A/C - D/C : Highway To Where?

[JR Indy]

OK, my A/C doesn't work. From all of the previous posts I've searched it appears that many suffer the same problems.

I haven't even started looking into mine, not sure even where to begin, would have to ponder the previous posts a few more times to decide. So, here's where I'm at...A/C should I disconnect (D/C) or give it a go? If I even get it working, without spending a bundle, is it worth it? If so, any recommendation of where to start?

Or, should I just begin the fat reduction on my overweight post S/C 911?

[magilla]

D/C. I did, and I only miss it a few days a year, since it never really worked that well to begin with. Start with the compressor mounted to the engine and the condenser(?) under the lid. Then go to the condenser and evaporator.

[JR Indy]

ok, one vote for D/C. Any other inputs?

[Hladun]

I have A/C on my 78SC, it works fine and I like it. If cost is an issue to you then I'd suggest the following process;

1. Will it hold a vacuum if empty or will it hold a charge (shop test)? This tells you if the hoses are bad. They're long, there are a lot of them and they're expensive.
2. If you pass 1, does the compressor work? Replacements range from $20 (used; what I did) to $500 to $600.
3. If you pass 1 & 2, there still could be fan and/or control problems. These should not be too expensive to fix but you need to find someone who understands A/C.
4. Older Porsches with the decklid condensers suffer from a lack of condenser cooling air flow. You must add a pancake fan on this condenser (~$50) or alternatively you can spend a small fortune on auxiliary condensers.
5. Remember A/C systems require annual maintenace. If you don't plan to maintain it then don't waste your money trying to fix it.
6. The A/C is adequate, but if you want BIG A/C then buy a Buick.

[Schuey]

Mine isn't working on my SC either, and I hope to look into it this weekend, I don't even get air blowing out the front vents, so I'm not sure where to start, but I've got Pelican, both of Wayne's books, the Workshop manuals, a PET, and Bentleys...I HOPE this is all I'll need...

[Doug Zielke]

These old Porsche A/C's need some resting time.
I took all of it out and put it in a box marked: "Next Owner".

[88911coupe]

In Dallas dumping the AC is not really an option. I recently made sure mine is topped off with R12 and I'm pretty happy with it but I did upgrade to a Sanden compressor. Not sure how much difference that made since my 87 had the orig. cond and it worked about as well, assuming everything was clean and in good working order. Frankly, I find it hard to enjoy a car sitting in 95 degree weather. My next upgrade will probably be an underbelly condensor and a switch to Autofrost coolant.

[ruf-porsche]

Originally posted by Schuey
Mine isn't working on my SC either, and I hope to look into it this weekend, I don't even get air blowing out the front vents, so I'm not sure where to start, but I've got Pelican, both of Wayne's books, the Workshop manuals, a PET, and Bentleys...I HOPE this is all I'll need...

Check the relay in the smuggler box. You can go to rat shack and replace it with a 30 amp automotive relay or order a new made in china for porsche from pelican.

[n8marx]

Alright, same question with a twist. I have a black car. With black interior. If I remove my A/C I will be hot a few days of the summer. It stands to reason that if I repair my system and get weak A/C performance at best in a black car I'll still be hot those same days. So, in a black car in a northern state do you need A/C or not?

[Bob's Flat-Six]

I just got mine working, it needed a new compressor so I put on a Sanden that was a big improvement over the factory York. I also put a Kuehl Vent to make better use of the air flow from the bowtie vent. The system is stock otherwise and it works good now.
As far as removing the A/C I just have to think back to a Run we did several summers ago and one couple didn't have A/C and they looked all shiney and sweaty at lunch.

[Roger Chafen]

A/C. I installed a kit from Griffith's winter before last. Sanden, barrier hoses and receiver-drier w/R12. Yesterday was relatively humid and 85 degrees. I drove it 35 miles to Kansas City, made 2 stops, drove 15 miles to the lake 35 miles home. Used high fan setting & low-to medium temp setting. Center vent output temps were 47 degrees @ 75-80 mph and would rise to 50-51 degrees while stopped in traffic.

[Bob's Flat-Six]

I just checked the temp on mine too on a short run on surface streets, it's about 80 degrees outside. On it's coldest setting it went down to about 32 degrees, Colder than I thought it would with the stock A/C.

[arcsine]

I dumped mine and like Doug will give it to the next owner. Not much need for it in these parts (thats why we have windows and a sun roof in my opinion) and love how it gives me better access to the engine.

[targa80]

If your Ac is not operating there are a few things you can do to check for problems. Start engine turn the fan /temp control to max you should hear the fan startup and start to blow air.. Open engine compartment and verify that the clutch on the compressor has engaged so compressor is pumping freon. Check drivers side under front fender for evaporator sight window. some Bubbles should be showing or if there is a white ball it should be bouncing around.

1. No fan ~ bad fuse/relay/bad fan motor.

2. no clutch engaged ~ bad fuse/relay/elctric clutch.

3. No bubbles or white ball not bouncing in evaporator sight window ~ low or no freon.

4. Loss of freon ~ major leak in system, lack of regular use freon will leak out over time.

5. System test and freon refill by qualified A/C shop. ~ $100 to $250. It has been a while since I have had my system checked so the price is far from exact.

[n8marx]

Based on records and discussion with PO I am certain my compressor has not cycled in multiple years due to low or no freon. Fans all work correctly. Is there a rebuild kit I can buy for my compressor? Or do you typically just replace this item with a rebuilt or new compressor? I'm assuming the seals are shot from lack of use.

[mm86911]

Weekend toy, mostly track miles, 60 lb weight reduction, targa top off when driving on the street - removed AC and boxed up for "next owner".

[targa80]

I would suggest an A/C service center do an evacuation with a vacuum pump. It should pump down and hold a vacuum pressure for a certain length of time Then they pressurize it with freon and a leak dye. If they find no leaks then you are good to go. Better to spend a few bucks before sinking money into a new compressor without knowing what the real problem is.

[nostatic]

in my case, the vacuum didn't show a leak, but it wouldn't charge. Evidently either the compressor is shot (isn't mixing) or the reciver/dryer is clogged or a line is crimped. I've got a new rotary compressor, receiver/dryer and expansion valve on the way. If that doesn't fix it I'll have to open up the credit card again and start replacing lines.

[Purrybonker]

Forget about it...

Got it, it's gotta work, nice to have once in a while.

A/C

I had mine retrofitted to that new stuff that has the same "molecular size" as the R-12 - red something-or-other. Apparently the 134 is much smaller and hence more prone to leakage than the good old R-12.

Retrofit cost me three hundred including replacing a leaky line.

In run mine even with the top down on those cooker days (yeah, we get one or two a year), that cold breeze is beautiful when you're stuck in traffic with the sun beating down on you.

Fix it - enjoy it, FWIW!

[JR Indy]

Thanks for the many replies. Seems like a mixed response to fix or to put it in a time capsule for the next owner. I'll do a vacuum test this weekend and take it from there. If it needs a lot of $$, then I'll invest elsewhere until the A/C gets higher on the priority list.

It's supposed to be 90 today in Indy area, I've got a tee time at 12:18, we'll see if that influences my decision. Otherwise, the windows and sunroff are working fine.