with tools, get the Griffiths system, follow the instructions step by step and you can do all the work of replacing the hoses yourself with not one special tool."

I don't get it!

HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO THE WORK HIMSELF!

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Marc Bixen

" I do not want to do any of the work myself "

And the reply from a 67,000 post member

"If you are just average handy with tools, get the Griffiths system, follow the instructions step by step and you can do all the work of replacing the hoses yourself with not one special tool."

I don't get it!

HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO THE WORK HIMSELF!

Sure, I saw that. But there are many dozens of stories on this site guys coming to Pelican and suddenly seeing the work is not that difficult, and how hard it is to find the professional to do the work. I replaced my entire suspension on my 911 and I would never have done that if I had not seen the 100s of threads on suspension refreshing on this site. Most of the people here are DYI and looking for advice.

Some indeed are checkbook mechanics, and there is nothing wrong with that. If he lives in an apartment or condo and has no access to a secure garage, paying for the work may be the only option. Finding a mechanic to do it is why he started the post. I get that. But the options of DYI is not difficult for most people on this site.

I was just pointing out is is relatively simple and will cost him a lot to have a pro do it, and finding a pro do it right is the difficult thing.

[88911coupe]

Glen brings up a good point about the benefits of this site, I NEVER would have attempted to rebuild the engine on my '88 without seeing how many others were able to do it. Also would not have tried without Wayne's spectacular book by my side the whole time. It was great experience and I saved a ton of money. The other issue is finding a trustworthy mechanic, we have some GREAT ones here in Dallas but a lot of towns don't have a John Walker who they can put their faith in.

[GH85Carrera]

When I ordered my Griffith's system I knew only the theory of AC. I had not ever done any AC work by myself. I had watched and helped others do a charge, but it was just watching.

The process of learning the system and in the end having a COLD AC system was very rewarding, and gave me a real sense of accomplishment. There were times I looked at my car in shambles with the guts of the AC ripped out and thought "what the heck did I just do to my car!"



When I was done, I was thrilled with the results.



When the low side AC line coming back to the compressor is frosted up, I know the compressor is running cool, and so is the driver.

[aoncurly]

Originally Posted by Marc Bixen

" I do not want to do any of the work myself "

And the reply from a 67,000 post member

"If you are just average handy with tools, get the Griffiths system, follow the instructions step by step and you can do all the work of replacing the hoses yourself with not one special tool."

I don't get it!

HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO THE WORK HIMSELF!

^ This! I have read post upon post of AC problems/questions/responses and I just don't want to deal with it. Is there anyone in LA who has had a shop do extensive work on their AC successfully? I see plenty of AC shops and have talked to a few, but none of them gave me any confidence they could solve my issues. A shop did the work several times 20 years ago unsuccessfully. They couldn't find a leak. I do alot of DIY. I just don't want to do this DIY, especially given I have to take it to a shop anyways to evacuate/test/charge.

[RNajarian]

I also wanted to pay an A/C shop to reinstall the A/C in my 1975 Targa.

After studying and researching on Pelican I decided to give it a whirl myself.

All in all I would say I did OK. It was a big job, but breaking it up bit by bit seemed to work for me.

[aoncurly]

I ended up taking my car to Rusnak Porsche's Pasadena aircooled shop and they did a fantastic job getting my old stock York system working pretty good. It turns out my original York compressor had a leak (see pic below) and they had it rebuilt as I prioritized originality over function. These older systems can actually perform pretty well. I am more than satisfied for my weather conditions in SoCal. All of my original components other than the rebuilt York compressor.

[pgsandiego]

Thanks for the follow up/result Aoncurly! I'm in the same situation and, frankly, have little interest in going DIY AC. I've always read that the old AC lines leaked and should be replaced, are you still using your original lines? What did it run you to get your system back up and running (ballpark)? I may use the same place...

If you think about it, report back in a year or two and let us know the system is still working and keeping you cool

[911obgyn]

Old lines are… old and brittle. They may hold a charge for a bit. I was doing valve adjustment so i moved the compressor and one of my lines just snapped off. 85 carerra.

[aoncurly]

They pressure-tested everything. Still have my old lines. All my components were in pretty good condition. They tanked my evaporator, see pic below. I'll report back on how well or bad it holds a charge in a few months. It cost me $1800 total to rebuild my compressor, replace the clutch coil, test and charge my system, so not cheap, but something I had absolutely no desire to do.

[RSTarga]

I never liked the york because of the vibrations. By 81 I think the factory was using Nippondenso

[reppejs]

I just received all the parts to replace my AC in my 78 Targa from Griffiths this week. I was impressed how they packaged everything with instructions and even labeling the hoses. Charlie even called me to ensure that what I had ordered was correct.

I've always repaired the AC's in my vehicles so have all the equipment to do the job. It's not hard to do but I understand that not everyone is comfortable doing work like this or lack a place to work on their cars.

Here is a photo of some of the parts after I checked them out.

[aoncurly]

Oh man, I may have spoken too soon. My rebuilt compressor is leaking. Gotta take it back. I'll update next week after I get it fixed. I have no luck when it comes to AC. Just replaced my home AC system last year. My daughter's Honda needed a new compressor, evaporator and condenser and her car was only a few years old. I wrote a letter to Honda and complained. They basically said tough luck, you're out of warranty even though I had AC issues even when it was under warranty. I sold it. Sheesh.

[GH85Carrera]

No doubt there are shops that are good at AC repair.

In my opinion, the biggest "secret" to get the AC to work on a 911 is getting a system a very long vacuum and one that does not leak! The original non barrier hoses are DESIGNED to leak! You have to replace the hoses with barrier hoses, or expect to recharge every single spring. I go for years and never touch the system. Back in the 80s R-12 was 60 cents per pound, no big deal to recharge. Barrier hoses were more expensive, so Porsche saved the money.

Back to the vacuum, it is impossible to have "too good" of a vacuum. The lower the pressure the better, is an absolute. With the 27 feet of hoses, and components spread all over the car, it is not like a typical car to get a decent vacuum.

I pull a long vacuum, and get it to 200 microns, purge with nitrogen, another long vacuum to 200 microns, purge with nitrogen and let that sit at 150 PIS overnight to be sure there are no leaks. Then I change the oil in the vacuum pump, and do another long vacuum to 200 microns or lower if the temps allow it, then charge with refrigerant. It typically takes me a full weekend to do it. Sometimes I add another cycle of vacuum and nitrogen purge. Totally over the top, and no pro shop will do that.

I am convinced the moisture freezers in the vacuum into ice, and "hides" in the system. A 20 minute vacuum pull is just not enough. My procedure is admittedly over the top almost crazy, but I sure get good results.

If you have a shop tell you the original non barrier hoses are OK, they are mistaken, or want you back every year for a recharge.

[aoncurly]

I got my 911SC back, and it turns out my rebuilt York compressor blew a clutch shaft seal which was fixed. I gave it a wash, then took a drive to see what temps I was getting at the vent. The car sat in the sun for about 45 minutes and got heatsoaked to about 103 inside. Ambient was 85. Drove the car for 15 minutes and checked the vent temp and got varying readings (depending on the revs) with 27 degrees being the temp at about 2500 RPM. I think the car still needed to run more as the vent temp varied quite a bit. I'll check again when I get the chance. I'm satisfied.
I ended up converting to R134A because Rusnak was almost out of R12. Still have the old hoses so I'll see what happens in a few months. I thought about switching to new barrier hoses, but the installed cost would get me 6 years worth of charges, if it lasts a few months. The Master Mechanic at Rusnak really went out of his way to help me achieve my goal of originality. Instead of replacing the R12 valves, he rigged up a adapter to keep the R12 valves. A little over-the-top even for me, but I appreciated the care.

[aoncurly]

Just following up on this thread. My rebuilt stock system (rebuilt York compressor, new dryer, converted to R134, all other components original including hoses) is still blowing cold after almost one year. It seems to be holding a charge and is blowing in the low 40's. I measured it at the vent at 42.2 but it felt colder after running in a bit. My original system was in pretty good shape to begin with. But for my SoCal climate, the original components work good enough and for my all original 911SC, I couldn't be happier. So for $1800 parts and labor, you might be able to get these old AC systems working fairly well.