Unable to remove a/c expansion valve bolts
 

I am currently trying to removed the a/c expansion valve on my 1988 S4. I was able to remove the 5mm allen bolt with no problems, but one of the 3 mm allen bolts that attaches the expansion valve to the rear brace is being a bit of a challenge as is bolted in so tight that that the tip of my allen wrench broke off when trying to loosen it. I've tried breaking it loose with a another 3mm allen wrench, but the wrench is flexing so much it appears that it is just going to break if I continue to push it any harder.

Have any of you encountered a stubborn 3 mm expansion valve bolt like this and/or have any tips on what kind of tool I should use to break this bolt free? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated as this is becoming very frustrating.

Solved the problem! I removed the hood and sawed across the expansion valve with a sawzall. I was easily able to remove the back of half of the bolt with my fingers.

However, Pelican Parts, 928 International, nor my local Porsche dealer are able to provide me with the part # for the 3 mm expanson valve bolts. Could any of you be so kind to provide this too me?

Cheers,
Brandon

Isn't the expansion valve pretty commonly replaced, guessing it comes with a new bolt.

Yes, the expansion valve is a commonly replaced item, especially when R12 to R134a conversions are performed. However, the expansion valve does not come with the 5mm allen bolt that secures it to the front brace, nor the two 3 mm allen bolts that secure it to the rear brace.

I am totally disgusted that 928 International, Pelican Parts, nor my local Porsche dealer are able to provide me with the part # or part for this item. I have informed all of these businesses of my frustration in writing an am awaiting their reply. Time will only tell who really cares about 928 owners and is competent when it comes to 928 Porsches IMO.

I'm looking in PET and don't quite know which you are talking about, is it in this diagram?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/PartsLookup/search.cgi?command=show_page&Catalog_Name=928_USA_ 87_91_KATALOG&Illustration=813-30&Line_Item=36

link below to all the diagrams related to expansion valve.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/PartsLookup/search.cgi?command=search&part_number=92857312305

Can't you just take the bits of bolt to a good hardware store and get something that matches?

Thanks to the help of Mark Anderson at 928 International I now know the part number for the two bolts that secure the a/c expansion valve to the rear brace which 000 043 300 11.

Hmmm, only place I found in a google search with that number is vertex auto.

if mark gave you the numbers----maybe he has the bolts?

just a thought-

--Russ

I just googled the number, which usually catches anything in pet via the .de version that is online someplace. Unless you are hooked up directly to Porsche, I don't think Pet lets you order, so knowing the number is more or less trivia as opposed to walking into napa and asking for a M5x35. Is it a .8 pitch?

000 043 300 11 is readily available and $1.30 each or $.50 cents used.
Not so easy to find in the harware store and about the same price.