Going to do Griffiths A/C kit...

[Mat 71]

Hi everyone,

After much thought I have decided to keep my '90 S4 but want to get the A/C up and running for more comfortable driving.

PO said it was just the condenser that needed to be replaced (car from Texas) but that was 15 years ago and I never looked at it. Actually gave me a condenser so I could probably have that pressure tested??? to see if it can be used and installed?

Seems like the best option is to go with the Griffiths Kuehl kit and start as new as I can with the system. Likely do this install myself and then take to A/C shop for fill etc.,

I have confirmed that the system has already been converted to 134a.

Anybody have any experience with this install job and/or kit?

https://griffiths.com/porsche/air-conditioning/porsche-928/compressors/porsche-928-ac-compressors-kits/

Thanks as always!
Mat

[dnjvan]

Working on doing my '89 911 right now. Have not worked on the AC system before, so still trying to figure out where all the pieces are (literally). The Griffiths instructions are OK, but could be way better. For those who haven't worked on this system, don't look for a lot of help from Griffiths. You'll probably get better answers on this forum from folks who've been through it.

[RTK]

Originally Posted by Mat 71

Anybody have any experience with this install job and/or kit?

https://griffiths.com/porsche/air-conditioning/porsche-928/compressors/porsche-928-ac-compressors-kits/

Thanks as always!
Mat

Hi Mat, I have a 1886.5 928S and used the Griffith's kit. Don't forget to get an expansion valve, as well as a stubby Allen Head ratching wrench (ratching 1/4" with 1/4" Allen Head bits work as space is tight under the cowl.)

Kit from Griffiths is complete along with O-rings. Well thought out and, at least on my 928S, the factory AC bracket is replaced with the Keuhl bracket. Job isn't to tough to do, though I did order online a 90 degree low-pressure valve to fit the factory low pressure port. This makes accessing it under the hot radiator coolant hose a little more friendly.

Kit works great and I have working AC now. After replacing my (missing) outside thermister and hose, and testing the interior temperature port (smoke machine works great here), my automatic AC is working great.

We installed the Keuhl kit on my son's 944 last year and it's continuing to perform admirably on that car too. Would recommend Griffiths and the Keuhl compressor kit.

[Mat 71]

Thanks for the comments and advice! Much appreciated.

[dnjvan]

Just finished doing my '89 911. Wasn't able to work on it full time, so few hours a day, took about two weeks. Worked alone all but about 10 minutes worth. A helper can be very ... helpful, but you can do most of it by yourself.

Not sure how the system is configured on yours (vis a vis, later cars), but it's plenty tedious at best. If you have a lift, good for you. If you're working under the car on jack stands, it's tougher for sure. In general, the instructions would suggest that you need to be a factory certified Porsche mechanic with air conditioning certification. Any reasonably adept mechanic should be able to handle this just fine. Read directions, take your time, keep track of all the screws, clamps, and hardware, and take lots of pics B4 taking things apart as you go. Most intricate part on mine was the evaporator under the front trunk. Most miserable part is all the hoses. May take a little creativity to get the hoses to bend and stay where you want them while you screw the clamps back down.

Good news on mine: no leaks, all the electrics and controls worked fine. Haven't charged it yet, so can't report on performance yet but don't expect any problems. Good luck.

[Mal81]

Let us know how it goes. I wasn’t aware of these kits, and have to say the prices are very attractive.

[Paul Shepherd]

I just completed my 86 Carrera A/C with a Griffiths kit and it was pretty easy and I imagine a 928 would be easier because it’s all up the front but not sure how easy the evaporator is to access. Recommend a new compressor.
The 911 is working well, so nice having A/C after 10 years without it in Queensland heat