How cool does your A/C get?
 

My 88 911 coupe's A/C will only get down to 60deg F, here in ATL. I added a little Feon and it got a little better. With the OAT in the high 80's to 90's. Does anyone do better? Can I improve it, or should I be happy with that?

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Derk Pitt

I recently had my 88 Carrera's AC converted to R-134a, with a new receiver-dryer, and the vent temp was low 40s. There's something wrong with your system; I would check the front condensor fan, for starters, and clean both the front and rear condensors of any debris. My experience with the 88 is the AC is quite capable of making the car comfortable in 90+ temperatures (years in Florida) provided you don't allow the car to bake in the sun all day and then get in. Get a cover, or tint the windows as dark as you can if you have to park outside.

Vic
88 Carrera

Thanks Vic, but I've already ck'd the front fan and both condensors. The compressor pressure looks normal. I'm going to try a little more Feon and look at the evaporator. Where ever that is [under the dash or trunk].
I don't seem to be getting any water dripping on the ground from it. I don't yet know how all the ducting goes but I'll start looking into it.

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Derk Pitt

Derk-

I live in Atlanta, too, and my air could barely keep up yesterday in my '85. Must have been about 90 degrees outside. However, my thermometer is registering about 55 degrees at max cool. I don't think I've ever seen it lower than the high 40's, assuming my thermometer is accurate.

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Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com
www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe
PCA member, Peachstate region

Thanks Adam,
You can check your thermometer by placing it in a glass of ice water. It should read 32deg F.
Does your evaporator drip much water? And from where?

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Derk Pitt
88 Carrera Coupe

Our 1987 Turbo has a sight glass on the reciever in the left front wheel well. With the engine running and warmed up and air conditioner running full blast the little ball float should be in the middle or the top of the sight glass. I usually have to add about a can of freon (R12) every 16 months so it will stay up. Check to see if you have a sight glass and if you do where the float is. Good luck.

Talk to these people:
http://www.griffiths.com

Assuming your system is operating within spec., you can certainly do better, but you'll have a project on your hands - dual condensers. I think they make a 2nd condenser that fits in the driver rear quarter.

See the "Mr. Ice project" on their web site. 33 deg. system. Lots of good tips/ideas for tuning the stock a/c system. At any rate, the guy I spoke to obviously knows Porsche a/c and could help you.

Joe
'80 SC Targa

[This message has been edited by JAE (edited 06-19-2001).]

o.k. guys, I own an Air Conditioning and Heating company in Atlanta. Here are some facts and tips.
1. R12 works better than R134a:fact, so keep it R12 if you can.
2. You must use gauges to charge your systems properly-it is a critical charge system.
3. The temps. at the discharge ducts will vary depending on the outside and interior temps. at time of check.
4. Yes, you have a sight glass inside the drivers side front wheel well that you can see when you remove the yellow cap. It should be checked with the car at 2500-3000rpms and the ball should be at the top with NO bubbling inside the glass.
5. The removal of the bow-tie vent under the dash behind the ash trey will help in cooling.
6. These cars can cool adequetly in most cases, but do not do as well as modern cars. My Dodge Ram will freeze you out of the cabin if left on max cool. My 85 carrera will not, but WILL keep me comfortable.


You Atlanta guys may e-mail me and we can all get together and see if we can't figure out how to get your systems running well. I will provide my suggestions/diagnosis for free of course, but I will not make repairs or provide freon. I'm sure we can figure out whats going on with your systems.

[This message has been edited by R22tech (edited 06-20-2001).]

I looked at buying an 87 today. Made an offer but the guy is holding out. Anyhow, I was stunned by the lack of leg space in the front passenger well. I looked behind a false wooden wall to find the airconditioning. Is this standard on this model? Is there anywhere else it can go? Also I noted that the hole in the floor for the condensing water but there was no pipe, therefore it appears the water just leaked into the carpet. Again, is it standard to run a pipe for this purpose through the floor directly under the aircon unit?

Thanks for your help as I consider uping my price to get this car!

Mark

Just a few suggestions;on my 88 coupe
A)I install a pair of fans wire to the compressor behiand the eveporator temp drop 15 degress
B)you can install a under belly condensor they are as wide as the car for around $700

Mark, that sounds like an aftermarket unit. If you are not sure, take it to a Dealer or other Porsche service shop for an inspection. If it is as bad as it sounds, keep looking. As far a airconditioning, I used the 260 upgrade, (2 windows down, 60 mph, ha ha ha). It really isn't an issue for me since it is not a daily driver, but it has never worked as good as my other cars and from what I have heard, never will.

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8 9 9 1 1, The last of the line.

derk-

come to think of it, i've never really noticed the dripping from my car. i'll go and have a look-see and let you know...

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Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com
www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe
PCA member, Peachstate region

I'm scared to know, but how much does R12 cost nowadays???

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Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com
www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe
PCA member, Peachstate region

I started checking around the 911 today. And found a crack in the flex duct in the smugglers box. I don't think this is going to be the fix, but it will help.
Adam- if you want to go with me and meet the R22TECH I think I can find some R12. I live on the south side of Atlanta.

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Derk Pitt
88 Carrera Coupe

My '89 turbo indicates 36 deg at the vent in 90 deg weather. That was just after a complete service with a new evaporator, receiver/drier and expansion valve. Only other mod is a fan installed on the rear condensor. Full charge of R-12 @ $60 / lb.

Mark
'89 911 turbo

Derk-

I'd definitely be into going with you. Email me at ajnitti@mindspring.com as you get closer. I live in Gwinnett County (Lilburn).

Thanks!

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Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com
www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe
PCA member, Peachstate region

I am currently getting $29.95 per pound for r12.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944