Climate Control Head Problem, 86 951, parts help?

[Vroom]

Climate Control Head Problem, 86 951, parts help?

I have a 1986 944 Turbo with about 151K miles. It’s at my mechanic’s shop now.
The mechanic had converted the AC system to the new freon setup around December 2005.

Recently, I started to notice that when the AC is running, suddenly, blasts of hot air will come out of the vents--driving me crazy--on an intermittent basis. He continues to experience this problem as he drives the car back and forth to his home.

He says the problem is in the “climate control head or unit” and because he knows I don’t want to spend a large amount of money, suggested that I just live with this. (He mentioned that the part might cost $1000 or more)

My brother in law, who owns Hyannis Foreign Auto in Hyannis, Massachusetts, suggested I consider finding the part at some remanufacturers such as : BBA Reman, ProgRamaInc.com, and *************** (Performance parts). These companies do this kind of work, rebuilding control units. Cost at ProgRamaInc. is usually around $189 to $249 with 3 yr warranty parts and labor , 48 hour turnaround.

However, none of the three above DO this part for an ‘86 951.

Then, my mechanic told me he could get the part new for $550. Part #944 653 0104 01C.

My brother in law suggested I call a local Porsche dealer that he works with on Cape Cod.
Clair Porsche said they could get the part for me at brother in law’s cost of $517.92 + UPS shipping. 2 yr parts warranty. They had a different part number: # 944 653 021 04 01C

I rechecked this new part number with the remanufacturers, and they still could not offer to rebuild this part, though one company had it in their system as “being researched”.

1. Have any of you had the same problem with heat coming out of the vents with the AC on? What was your experience?

2. Is the climate control head or unit the cause of this problem?

3. Can you suggest any other places where I can turn to get this “head” remanufactured?

4. Should I just buy it new?

5. Any other thoughts?

Thanks all!
Vroom (White Plains, New York)

[deekay911]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Climate-control-unit-for-Porsche-944-951-ac-switch_W0QQitemZ230162335041QQihZ013QQcategoryZ335 45QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's one on ebay = $11.50 currently.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-944-951-968-CLIMATE-CONTROL-UNIT_W0QQitemZ270147503125QQihZ017QQcategoryZ33545 QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Heres another one for $105 buy it now.

There must be a ton of these in dismatlers yards all over the country, I would never spend that kind of money on a new or even refurb unit. Spend it on semething that makes the car go faster

[Vroom]

Deekay, Thanks for your help. I'll look into this.

Vroom

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I think I have a spare. I'll look tonight.

951s are money pits. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

[Vroom]

I'm really impressed by the helpfulness on this board!

And, yes, I bought this 951 in 2001 with about 138K miles. And yes, it has spent much of it's life at the repair shop for one thing or another.

But, it's such a beautiful car....I keep hoping to get more pleasure than pain.


Thanks, Vroom