Which AC system do I have? '85 911 coupe

[jgurnari]

How can i tell which AC system I have? R12 or R134a?...or something else

I had AC work done years and years ago. Not sure if the system was changed from one to another. Now thinking of having the AC fixed AGAIN, probably a waste of money AGAIN, When asked what system is in the car and I dont know!

How can I tell??

The photo is not the actual engine but is exactly like mine. More photos help?

[wazzz]

Original Denso compressor on this picture. Can't see the color of ports as they are on the hidden side on this pic. If black, probably original R12 gas. If red and blue, retrofitted to R134a.

[ccallana]

The Yellow/Orange sticker on the left with Charge Level tells you it is probably R12. There would be a new sticker somewhere showing the conversion to R134 if it was done right....

Suggest if you are having it "fixed" you make sure to change all hoses out, and maybe add more condensers... the hoses in these car leak like a pasta strainer.. check with Griffiths...

[Otter74]

Look at the high and low side fill/discharge ports - `R12 ports are smaller and look like Schraeder valves. R134a ports are larger and resemble air hose fittings.

[jgurnari]

OK, thank you both

[jgurnari]

these would tell me the type of system?

Originally Posted by ccallana

The Yellow/Orange sticker on the left with Charge Level tells you it is probably R12. There would be a new sticker somewhere showing the conversion to R134 if it was done right....

Suggest if you are having it "fixed" you make sure to change all hoses out, and maybe add more condensers... the hoses in these car leak like a pasta strainer.. check with Griffiths...

[ccallana]

That bottom sticker is the one - looks like an R12 sticker....

[Mocker]

It's not a waste of time to have your A/C fixed properly.

Using newer technology (e.g., parallel flow condensers) and other new parts as necessary, G-body cars are perfectly capable of producing fully-functional A/C, even in the hottest climates.

[jgurnari]

my sticker does say R12, see photo, not sure if sticker is correct

Originally Posted by Mocker

It's not a waste of time to have your A/C fixed properly.

Using newer technology (e.g., parallel flow condensers) and other new parts as necessary, G-body cars are perfectly capable of producing fully-functional A/C, even in the hottest climates.

[blucille]

that looks like the R134 cap tho....there should be a blue one, too. I suspect someone did a conversion, but they typically apply a decal stating the upgrade was performed.

[jgurnari]

I do see the Blue cap underneath the hose

[proporsche]

remove the red cap and you will know for sure what you go there..R12 and R34 have different fitting profile
Ivan

[Missed Approach]

Hi Jgurnari- here are the images of the R134A fittings with and without cap. My system was converted in 1998 by the previous owner.

Here's my overview of my rebuild of the system...

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/930647-1986-c-repair-overview.html

[kuehl]

A R134a converted stock factory AC system

Originally Posted by jgurnari

my sticker does say R12, see photo, not sure if sticker is correct

[PopsRacer]

Great thread! If I may, i have the same stock system and it appears to still have the old refrigerant in it. This has caused an issue - I can’t find a shop that can discharge it due to their gear being used only for the new stuff and they don’t want any contamination. I would like to get the thing converted over and working but am blocked. Any tips?

[GH85Carrera]

Does the system work at all?

It likely has lost the refrigerant long ago as the factory did not use barrier hoses. The gas just leaked out and back then R-12 was 50 cents a can. Porsche decided to use the cheaper non barrier hoses, and save a few bucks per car.

However you restore the system to operating make sure to add in a pressure switch.

You can always buy a cheap set of gauges, and some auto parts stores have some you can borrow. Hook up the gauges, and see if there is any pressure. Just the low side (blue cap) will let you know if there is any refrigerant in the system..

[jgurnari]

yes, the fans work but warm air. I can confirm the R134a system.

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Does the system work at all?

It likely has lost the refrigerant long ago as the factory did not use barrier hoses. The gas just leaked out and back then R-12 was 50 cents a can. Porsche decided to use the cheaper non barrier hoses, and save a few bucks per car.

However you restore the system to operating make sure to add in a pressure switch.

You can always buy a cheap set of gauges, and some auto parts stores have some you can borrow. Hook up the gauges, and see if there is any pressure. Just the low side (blue cap) will let you know if there is any refrigerant in the system..

[GH85Carrera]

Just check the pressures with a set of gauges. If there is none, you have the perfect opportunity to get it functioning again. Contact Griffith's Technology and tell him what you want from your AC system. Replace all the rubber hoses, a new receiver-dryer, and any other components he recommends to get to your goal.

His instructions are so good that if you can change the oil on your 911, you can do it all with ease. Thee only technical part is evacuation and charging the system. Follow his advice on that.

He makes top quality parts, and the best instructions you will ever read.

[jgurnari]

GH85Carrera. thanks

[ccallana]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Just check the pressures with a set of gauges. If there is none, you have the perfect opportunity to get it functioning again. Contact Griffith's Technology and tell him what you want from your AC system. Replace all the rubber hoses, a new receiver-dryer, and any other components he recommends to get to your goal.

His instructions are so good that if you can change the oil on your 911, you can do it all with ease. Thee only technical part is evacuation and charging the system. Follow his advice on that.

He makes top quality parts, and the best instructions you will ever read.

This cannot be repeated enough (from someone who ignored his instructions several times and paid the price for it....)