Air Conditioning Problems

[johncolt]

I would like to ask for advice in connection with the a/c on my 1992 911 964.

The system needs re-charging. It currently has R12 in the system, which I know is now illegal. I am told that I have two options:

1. Find someone who can suck out the remaining R12 and re-fill with RS24 or
2. Have a conversion kit fitted and fill with R134A.

I am told that the second option is preferable, but that it is expensive. Our new Porsche dealership in Norwich say that they can't do either and that Porshce no longer supply this conversion kit anyway.

I should be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction and give me some idea of the costs that might be involved. I realise that there might also be some leaks in the system that might have to be dealt with.

I have received two helpful suggestions, but more wwould be welcome.

Thanks. John Pitchers, Coltishall, Norfolk. (PS I AM a member!)

 

[mr pg]

I've just had my R134 topped up, and when looking through the car's history to check what mine was filled with, I found that a previous owner had it switched from R12 back in 2000. It involves replacing a number of parts in the AC system, and even back then cost £2k!

 

[mr pg]

I recently had my system topped up. When checking the car history, I discovered that it had been swapped from R12 to R134 back in 2000. It involves replacing a number of items in the system, and even back then cost a princely sum. £2k!

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

ORIGINAL: mr pg

I recently had my system topped up. When checking the car history, I discovered that it had been swapped from R12 to R134 back in 2000. It involves replacing a number of items in the system, and even back then cost a princely sum. £2k!

Paul,

My conversion was also done a couple of years ago by JZ Machtech - they get a mobile guy to come in and do it rather than do it themselves. Back then the conversion "kit" was charged at £55 and they charged me £155 for a re-gas (very much over the top compared to prices these days). There was some labour also charged (other things were done too so it's difficult to isolate the charges just for the a/c upgrade) but I think you'd have to go some to get anywhere near close to your figures.

You CAN even upgrade to R134a without changing the valves - mine was done that way the previous year - but it makes things easier to get the valves changed. The receiver/dryer is pretty much optional unless it's been open to the elements and O-rings need not be changed unless they are leaking. I've found that mine needs a regas virtually every year but I've found a guy who will do it for £20 now so it's no big deal.

The real problems come if you have a system that's not been used for a while and the condenser and/or evaporator has corroded and needs to be replaced. Both are available as non-Porsche parts at a much lower price but the official prices are frightening. It may be that's where some of the high prices come in for the conversion - just to get it working. My new evaporator was over £1000 by the time it was fitted.

Regards

Dave

 

[airevalley]

Hi
I posted a question several weeks ago raising a very similar point .
I did a bit of ringing round , got a conversion kit ( only required the valves changing on the compressor ) from gsf car parts .( I paid £44 for it )
Carried out the re-charge myself ( I own a garage ) .
Had to replace my leaking condensor ( thats why my air con did not work ).
Re-charge again .
Works perfect !!
As i said that was weeks ago but what a difference .
It really was a simple conversion , there seem to be a lot of horror tales out there with very expensive bills but air con systems on these old cars are fairly basic.
If it requires a recharge once a year then thats not bad in my opinion .