Replacement air con condensers

[Hardy]

I'm in the process of replacing the two air con condensers on my 987.2. I have purchased Behr-Hella parts from a well known national (or possibly European) parts supplier. Just tried to fit the backing frames and have discovered the replacement condensers are 10mm less in width and 5mm less in height compared to what are believe are the originals ?

Is this what I should expect ? I could modify the backing frame to fit but I’m not keen to do that. I’ve also noticed the new condenser mounting brackets are not consistently orientated so this may cause further fitting issues if the backing frame is used.

I’ve not read of any issues with fitting the Behr-Hella parts before, so I’m a bit surprised.

Thoughts please and suggestions on sourcing good quality, reasonably priced and correctly dimensioned condensers ?

 

[andywill]

Firstly is it the correct part?

Euro website states a choice of three, all various prices and some fixing locations look different. It’s not uncommon for some patterned parts to need a bit of fettling prior to fitting, Looking at the what I can see in the photo it looks like the correct part. I would give them a call to clarify things.

 

[Derek H]

I had this problem over the summer. We have two Gen 1 Caymans and I replaced the condensers on both this year. No problems with the Behr Hella ones from Euro Car Parts with the first car. The BH part number was 8FC 351 301-421 and they exactly matched the Porsche supplied originals.

A few weeks later, I ordered the same items from ECP once again for the other car and despite having the same ECP part number, the actual items supplied were BH 8FC 351 301-424. Just as you describe, these were a few mm different in size. I did manage to swap them for the correct -421 items but never got to the bottom of whether this was just a stock labelling fault by ECP or an error in their computer systems.

ECP list the same part number for Gen 1 and 2 cars so you may well have the same problem as I had.

Edit: The Behr Hella catalogue appears to list both the -421 and -424 part numbers for the 987 Cayman from 11.05 to 12.13 and also shows the different dimensions for each. I suggest you measure your originals and check the dimensions with the BH catalogue to establish the correct BH part number before taking it up with ECP.

 

[Hardy]

Andy, thanks, yes, I'll be giving them a call.

 

[Hardy]

That's interesting, the part numbers for the ones I have are 8FC 351 301 424, so that's looking like it aligns with your experience. I'll have a word with them about the ....421 option.

I'm not aware of there being different parts for the gen 1 and gen 2 cars.

I've also noticed that I don't seem to have the cover strips fitted above the condensers on my car, (99657371100).

 

[Derek H]

Chris, our Gen 1 cars both have a black plastic square shroud that clips onto the top and bottom of each condenser and sits on the rear face, i.e. between condenser and coolant rad. It doesn't look like the cover strip you mentioned in the Porsche parts diagram.

Edit: I think these will be the same as the backing frames you mentioned in your original post.

 

[Hardy]

Hi Derek, yes the plastic frame separates the condenser from the radiator. This doesn't fit the new EPC (...424) condensers I purchased. I spoke to them today, they are puzzled, I hope to get over to see them tomorrow. They are getting two more units in, but seem unable to search for the Behr Hella part numbers.

The cover strip on the parts list looks like a blanking plate for the top of the exposed section of the radiator. I don't have these and it doesn't look like they have fitted for a while, if ever, strange.

 

[Derek H]

Chris, when I returned the -424 items, I recall that the EPC branch had one of the -421 items in stock against their part number listed for the Cayman but the other -421 they found on their shelves was listed against a different EPC part number pertaining to a 996 variant if I remember correctly.

 

[Hardy]

Hi Derek, EPC can't locate the .421 version, I also tried their Ebay premium outlet in Wembley and they are also only selling the .424 version only now despite what it says on their website. It's looking like it's been superseded. I'm checking with my local Indy for recommended alternatives.

 

[Derek H]

Hi Chris, I know the EIS brand is popular and although I've not used them myself, I don't recall seeing any complaints about them. I think they are a bit cheaper too.

It might be worth contacting Behr Hella. I'd be very surprised if they have superceded the -421 with the -424 given that they have different dimensions.

 

[Hardy]

Hi Derek, I'm following up a few options, but the .421 version is looking considerably more expensive than ECP's price for the .424 (ECP's common part number 222330250). I couldn't get the Behr Hella online catalogue to work, maybe I should try a different browser ? Is there a Behr Hella Service office in the UK that you are aware of ?

 

[Hardy]

Hi Derek, an update, I've purchased two .421 units from Design911. They are identical to the ones on my car, which are clearly better made than the 424's, so you can see why they might be more expensive.

 

[Derek H]

That's good news that you've found them Chris. Don't forget the "O" rings.

 

[Boxstercol]

Swapped mine out during the summer for a pair from Coolparts Uk, as recommended by loads of forum members on Boxa.net. Total cost for both condensers with 2 year warranty was £81.

They were slightly smaller than the originals, but the spacer 'frame' still mounts as it rests against the coolant radiator. No problem with fitting at all.

 

[Hardy]

I'm happy and I used the genuine purple 'O' rings. I don't fancy stripping the front off again because of component quality issues. Just waiting for my Indy to get their air-con gassing machine serviced now.