Any dangers removing rear a/c condenser.

[plymouthcolt]

My rear condenser has a leak so I ordered a used one from Ebay. Do I need to take any precautions from when removing it? I know you are supposed to recover the refridgerant, but if the oil has all leaked out, does tha tmean the refridgerant is gone too?

My system is already converted to R134a

[RickM]

Probably does mean that the system purged itself already. However, you'll need to pull a vaccum for quite a while before a recharge. If having a shop do that they may suggest you attempt to recover any refrigerant reminants while they're in there. Good practice to replace the drier whenevr opening the system.

[plymouthcolt]

Rick, any idea how much this would run at a Porsche shop? I know I can take it anywhere, but I worry about the shops that don't normally service our types of cars. I imagine the whole shop taking the car for a "test" drive.

[RickM]

I guess that depends on the hourly charge for the Porsche shop.
I can tell you that I would trust a job like this to a trusted friend/tech who doesn't own a Porrsche specific shop as compared to some of the P-Car "specialists" in my area. But that's up to your confidence in them.
I'd probably stick around and watch while it's being done. That may not always be an option for some though.

Will you have the used condenser cleaned and/or pressure tested before installation? May be good insurance.

[plymouthcolt]

I'll guess I'll need to ask around to find a reputable shop. I really don't want to have this done at a P-car shop.

Thanks for the suggestion on cleaning/testing the used condenser. I'd hate to waste money to find out the replacement leaks too.

[RickM]

A possible alternative to the stock condenser would the superior and less expensive parallel flow condenser unit sold by ACkits.com. However, a bit of fitting and adapters would be needed to install. http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Parallel

[ruf-porsche]

Originally posted by plymouthcolt
I imagine the whole shop taking the car for a "test" drive.

You been watching too much Ferris Bueller Day off.

Any reputable shop carries insurance and their mechanics have probably driven more exotic cars then your PORSCHE.

[plymouthcolt]

Originally posted by ruf-porsche
You been watching too much Ferris Bueller Day off.

Any reputable shop carries insurance and their mechanics have probably driven more exotic cars then your PORSCHE.

I was referring to a shop that normally would service Corolla's or Kia's--boring everyday cars.

[ruf-porsche]

Originally posted by plymouthcolt
I was referring to a shop that normally would service Corolla's or Kia's--boring everyday cars.

How about shops that service Dodge Colt or Plymouth Arrow?