A/C Help please! Search didn't help me.
 

Hi Folks. I tried the search feature first and couldn't find what I'm looking for. This is where you come in. You see, I have a leak in an air conditioning hose. I can actually see the leak. It's located just forward of the sway bar. The hose is red in color and goes from the high side of the compressor all the way to the smuggler's box. My car is a 78 SC and only has a rear mounted condenser. My question is: can someone please tell me where to get said hose? It's hot here in Alabama! Also, feel free to school me on anything A/C related. :confused:

The line from the evaporator (Smugglers box) to the compressor is not the high side it is the low suction side. Pelican has the part, P/N 911-573-149-02-OEM for $163.

This is the AC block diagram without the front condenser.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1405482030.jpg

This is the drawing associated with the above part number.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1405482145.jpg

I have been reworking my AC system in my 80SC. All of my factory hoses are black and are still fully functional. There are discussions on the board about barrier vs. non-barrier (OEM) hoses and it is recommended to replace the no-barrier with barrier hoses. If you want the barrier hoses you will need to go the aftermarket route. In my own case I cannot justify the cost ~$500 to replace the complete set of non-barrier hoses. I am aware that they leak over time due to design and I will live with the loss in efficiency of the system. You mention yours is RED, I'm no expert but I would guess that it is not original to the car.

Thank you for the quick response! Amazing! I also appreciate the parts break down and hose explanation. I'll see about getting that hose from the site ASAP. I'm not sure about the red hose. I'm only the second owner of the car so maybe the original owner had it replaced at some point. It does however look really old...outer jacket frayed in a spot or two as well. Maybe there was a change between 78-80 possibly?

check locally. there may be a shop that can make a new one.

The cheapest and easiest thing is to remove the old hose and take it to a AC repair shop. They can replace the rubber hose or make you a all new hose of the proper size and connections. Be sure to tell them it is a metric fitting but they should know that anyway.

Most likely they will want to reuse your metal ends and just replace the rubber hose.

And I can't imagine the red hose was original. Likely some previous owner "fix" that was cheap and now but not the proper fix.

If you remove the hose yourself, be sure to cap the open fittings when you remove the old hose if you are going to leave them open for any length of time. A new receiver-drier is also probably in order when you go back together. There is a lot of information about Porsche A/C available here on this forum and elsewhere.

Thanks for the replies folks. I'll check around locally to see if anyone makes the hoses. I will also get a new receiver drier as well. I'll also read as much as I can on the forums to learn more about the A/C system. I'd like to do this myself so I think knowledge will be key. FYI>>> I checked with the PO this morning. He said the red hose was a replacement done in the early 90's. I'm going back to the OEM black.

The receiver dryer is absolutely something to replace.

See if the place making the hoses has fitted caps for the hoses or fittings. If not rig up something to keep dirt and gunk out of the hose. Once everything is hooked back up a good flush with AC flush would be a good idea if the system has been open or if you don't know the condition of things.

Read the threads on Pelican about AC. When you get to the arguments just skip past.

Listen to the folks that actually live and drive their 911 in hot climates or own a successful and established AC business. If you see advice that just sound stupid, it probably is.

Pull a vacuum for a long time, like an hour. Let it sit overnight and see if that holds. A nitrogen pressure rig is even better but a little expensive.

AC is repair is not difficult, just a little scary at first.

Thank you for the wonderful advice. I've spent part of the day reading about a/c systems and this does sound like something I'm able to do. Like you said, it's a bit scary to me now but I think after reading everything here and getting the right parts, I'll be on my way to cool driving. This thread and all the posters in it have been extremely helpful thus far and I really appreciate it.

I like this guy on youtube. He gives three or four problem scenarios and solutions from different gauge readings.

Not a 911 but the concepts are the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80jSH8VQZms

He has lots of other videos on car topics. He's a hoot.

LOL! You're right. That guy is a hoot! That gauge set is very affordable and after watching the video, I bet I could check my own pressures now. Thank you!

You will need to borrow, rent or buy a good vacuum pump. I would personally not get a Harbor Freight vacuum pump or something super cheap. Some auto parts stores will loan them some rent them. The first step in getting a good AC charge is a good vacuum.

I have an Uncle that has a vacuum. Once I get the hose, receiver dryer (and apparently an in-line fuse for the condenser fan motor) taken care of, I'll have him help me pull vacuum on the system and get it recharged correctly. He even sounds interested in helping me with the rest of the work.

That is 1/2 the battle, if you can find someone that has done it before. Good luck. Enjoy learning about AC. I had a great time doing my AC upgrade. Once you get it tweaked and running you will find the stock AC in air cooled 911s is weak.

I contacted Griffith's and ordered the dual condenser setup. That made a big difference in cold air. It was not cheap but it is top quality.

Wow. Sounds like I'll have my work cut out. I am actually pretty excited about learning A/C. Just from this thread alone there has been a treasure trove of new to me info which has me excited. I suppose that's what makes this forum such a great place. :)

I'll research Griffith's and see what they have to offer. Thanks for the heads up!

I thought of another question. Is it a good idea to remove the AC compressor fan belt until I'm able to repair the AC system? I'm not sure if I can cause damage to the compressor as it's "freewheeling" back there with the AC switch off.

Not a problem. It was built to freewheel all winter.

Just don't try to turn the A/C on until you fix the problem.

Thanks guys! I'll leave the belt on until I begin repairs.

Red fabric wrapped around black rubber was common 78 and earlier. It was OE however you did not get to choose your color.

78 and earlier most common was the Behr factory system.
If the hose on the compressor is on the "high side" it would either lead to the front condenser on a two condenser system or the drier on deck lid condenser only system, drier would be in the LH front fender.

Deck Lid Cond to Front Cond
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1405604050.gif

Deck Lid Cond to Drier (Behr system)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1405604129.gif

Evaporator outlet to Compressor Suction Side (Behr system);
hose runs under splash pan under front cross member and into Smugglers Box
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1405604388.gif



If you have a VPC system, the drier would be in the RH front fender.
Deck Lid Condenser to Drier (VPC system);
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1405604721.gif


Unplug the electrical wire at the compressor clutch until you have time to fix the issue.
And, check your other hoses under the car; very common to find a hose crushed from improper vehicle lift point placements.