Air conditioning

[cmr777]

2001 Boxster appears to need 2 new A/C condensers. Are these repairable, anyone got a source without spending £400 for the pair. Thanks Caroline.
PS, in the Glasgow area.

 

[Meeten]

I think they are around £130 + VAT each (that is what I was quoted), but then you will need the installation and the recharge of the A/C system as well.
You will be looking at the £400 - 450 mark to get that sorted.

I use Motortune in Shotts - Peter definitely knows his stuff.....

 

[Guest]

this thread might help http://www.topix.net/forum/autos/honda/TQ02NF40877B57GF6porsche 944s2 radiator. hope u get some idea.
porsche 944s2 radiator

 

[Elliot Davies]

the condensers are aluminium and will more than likely be rotten at the bottom where all the road debris has been sat against them, its a common fault on 986 and 996s.
IMO not worth looking for a repair as if it goes again shortly afterwards etc.........
Just replace them and then a regas is around £500 and then make sure you clean the vents regularly to remove fag packets, leaves etc

 

[akwaugh]

Hi, I was quoted around £600 for replacement plus regas and new drier from Pete Lorimer at Lorimer & Findlay just off South Street - near Yarrows.

 

[Guest]

I am not needing the condensers I hope[8|] , but I see that the opc charge for full drain etc is £235. Is it likely they would apply 10% discount for club members?
Stuart.

 

[spyderman]

I find aircon invaluable when it rains to stop the car misting up. And lets face it - it rains a lot in the UK! I think an OPC would charge something like £600 to replace a single condensor. You won't know until you've had them changed if that's the only fault - non-use does indeed cause problems.

Chris.

 

[Motorhead]

ORIGINAL: elliotw

In the winter months I didn't use my air con.

A common mistake to make Elliot. It's important to use the aircon in the winter too; there's a lubricant included with the refrigerant which lubricates the compressor and also stops the O-ring seals from drying out.

As Chris says, the aircon is very useful in damp weather to prevent the interior from misting up (common in soft-tops) by removing water from the air.

I seem to recall someone posting recently on the forum quoting a similar figure for condenser replacement. Personally, I'd replace both condensers if that is indeed the problem. Normally a dye is introduced into the refrigerant when recharging the system which fluoresces under ultraviolet light and helps identify points of leakage.

Jeff

 

[elliotw]

Cheers for the replies.

On second thoughts, I think I may have been using the air conditioning during the winter. I was thinking that if I used the fan on warm (which I have during the winter months) it wasn't using the air con, but I actually think it does unless I manually press the air con off button (which I don't press). So I guess at least I have been using the air con over the winter when I thought I wasn't, right? Guess I naively associate air con with cooling a room, but if I am not mistaken, a car can be warmed up using the air conditioning system, correct?

 

[Jonathan G]

Correct, if the Air Con is left on "Auto" the car will use the air con as and when required. Air con dries the air and doesn't just cool it, which is why it can be helpful in Winter. I was told when I bought my 2002 Boxster S to leave it on "Auto" and only adjust the temperature. Having said that I do turn the air con off when I have the roof down, but it's back on Auto as soon as the roof is up.

 

[Glyn]

Why not change them yourself?, easy enough job, should be able to change both condensors and regas for under £300

 

[elliotw]

How easy and how long will it take?

Any instructions on how to change this over?

Keen to give it a try, but also don't want to ruin my car!

Thanks

 

[elliotw]

Also, can get a kit at Design911: http://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod13472/Air-ConditiPorsche--oning--Air-CPorsche-Air-Conditioning--Air-Con--Radiator-Condenser-Kiton--Radiator-Condensor-Kit-Air-Conditioning--Air-Con--Radiator-Condenser-Kit/

or alternatively, http://www.bestpartstore.co.uk/2757061

Bestpartstore seems to be pretty cheap for a single condenser. Not sure if I need the other bits n pieces in the Design911 kit - if not, Bestpartstore comes in much cheaper and can just order 2 condensers from them. Always can order the O-rings and dessicator from design911 to build my own kit cheaper than at design 911.

thoughts?

 

[Glyn]

Id simply get the kit for £199 from design 911 - you know they are going to fit. A mobile regas for £35 and job done.

Need to take front bumper off - just screwed on, needs two people to hold either end to manipulate it off, once off its just a matter of removing the plastic cowlings around the radiators/condensors and splitting the condensors from the radiators (screw and some clips) cant remember exactly as it was 8 years ago when i last did a Boxster, couple of bolts that hold the air con pipes to condensor connections and two "O" rings in these joints, do both sides and rebuild.
should be done in a day even if youve not done it before.

 

[saynotolettuce]

I was quoted a total of £437, £44 for the receiver dryer, and £5.16 for the applicable O rings all subject to VAT