Air conditioning

[akstevens1]

I have an 87 911 and the air conditioning isn't blasting out cold air. The air conditioner motor is running on the engine and the air is cool that comes out, but it's not cold and it doesn't change when I turn the dial for varying degrees of coldness.

Is this something that can be fixed easily? Do I need to take it in or can I do it myself?

Andy

[RickM]

Andy,

Welcome to the board. Judging by your post the equipment and expertise may be a notch above your current capabilities (Pelican will take care of this in time). I'd suggest getting Wayne's 101 projects book to get an idea of what it takes to do DIY maintenance on your great car. A search on this board will also yield much info on the subject...perhaps a link to an AC operations and repair primer.

That said you may be best off going to a trusted technician and having them diagnose and take the proper steps to repair. If they allow you to watch you'll be getting a valuable education as well (Especially if you've researched already).

[strother]

Good advice from Rick. I'll throw in that your A/C problem is the norm. 911s simply don't have good A/C systems.

[akstevens1]

Appreciate the advice. My current capabilites are indeed low.. quite low- windshield wiper blades sums it up.

Alas, it sounds as though I will have to head to Palm Springs for the weekend with no A/C and hope the 100+ degree heat doesn't kill me.. and I guess I'll have to throw on the targa top for the first time since November.

[88911coupe]

You may simply be low on Freon, assuming that's what is in the car. This can be checked very easily and charged up before you go sweatin' your way to Palm Springs. I made a 90 minute drive from Tulsa to Oklahoma City when it was 106 and on the highway I was actually reasobably comfortable. (I have an '88 which is basically the same car)

[FrayAdjacent911]

I'd turn off the A/C and then turn it back on. Do you hear the AC compressor click on? You should probably hear it or feel it very slightly. (I'm not familiar with Porsche AC systems, I'm just going on general AC system knowledge)

If the compressor isn't kicking on, it could just be lack of pressure (coolant). There could be a leak somewhere, and you've lost too much to provide adequate pressure for it to turn on.

[jtratza]

Could also be the compressor is just getting old. I recently cehcked on the AC system in my rain car which is a 1998 nissan pathfinder. I was getting very cold air as usually but now it was taking a while to get cold. Pressure was fine so the shop says it could be that the compressor is wearing out. First time I've heard that but I'm no expert on AC...nor lots of other things. My 1987 AC system works pretty good even for Texas although I decided to take my wife's BMW X5 for this weeks trip to south Texas since she was tagging along for a change of scenary. Over the past 4 years I've replaced the compressor, temp switch, a few gaskets, schrader valves on the compressor when I had it topped up early last year, evaporator and receiver dryer about 6 or 7 years. Its still stock but from this board I have learned a few things about some neat upgrades including the evaporator and the receiver dryer and adding a condensor as a last resort.

[ruf-porsche]

Along with the expertise to work on an a/c system, you will also need special tools and equipment which most DIY er wouldn't have. Plus unless you are certified you can no longer purchase R12.

Unless you want to become a mechanic by profession, you would be better off having someone fix the a/c.

[scottb]

Listen to Ruf. He's giving you good advice.

[drsimonwong]

If you have about a grand to spend, try out the Procooler setup upgrade.

Simon

[Steve87-911]

Originally posted by 88911coupe
You may simply be low on Freon, assuming that's what is in the car. ..

I agree. My 87 had pretty cold A/C last year but the freon has apparantly made a dash for the hills. It's not too cold anymore. In another one of my cars a 1 lb. recharge did the trick. The 911 will be getting a recharge soon.