Bolt-on parallel flow AC condenser

v2rocket_aka944 · 08:42 AM

Hi all,

I am posting this to gauge interest for the 944 owners who want to keep AC on their cars but have been forced to convert to R134a. The stock AC condenser is a fine unit but designed for R12 instead of R134a so doesn't work quite so efficiently. There is also the ~20-30 years of rocks and birds stuck in the fins on the outside, and dirt and slime on the inside reducing cooling efficiency.

A stock replacement for the AC condenser for a late car is $400, early is NLA. There is a made-to-fit serpentine style condenser available for the 944 but it runs around $500.

Modern cars with R134a from the factory use a parallel-flow type of condenser - rather than a tube-and-fin style the gas flows into the end tanks and makes several passes across the heat exchange surface before being expelled as a liquid. More distance to travel through the condenser means more time to cool, and the passages are designed with R134a in mind.

I have modified an aftermarket parallel flow condenser to bolt-up to a 944 using factory bracketry. It worked so well for my customer's 944S that I am offering this as a service to Pelicanites. Send me your factory condenser and I will send you back a bolt-on parallel-flow replacement - I need the factory piece for its bracketry. I am offering for $325 all-in, including parts, my time, and shipping. I can also build one for you beforehand, then swap for your old part on an exchange basis.

If you would be interested in this, let me know here or PM me. It should be mentioned that AC hoses will need to be modified to make this fit, but they were likely overdue for replacement anyways. If you want me to make the hoses for you it would be another $50, or I can give you the appropriate measurements to do yourself.

v2rocket_aka944 · 10-17-2012, 05:41 PM

Bump. Been getting a good bit of interest so far. If more people want them then I can turn them around faster...

Gawernator · Gawernator's Garage

I'm definitely interested. But sadly it's not in the budget at the moment.

JAXTURBO · JAXTURBO's Garage

I dont have this particular nodel, but a similar one. It did make a difference with OE compressor. Very important - flush system prior to introducing new freon. You have to get all the R12 compatible oil out.

v2rocket_aka944 · 10-19-2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gawernator

I'm definitely interested. But sadly it's not in the budget at the moment.

When do you think you'd be ready?

Tom944 · Tom944's Garage

I don't think that you need to get all the oil out. Any left will just sit in the system doing no harm. I recommend ester oil with the R134 since it will not react with any left over R12.

Gawernator · Gawernator's Garage

Quote:

Quote de Gawernator

I'm definitely interested. But sadly it's not in the budget at the moment.

When do you think you'd be ready?

To be honest, I'm not sure. I'm getting married in a few months. So I'm expecting to be broke

v2rocket_aka944 · 10-19-2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom944

I don't think that you need to get all the oil out. Any left will just sit in the system doing no harm. I recommend ester oil with the R134 since it will not react with any left over R12.

Probably right, but IMO may as well start fresh. No idea on the life of compressor oil, but it's getting on 30 years old in some of these cars...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gawernator

To be honest, I'm not sure. I'm getting married in a few months. So I'm expecting to be broke

Most likely, yes.

JAXTURBO · JAXTURBO's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom944

I don't think that you need to get all the oil out. Any left will just sit in the system doing no harm. I recommend ester oil with the R134 since it will not react with any left over R12.

Interesting. I thought the R12 compatible oil reduced the systems efficiency when usng R134. I took my compressor off completely and drained it. So much to learn.

JAXTURBO · JAXTURBO's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gawernator

To be honest, I'm not sure. I'm getting married in a few months. So I'm expecting to be broke

"So I'm expecting to be broke"... hahaha. Aint that the truth!

Gawernator · Gawernator's Garage

I'm sure quite a damper will be put on my 944 budget, lol.

porsche newbie · porsche newbie's Garage

damper is not the word for it. Most likely elinination.

v2rocket_aka944 · 10-21-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAXTURBO

Interesting. I thought the R12 compatible oil reduced the systems efficiency when usng R134. I took my compressor off completely and drained it. So much to learn.

I have heard that ester oil and PAG which is recommended for the Nippondenso compressor with R134a don't like to mix well but I am not 100% sure. PAG (46 IIRC) is so cheap there's really no reason not to change it out.

If you have an early car the compressor is very straightforward to re-seal so you can be sure to get all the old oil out. Late compressors are more complicated because the "head gaskets" are NLA, only the o-rings are available for replacement. Still easy to disassemble but unless you can get a new gasket made I would recommend retrofitting the early compressor or using the aftermarket replacement kits.

v2rocket_aka944 · 10-27-2012, 09:55 PM

Made another one for a Pelicanite today...will do hoses tomorrow.

v2rocket_aka944 · 10-31-2012, 09:13 AM

bumping this up, lowered the price and included shipping in cost. winter is coming, but when spring and summer roll back around, you'll be glad you have a nice, efficiently-working AC system...

AaronM · 10-31-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

I have heard that ester oil and PAG which is recommended for the Nippondenso compressor with R134a don't like to mix well but I am not 100% sure. PAG (46 IIRC) is so cheap there's really no reason not to change it out.

Not only do they not mix well, they actually form an acidic sludge that will slowly corrode your system from the inside out.

ALWAYS flush the old R12 oil from the system before replacing it with the new oil for an R134a system. It is also necessary to replace the receiver/drier when switching to the new refrigerant.

944Larry · 944Larry's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gawernator

To be honest, I'm not sure. I'm getting married in a few months. So I'm expecting to be broke

Biggest understatement I've read in a while!!!! Seriously, good luck!!!!

v2rocket_aka944 · 11-01-2012, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronM

Not only do they not mix well, they actually form an acidic sludge that will slowly corrode your system from the inside out.

ALWAYS flush the old R12 oil from the system before replacing it with the new oil for an R134a system. It is also necessary to replace the receiver/drier when switching to the new refrigerant.

Good advice, thanks!

89-944NA · 89-944NA's Garage

Not meaning to be a sticky wicket but, don't forget R134a is in the process of being phased out. Porsche has already begun shipping cars with the replacement HFO-1234yf (as of MY 2011), and retrofitting an R134a system is NOT ALLOWED (pressures for HFO-1234yf are way HIGH). HFO-1234yf is not expected to be sold by anyone but certified shops. If your going to upgrade your system, start buying R134a now...some auto parts stores have already stopped selling it.

Me? I have a 50# cylinder of R-12 that was given to me after a friend who did HVAC passed away...not planning on converting any time in the future. lol

JAXTURBO · JAXTURBO's Garage

I really didn't know the"134" stuff was also on the way out. Also if the "134" systems cannot be upgraded/retrofitted to the new HFO - 1234yf, shouldn't its availability continue? I understand the phasing out of the R12 stuff, but the R134 stuff was supposingly earth friendly.