AC Reservoir

[RNajarian]

The Air Conditioning in my 1983 SC isn't quite what it used to be. I cannot seem to find the location of the reservoir. Does anyone know where it is? Thanks

[Jim Sims]

There is no reservoir per se in a Porsche air conditioner system other than the receiver/drier. The receiver/drier is located in a front wheel wheel behind the tire; probably in the left wheel well for your year and model. Your car originally came with R-12 refrigerant and if still so equipped looking for the sight glass in the receiver/drier and checking for bubbles may not be helpful as the casual consumer can no longer buy R-12 to top off the system. If converted to R-134a this refrigerant charge cannot be correctly checked without a refrigeration harness and pressure gages. Be warned the A/C system could still be under dangerous pressure. If unfamiliar with these systems and if you don't have the correct tools seek out a professional shop for repairs.

[RNajarian]

Thanks for the reply. I am looking for the resevoir that has the slight glass that shows the bubbles. There is a product called FREEZE 12 that is designed to top off R 12 systems. I used it in my R12 equipped 1984 944 with success. I was hoping I could try the FREEZE 12 in the car before shelling out some cash to have the system professionally looked at.

[jdowty3]

The stock receiver\dryer mounted behind the drivers side front wheel should have the sight glass. Becareful, AC systems operate at higher pressures with Freeze12 than they do with R12. Too high pressure is bad and will increase the evaporator temperature.

[Jim Sims]

Freeze-12 is an azeotrope (mixture of gases); it is 80% R-134a and 20% HCFC-142b. It is not to be used as "a top off" to an R-12 system (read the vendor's instructions). If you put it in an R-12 system the R-12 must be fully removed and the system evacuated before installing the Freeze-12. It must be charged as a liquid to ensure that you get the HCFC-142b portion fully installed otherwise the existing mineral oil will not circulate and the compressor will fail. Doing a liquid installation wrong can damage the compressor or cause an explosion. Further, if you have the older XH-5 R-12 desiccant in your system the R-134a in the Freeze-12 can cause it to break down and clog the expansion valve. Finally, if you contaminate the system with a mixture of Freeze-12 and the old R-12 or even Freeze-12 alone professional A/C service shops may refuse to work on your car (your mix of gases will contaminate their expensive refrigerant recycling equipment).

[RNajarian]

Well what's another couple of hundred of bucks? After evaluating my system I suspect there is a leak because there does not seem to be any refrigerant in the system anyway. Off she goes to the shop . . .

[Buffjamr]

I just went through the same thing with my '89 Carrera. My compressor was leaking.

I had it resealed and replaced EVERYTHING but the condensors with a Rennaire evaporator, Procooler, and barrier hoses in order to switch over to R134a.

It was 90 here today and my A/C was ice cold. My wife was actually complaining about it being too cold. For the first time I had to turn the temp down.

It took me three days to replace all the hoses but boy is it worth it here in S. Texas.

[kuehl]

RNajarian,

There are lot's of good posts here to help you out, and follow back all the posts under Jim Sims,

and there is a helpful "basic" trouble shooting section here:
http://www.griffiths.com/achelp/achelp1.html