Last Lemming

I am thinking of getting this kit:

http://www.944online.com/cgi-bin/ASI...skukey_1000962

However, other than what is supplied in the kit and the freon to charge it up, what else would I need and is there a step by step write up on this? I would have the system evacuated and charged by a professional.

Jfrahm

Check out R152A, I am very impressed with it in my 1992 968 (was R12). Otherwise stock with a $12 replacement dryer (common part with other VW/Audi cars). I can freeze my ankles with the top down. I got the can side tapper off Ebay for $15 or so and bought a bunch of dust-off spray from Walmart Online for maybe $3 per can. I decided to get a dozen cans in case they decide to outlaw this stuff too someday. I used two cans and had some left over.

I think it works well enough to use the stock compressor and condenser.

What's currently broken or missing on your AC?
-Joel.

AZ520

AC is a specialists task, you would also need a new filter drier. 134a works great with the 944 systems and its only 5.00 for a 12oz can at Wal-Mart. The 944 takes about 30oz of 134a, so 2.5 cans will do. AC shops will charge you big money for anything, but sounds like you don't have a vacuum pump or evac . Ac shops are not very DIY person friendly. If you buy the parts and just take it to a shop no more than 300.00 would be reasonable. Get a few estimates.

V2Rocket

I wish freon were $5 a can here... $15+$10 core per 12oz can out this way.

You bring back the empty can to get your $10 back, but an early 944 takes 2.5 cans


That said r134 still will freeze the **** off an Eskimo in a 944 until it gets over 100 outside.

Last Lemming

I have an 86 and it came with R12. My system is complete but has long since lost pressure and leaked out - though I'll need to send it someplace and check for where my leak comes from.

That being said, I've removed my AC Condenser radiator and I'm having it cleaned and pressure checked. I if it comes back ok and I hook it back up, what's the most economical way to convert from that point? and what should I expect to change? The Griffith system seems to come with most of the parts but are there other parts I'll need?

MistaX

All it takes to convert an early car to R134a is a shorter belt and fittings. I would expect a late car to be the same. I did mine that way and it works perfectly.

Once you fix the leak and replace the dryer that's all you actually need.

Last Lemming

Why A shorter belt? And when you say fitting do you mean all the hoses and o rings?

MistaX

I mean just the 134A adapter that goes on the compressor. You need a shorter belt because the low side fitting doesn't fit between the compressor and the alternator with the belt tensioned correctly, so a shorter belt keeps the compressor closer to the engine at the correct tension, leaving enough room for the fitting.

tempest411

What about swapping out all the o-rings, compressor, receiver-dryer, and hoses+plus flushing out all the old oil and putting in new R134a-compatible oil? From what I've read all that stuff is different between the two systems. R134a will permeate right through the materials used in seals and hoses in old R12 systems.

MistaX

New dryer, professionally recharged/oiled. 2 years so far without any issues. All original hoses. Probably all original O-rings.

944Time

>R134a will permeate right through the materials used in seals and hoses in old R12 systems.


Nah. That does not happen.
http://944time.com/porsche/944-ac-air-conditioning.php


The only things you need for a conversion are:

1) new dryer
2) Ester oil (which is compatible with the R12 oil)
3) A few cans of R134
4) O-rings (if you want to change them).

Tools
1) Vacuum pump ($100 at harbor freight)
2) gauge set (with R12 fittings! you can't use an adapter)
3) can-tapper

You don't need a 'kit'.
And it don't make sense to pay $650 for a kit that allows you to use a $150 Sanden-type compressor when a re-manufactured Denso compressor is $335 at Amazon

No hose-hacking required either.

Last Lemming

Assuming my original r12 compressor is good do I need to change it?

pfarah7

I replaced the following when converting my 84:

- Compressor (original was shot)
- Expansion valve (in dash)
- All new O-rings
- High pressure switch
- Dryer
- Low side connection
- Conversion date sticker

Last Lemming

I have bought a remanufactured Denso unit. It comes with the dryer and o-rings.

My question now is after I install new compessor, drier and o-rings what is the next thing I should do? Take it to the AC show and have them clean and curve the system. And if they clean it what happens to the new oil in the new compressor?

V2Rocket

Have an AC shop flush the system *before* you replace the old compressor.

When you get the compressor, turn it upsidedown to drain the oil that is in it.
Let it drain for a long time.

Then refill with R134a compatible oil, and put the new compressor in the car.

Do all the o-rings, there are only a handful of them and they are easy enough to do.

Have the shop (or you) pull a vacuum on the system to 25+ inches and then watch the gauge for any leaks with the vac pump off.

If no leaks, then the vacuum in the system will help pull in some R134 to the system. Start the car, turn the AC on full, and fill the system with R134 until the compressor engages, the pressure on the gauge should go down momentarily. Keep filling the system until you have ~30-40psi low side and 150-250psi high side pressure, and you have used 30 oz of R134a (2.5 cans) if you have an early car or 924S.