On removing my air conditioning system

[Steve N L]

This is the first time that I have posted a question like this. I've owned my 1987 911 for three years and think I will keep it a while. I've never used the air conditioning and it gets in the way whenever I work on the engine. I have been planning to upgrade the system from R12 to R134a with new lines and moisture separator.

But now I want to pull the system out altogether. I would remove the compressor, the rear condenser, the moisture separator and all of the rubber lines. I think that there is another condenser up front, that I would probably leave in place.

This is the first car that I have owned that is worth anything and I'm reluctant to diminish value too much.

But I think it would reduce weight and make the car much easier to service.

Who has removed their air conditioning? Are there any unexpected problems? What about reduction in value?

Steve

[wwest]

Originally Posted by Steve N L

This is the first time that I have posted a question like this. I've owned my 1987 911 for three years and think I will keep it a while. I've never used the air conditioning and it gets in the way whenever I work on the engine. I have been planning to upgrade the system from R12 to R134a with new lines and moisture separator.

But now I want to pull the system out altogether. I would remove the compressor, the rear condenser, the moisture separator and all of the rubber lines. I think that there is another condenser up front, that I would probably leave in place.

This is the first car that I have owned that is worth anything and I'm reluctant to diminish value too much.

But I think it would reduce weight and make the car much easier to service.

Who has removed their air conditioning? Are there any unexpected problems? What about reduction in value?

Steve

Removed everything but the front to back hoses from a 79 Targa, no ill effects. Or was it back to front, I forget...

Can't say about value.

[Arne2]

As long as you are just unbolting and removing parts, I can't see that there would be much value difference between A/C that needs re-worked and A/C with parts removed. At least, it wouldn't matter much to me.

[kodioneill]

I live in New York also. I plan to remove my A/C systems from both my cars as I never use them either. I think you may want to keep the parts handy in case you decide to sell the car.

[Reiver]

You are not modifying anything just removing stock parts. If it does not work well, and probably does not, it would need a total rebuild anyway...and most of that 'stuff' would come out...you're just saving labor charges on an AC rebuild.

[NYNick]

Hey Steve,
I'm just over in Somers...
This is one of the first things to go when putting your 911 on a diet, and the least effective system on them. I'm doubtful just removing then A/C would do anything to value...certainly not to me.
Keep the parts.
Nick

[biergoat]

I removed the AC components and lines in my car for the same reasons and happy I did so. The only possible worry is the hole left in the passenger side floor board area, easy to patch it up with some sheet metal to seal off from the front of the car if you like. Might be crazy, but I recall a (slightly) noticeable change in weight and performance!

[gregwils]

I am going to be the contrarian. If the car is completely stock and oriented toward street driving, then removing AC parts is definitely going to reduce the value and marketability of the car. If the car is set up for the track, then I agree get rid of it.

The question for the street car is how much value and how much marketability. You didn't say it wasn't working, just that you didn't use it. If it isn't working, then you have already lost some amout of value. Parts in boxes is going to be more expensive to remedy if the future buyer doesn't do their own work, and is going to sound more daunting to the Saturday mechanic unless they are very familiar with these cars and/or AC systems.

I'm not saying don't remove it if that is what you want to do, just don't expect $0 impact to the resale or to marketability. At a minimum, even if a buyer doesn't want AC, they can use it to negotiate your price down relative to a similar car with working AC or non-functional AC.

[Jdub]

I have a '78 SC and am in the same position. I have decided to spring for the A/C gauges and follow the advice in Rob Siegel's step-by-step A/C analysis. It's in his book, and is worth a read if you need to approach this as a layman and want to know where your system is (frozen compressor? any juice left in the lines? is it holding pressure?) by following some very simple advice and steps.

Once I figure out where my system is, I will go ahead and either re-pressurize or strip it out. I will also have a new tool and some A/C background!

[K Sykes]

I took out 100% of my AC, and I live in Georgia. Only time I regret it is when it's raining in the summer and things get a bit sticky

[lsf911]

Steve,

I would not remove the entire system (especially if it works). If you don't want it in there because it gets in the way, then just remove the compressor and rear condenser and save the parts. That would free up the space you are talking about when working on the engine. I would leave the lines in.
If you ever decide to sell, just put those two items back in.

Of course, your car do what you feel works for you.

[mreid]

A/C is gone on both my 84 and 74 911's and I live in Texas. Go fast with the windows open and avoid the heat of mid-day and it's just fine.

[r-mm]

I bought a car from binghamton on which the rear consensor and compressor were removed all other components left intact. This is a great compromise. Those two cmponents are the ones that limit engine access and account for a good part of the system weight. Also very very easy to reattach.

[Autoban]

I took everything out of my '86 Cab except the blower motor in the smugglers box. I use the fan if it is hot and raining to get some air into the car. I didn't cut any hoses or damage any other parts of the system when I removed it. If and when I ever sell the car and the buyer wants to pay less because the A/C comes in a box, then I will take the five hours to put the components back in the car (unless the difference is so small that it is not worth my time).

[Steve N L]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful replies to my question. I am reluctant to radically alter my beautiful & stock car. I've worked on many cars for 40 years, but still find working on a Porsche to be a little intimidating. Not enough to stop me from doing my own work, however. Working on the car would be much easier without it.

The A/C system kind of worked the last time I tried it. While tearing out my left axle this week, I noticed that one rubber line has a deep cut. Earlier in the week, I noticed that the right line going to the rear condenser was badly chaffed/damaged.

So, I may start removing the system while keeping my option open to upgrade to the R134a system. My last reservation is in releasing the R12 into the atmosphere. But no local shops recycle R12 anymore.........not enough demand.

Thanks again to all of you who replied!!! This forum is of great help to home mechanics.

Sincerely, Steve L

[Flojo]

Originally Posted by lsf911

If you don't want it in there because it gets in the way, then just remove the compressor and rear condenser and save the parts. That would free up the space you are talking about when working on the engine. I would leave the lines in.
If you ever decide to sell, just put those two items back in.

perfectly said; it's exactly the way I did it without asking myself much, it just made sens by itself.

the left tube is wrapped and stuck behind the fuse cover, the right tube stays in place below the oilfilter.

[LjH]

Just a thought. If you want more access in the engine bay about the only gain will be on the passinger side when you remove the compressor. I am sure there will be a weight reduction but I question the overall benefit. If you are intent on modification may I suggest removing the compressor and securing the two lines to the bulkhead and plugging them. If I were buying a 911 with a nonfunctioning A/C system I would pay more that if it had been removed. I am currently working on the A/C on my cab. The system was not working when I bought the car 5 years ago and had it been removed I would have most likely passed on the car. Just my 2 cents. GOOD LUCK

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by lsf911

Steve,

I would not remove the entire system (especially if it works). If you don't want it in there because it gets in the way, then just remove the compressor and rear condenser and save the parts. That would free up the space you are talking about when working on the engine. I would leave the lines in.
If you ever decide to sell, just put those two items back in.

Of course, your car do what you feel works for you.

If you are keeping it a street car this is your best bet. The hoses & the rest don't weigh very much. Unless you are a F1 quality driver the few pounds difference will never be noticed on an autocross track or the street. If it destined for a full on track car, rip it all out.

In the end it is your car to do with what you want. If resale is a big part of it for you keep all modifications to a minimum. The more you customize it the more it becomes your car and not something something wants.

Think about it. If you were in the market you you want a stock unmolested car or a highly customized car with unknown quality of modifications?

[wwest]

Originally Posted by Jdub

I have a '78 SC and am in the same position. I have decided to spring for the A/C gauges and follow the advice in Rob Siegel's step-by-step A/C analysis. It's in his book, and is worth a read if you need to approach this as a layman and want to know where your system is (frozen compressor? any juice left in the lines? is it holding pressure?) by following some very simple advice and steps.

Once I figure out where my system is, I will go ahead and either re-pressurize or strip it out. I will also have a new tool and some A/C background!

Where exactly? Open to experimentation?

[DG624]

I was thinking of removing my A/C since I have only used it once basicly to see if it works. I was also told that the hoses leak coolant and to repair the entire system will cost over $1,100. According to the post on reducing weight the HAVC system weight was around 49 lbs.
438 lbs gone in 5 days - My Build Story