A/C question

[Majin325]

While I have been at my dads he was asking if my car had A/C. It does but has only blown hot air since I got it and never turn it on. We were looking at the car but only seen one valve towards the front. Does it only have one? We couldn't find the other and looked at diagrams but still couldn't find anything.

[John_AZ]

Usually underneath the compressor on the early 944s.

To make charging easier or converting to R134a, many will get a 90 degree adapter on that valve.

You also need a different belt:
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/924-931-944-951-968-forum/514899-i-cant-charge-my-a-c-gauge-doesnt-fit-whats-the-solution-pics-inside.html

GL
John

[VirginiaF1]

John,
With the following givens:
- at 95F ambient
- with proper R134 pressures
- a good compressor with good clutch/bearings
- on a 2.5L n/a:

Would you think that running the A/C reduces (on average) our usable bhp & torque by a consistent percentage? Say 10% or 20%?
Thanks!

[1982_928]

Put oil in it before you add freon.. Do you have a set of gauges? If its just a bit low, you could have it filled with r12, because where r12 will blow 40F air, R134 wont blow but probably 60.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by VirginiaF1

Would you think that running the A/C reduces (on average) our usable bhp & torque by a consistent percentage? Say 10% or 20%?
Thanks!

Just speculation.

It varies due to the condition of the engine as much as the condition of the AC system and temps.

If your engine compression test was the 145 psi OEM WSM minimum standard you might only loose 1-3HP.

If the engine is due for a rebuild, maybe 4-5HP

You can read some advertising on the AC delete bracket and some may mention HP gains of up to 3-5% or higher. YMMV

John

[1982_928]

I'd rather have AC than 5 more HP

[mhariush]

Does it constantly blow hot air? There is a plastic clip under the dash on the passenger side somewhere. It's called Heater Clip, and they often fail and will result in the car constantly blowing hot air. They're like a dollar fifty. I have not had it happen to me, but I know others that have experienced it.

[VirginiaF1]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

Just speculation.
You can read some advertising on the AC delete bracket and some may mention HP gains of up to 3-5% or higher. YMMV
John

Ya... so...
If I "feel" way more than 5% hp loss, my compressor clutch is toast?

[mattdavis11]

Your car (most likely) doesn't have a/c anymore because the front seal on the compressor blew out and there is no refrigerant in the system. Early cars do not have the infamous heater clip problem.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by VirginiaF1

Ya... so...
If I "feel" way more than 5% hp loss, my compressor clutch is toast?

If the engine is OK -compression and leak down tested.

Need to check entire AC system:

http://www.4s.com/Upload/Four%20Seasons/documents/Tech%20Tips/English/4S%20388%20REPLACING%20COMPRESSOR%20ASSEMBLY%20VS% 20CLUTCH.PDF

Clutch failure info ---Page 7 on...

http://www.heco.net/maincat/clutch.pdf

GL
John