944 A/C Components

roddzilla944 · 11-13-2003, 03:25 PM

So I live in GA. I looked high and low for a low mileaged 944 and settled on one in Chicago... went and got it. The drive was worth it especially since the car I was buying only had 32k miles on it. Everything seems to be working great until the summer months roll around and I find my AC didn't work. At first I thought that it just needed an anti-freeze refill and took it to a mechanic to get it checked out.

Now it seems that instead of just needing anti-freeze, it needs a new compressor, condensor, and hoses.

A dealer said about $1800 for parts and service and I knew right off the bat that that price was WAY over inflated.

Anyone know of a place to find a cheap kit that may contain these parts? Were talking compressor/condensor so I'm not asking for a miracle (although one would be nice), but perhaps a kit for something less than $600?

carsontc · 11-13-2003, 05:49 PM

but remember it is a 17 year old car. mileage doesn’t matter much with the seals. how old are your compressor, hoses, condenser yadda, yadda...?

my 85 is on it's 3rd condenser (it protects the radiator from stones!...but it’s the sides of the radiators that’s crap anyways)

and my 4th compressor. and the price quoted is in line for what is supposedly bad. but do get another opinion.

Britwrench · 11-13-2003, 07:54 PM

If you went to an Official Porsche dealer then $1800 is less than I would expect it to be. If you went to an independent then that's probably about right and not "wildly inflated" ( based on, what?)

Anyway, as FR said, go to a specialised AC shop, ask them if they work on Porsche cars and ask for references (I'm serious about this!) If you are happy about working with them, get a diagnosis done (which you will pay for) and then get a written estimate of the repairs. Once you fully understand the estimate and make sure you ask them if there are any likely extras and the price is agreed, get the work done. Don't forget that after replacing the parts and getting the system to operate DOES NOT mean that there are no other faults with it. This is one reason we always recommend 944 buyers ensure the AC works or that the seller will repair it (and provide the repair invoice and warranty) prior to sale. The next time I see any car with inoperative AC that needs a "recharge" will be the first one. If they don't work, the seller has already had a repair estimate...........

The last time we replaced an AC compressor, receiver drier, some pipes and upgraded the system to R134A it was around $1300.
So $1800 with a condenser too doesn't sound out of line.

FLA944 · 11-14-2003, 12:03 PM

944 Online

944 Online has a 134A Kit. Around $500.00

Rick

sixbanger · 11-15-2003, 08:16 PM

I just put that kit on my 89 944.I think it is a sanden compressor.They belt needs to be streached to get it on or a larger belt will be needed it comes filled with oil.larger belt will need to be bought.The oil is both R12 and 134.

FLA944 · 11-17-2003, 03:14 PM

Do not mix R12 and R134A. It will cause "sludge" to form and force you to buy a complete system. Once sludged always sludged.