Interdynamics R-134 A/C Recharge for 993

[planeguy67]

I've been researching this all night and have just as many questions as when I started.

Has anyone used one of these units for charging their a/c system???

http://www.id-usa.com/catalog.asp?CID=27

The compressor on my 1996 993 recently stopped engaging. I have a hankering it's just low on freon and would like to use one of these kits to give it a quick top-off. However, these kits only have 1 gauge for the low-side pressure (high-side remains a mystery).

- Would using one of these kits to simply add a little freon and see if the compressor comes back to life be a BIG mistake?

- Although the R-134 in these kits already has some oil mixed in, is it the right amount?

- Should I invest in an affordable 2 guage manifold set instead so I can monitor the high-side (and besides, I think they look cool)?

- Do you agree with I.D. that the A/C system should only be evacuated if the low-side pressure has dropped below 10 PSI??


Thanks for any and all help.

[Jim Sims]

"The compressor on my 1996 993 recently stopped engaging. I have a hankering it's just low on freon"

Why don't you first do some troubleshooting and see if the clutch is getting power to engage or if you have a burned out clutch. Pull off the clutch power wire and look for 12 volts when you turn on the A/C.

[planeguy67]

Originally posted by Jim Sims
Why don't you first do some troubleshooting and see if the clutch is getting power to engage or if you have a burned out clutch. Pull off the clutch power wire and look for 12 volts when you turn on the A/C.

Good idea. I'll let you know. Thanks.

[911pcars]

Not sure about current Porsche A/C systems. Does Bosch still supply the system or is it Denso?

Many or most current vehicles use a multi-pressure switch on the high side line to monitor system pressure. If too high or too low, the system shuts off power to the compressor. This prevents damage to the system by excessive pressure and/or no refrigerant (potential oil loss).

However, you should be able to jumper the compressor clutch and verify it works. If so, and you have such a system described, I'd suggest having it checked out by a pro shop.

In addition, many systems use a reduced amount of refrigerant, so the amount contained must be precise. Too little or too much and it compromises the efficiency of the system. How do these kits know how much is already in a system or how much to top off?

Sherwood

[kuehl]

planeguy67,

Jim has given you a great suggestion if you want to see if the problem is possibly a failed clutch (it won't "click" when you apply 12vdc directly to it, don't forget your ground wire depending upon where you are getting 12vdc from, or check the power supply wire going to the clutch for current ).

I've "argued" in open forums in the past about the problem with companys marketing something (small cans of refrigerant with single gauge) that does not give you everything you need to properly do the job and if they did they fail to give you the education to use it.

Take Jims ideas, check it out and then go see an ac shop that has worked on the P cars (save your time and prevent more headaches).