AC ... what do I need to do?

[jeffbottman]

Research into the forum archives reveals a huge amount of contradictory info on 911 AC systems that I have trouble sorting through to find answers. So, I will ask here for opinions.

1. I live in Seattle (usually cool) and am hoping for a reliable AC system, and mediocre performance is OK.

2. Already replaced evaporator and compressor fans (evaporator fan went up in flames).

3. Based on a previous post, sounds like I should replace all the hoses.

4. Stock '86 compressor.

5. What else do I need to do, keeping in mind I'm not looking for stellar performance?

6. Should I convert to R134, or stay with expensive R12?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[Arne2]

Jeff, I did this last Summer. Here's the thread I started that gives all my details. Feel free to PM me if you want.

['84 Carrera] A/C re-work for mild climate

[GH85Carrera]

R12 is a better sloution if you can keep it. Few shops will work with it.

100% stock will likely work fine for your location. I drove my stock for years and it was fine except for the really hot days.

Replace the hoses or they will leak. Replace you receiver/dryer and clean up the evaporator and the crap in the bottom of the smugglers box while the hoses are off of it.

My evaporator was filthy and rusty. I replaced it.

[964TargaC2]

dont forget to replace receiver dryer

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Arne2

Jeff, I did this last Summer. Here's the thread I started that gives all my details. Feel free to PM me if you want.

['84 Carrera] A/C re-work for mild climate

Since the south Willamette Valley gets hotter in the summer than Seattle (grew up near Seattle, spent quite a bit of time in Albany, OR), I will agree with Arne.

His path is a good one for West Siders.

Those of us here on the East Side have different needs, LOL.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by jeffbottman

5. What else do I need to do, keeping in mind I'm not looking for stellar performance?

In the previous thread regarding hoses, I asked you if you had AC tools. The question was not answered.

Please let us know what you have at your disposal to pull the job off. Also, are you willing to spend the money to acquire these tools?

Given you have a stock system and the noise in older posts to guide you, I would latch onto one person you trust and deal with him directly. This will eliminate interference but at the expense of others benefiting from your experience. There are at least a dozen users here that can guide you through the basics.

[geoz]

Replacing the hoses was essential in my case because the gas just escaped within a few months. I would also suggest replacing the evaporator because the old one is likely a mess. I also replaced the front condenser for better efficiency. I have a great system now.

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

[aschen]

Ac tools are a no brainer IMHO. They pay for themselves in 2 uses. Lots of good videos on u tube for using them. My question would be what doesn't work on you system now. You really just need to get everything functional for Seattle. I'd replace everything in suspect condition with stuff from Kiel. A good carful cleaning of the heat exchangers could save you from replacement. Get a drier and I say do the hoses

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

His path is a good one for West Siders.

For a second I thought you meant "wwest siders"!

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Ronnie's.930

For a second I thought you meant "wwest siders"!

Shhhhhh - He (dub-ya dub-yah) has not mentioned high side, post shut down, pressure escalation yet. This thread is still on the rails.

I sense the OP has no tools and based on input, does not know a condenser from a compressor.

Would like to hear from OP as to his mechanical wherewithal.

Just want to keep this real given he is unable to weed through the historical posts.

Love helping a brother out but the playing table needs to be defined.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Shhhhhh - He (dub-ya dub-yah) has not mentioned high side, post shut down, pressure escalation yet. This thread is still on the rails.

I sense the OP has no tools and based on input, does not know a condenser from a compressor.

Would like to hear from OP as to his mechanical wherewithal.

Just want to keep this real given he is unable to weed through the historical posts.

Love helping a brother out but the playing table needs to be defined.

Yeah, without the proper tools, it's going to be hard for him to get a good system, no matter where he is residing. I mean, putting the system together and taking it to a professional for charging is an option, too, but DIY is probably a better choice.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

but DIY is probably a better choice.

Good God, yes. A few hundred dollars and a little struggling to get over the learning curve and Jeff will be the neighborhood AC stud.

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

This thread is still on the rails.

The thread's less than 24 hours old. wwest will be along any moment and then it will go OFF the rails, like every other A/C thread. It is extremely frustrating researching older A/C threads because every single one is just endless arguing and bickering and very little useful information can be obtained. Huge waste of time. I'm sure this thread will be no different.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

...putting the system together and taking it to a professional for charging is an option, too...

Frankly, that's what I did. I weighed the thought of buying my own A/C tools, and decided that if the new barrier hoses and such work as they should (as well as they do in modern cars), I shouldn't need to recharge regularly. Like my decision to not replace the compressor, this could bite me later. We'll know more once the weather warms in Spring and I can determine if the system has held on to its refrigerant.

[jeffbottman]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Shhhhhh - He (dub-ya dub-yah) has not mentioned high side, post shut down, pressure escalation yet. This thread is still on the rails.

I sense the OP has no tools and based on input, does not know a condenser from a compressor.

Would like to hear from OP as to his mechanical wherewithal.

Just want to keep this real given he is unable to weed through the historical posts.

Love helping a brother out but the playing table needs to be defined.

I'm sensing some heat from flames coming my way . I do know a condenser from a compressor! Fine with mechanical wherewithal. But I choose my battles and have no desire to be an "AC stud"! Therefore I want to replace hoses, receiver/dryer, etc, and take it to an AC pro for charging and checkout.

What additional or changed components for R134?

Thanks for all the opinions/info. Especially Arne2 for the thread pointer. It's all fun, right? PS I am a paint detailing 'Stud'! I can wet sand and polish a whole car to a mirror finish!

[billybek]

It can be a battle just to pick the required components with this.
I haven't converted the SC to 134a so I am unsure if a TXV replacement is required.
Oil. If you are changing out the hoses you might as well change the oil to PAG.
A good system flush might not be a bad idea before you start so the evaps and condensers are decently clean. PAG oil or a hybrid oil will be required to run 134a. Mineral oil will not be acceptable with 134A.
New hoses, components and drier. Leak check!!!! No leaks = no refrigerant emissions.
Use dry nitrogen and trace gas for the leak check.
No leaks? Evacuate. Install lubricant and refrigerant charge.
Be happy that you did the job correctly and will not be venting a global warming or ozone depleting gas to atmosphere.

Or install a couple of Spal fans and be happy!
It's all good. Whatever gets you through the night.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by jeffbottman

I'm sensing some heat from flames coming my way .

Not really heat, just a 2nd request for clarity. Folks can give all kinds of advice based on assumptions. OK if you are an expert or a complete noob, just need to know.

Re the compressor vs condenser. What is a compressor fan? Now you did state that twice. It has to be the front condenser fan you are referring to.

As GH85 mentioned, his evaporator was "ickey" on the inside. I would hate to see you put on new lines and then have the system get clogged up in short order as the gunk circulates.

You must have a compressor at your disposal. Here is related info to billybek's post.

1. Remove original lines
2. Remove R/D and Expansion valve
3. Blow out the two condensers and evap with mineral spirits - Check general condition based on what the discharge looks like. Keep the evap in car. Tough to R&R. Dry the spirits out as best you can (here is where I can get flamed as I have just used an air hose and there is better equipment available)
4. Remove compressor and drain.
5. Recharge all components with the correct oil. Amounts available if you go this route. I can find them or other will know off the top of their head.
6. Install new RD and expansion valve.
7. Install new hoses and o-rings
8. Take to shop for pulling vacuum/leak test, charging and system test.

R134a will take one type of oil
R12 will take another
Believe there is an oil that is compatible with both.

I don't do this all the time so I may have forgotten something or am suggesting something that others wold never do - like, replacing the Expansion valve for no obvious reason other than PM.

[911SauCy]

Yank it all out and procure a nice large cardboard box for proper storage.


(Had to do it, saw thread title 10x and thought that to myself every time)

[mpi115]

Hey Guys, Speaking of A/C im looking at a car that has everything in place except for compressor. I heard about something called a desert aire system? any ideas ?

[jeffbottman]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Re the compressor vs condenser. What is a compressor fan? Now you did state that twice. It has to be the front condenser fan you are referring to.

My mistake, meant to type 'condenser fan', pre-dementia disconnect btwn brain and fingers. Anyway, thanks for all the info, much to think about and research. Will order hoses and stop pestering all of you and get to work.