Old A/C Question

[MysticLlama]

The PO of the car I'm going down to check out / possibly pick up took the A/C off of the car. He just doesn't like A/C, never uses it and wants to save weight, he did the same thing on his newer Carerra.

It's a 1980 SC, so it's I guess going to use Freon, and not the new stuff?

Since the system was completely removed, is there any chance of salvaging and recharging it, or is it a lost cause and need new parts?

[Jim Sims]

If it was in good condition when removed and reasonably stored it can be reinstalled and put back into service for a modest cost if you reinstall the parts. New compressor oil, flush the condenser(s), install a new receiver /drier, pump down and charge. I would recommend converting to R-134a refrigerant. The real question is how the system was removed (hacksaws and bolt cutters or patient disassembly with due care given the components) and the subsequent storage. Many of the removal jobs are more like demolition or vandalizing operations and items like the condenser and evaporator are easily ruined by careless handling. Also many of the small parts can become lost. My estimate is between $250 and $2500 depending on how much you do yourself and the condition of the components and what has to be replaced. Jim

[MysticLlama]

I haven't actually seen the parts yet, but he said that all the parts were taken off and put in a box so nothing would get lost.

He said that on his Carerra he took the belt off until the time he could get a chance to remove it, so I doubt it was a hacksaw job. (Here's hopin')

So I was reading about the R134a thing, and I thought you had to change out some of the parts to make the system compatible? If that is the case, which parts need to be converted?

[Jim Sims]

To convert, drain oil from lines, change oil in compressor to R134a compatible oil (ester oil, $6), flush condenser(s) (optional but a good idea - $13 to $25), install new receiver/drier ($30 to $100), install an over-pressure switch on compressor discharge port (optional but a good idea $40), install R134a charging fitting adapters ($10), pump down, leak check and charge (need vaccum pump and refrigeration harness plus leak detector - $100), R-134a ($10). Jim

[fred cook]

If the P.O. did a really through job and removed the a/c hoses along with the rest of the hardware, replace the old hoses with the new barrier type hose. Also, go ahead and buy a new dryer and have the system charged with R134a. The R134a is loooots cheaper and works pretty well. With a correctly installed stock a/c system, you can probably expect vent temps that will be about 35 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature. The system won't freeze you out, but will keep you fairly comfortable.

Good Luck!

Fred Cook
'80 911SC coupe (with working factory a/c)

[KobaltBlau]

Maybe we should try to build an AC faq ... ? I can contribute some, and Jim (and fred) can avoid giving the same advice 1000x.

Is there a mechanism for that on this board? Shoot, maybe there is a FAQ area that I don't know about.

[nostatic]

Wikis are great for doing FAQs. If anyone wants to play with one:

http://bender.annenberg.edu/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AirConditioning