jebia

Anybody out there have any experience converting their AC to the new refrigerent? Does it work (as cold as r12), is it worth it?

thank you

Jon
Albq., NM

Bill Gregory

Jon,

I asked that question for my 1981 SC, and it was recommended that I upgrade hoses and other components to the tune of around $1000. (I ended up taking it out instead).

This month in Excellence, Bruce Anderson answers this same question, and his recommendation is to stay with R12. Basically, he says that the pre-R134a a/c systems were marginal a/c systems to start with, and depend on improved components to function well with the new coolant. He mentions ensuring that your current system is in good shape, including the hoses. If you were going to switch over to R134a, you'd want to put in barrier hoses which don't leak like the older factory hoses. I've known people who have replaced the factory hoses with barrier hoses in R12 systems, too.

There are several third parties that specialize in a/c systems (Griffiths comes to mind, amongst others) that you might also consult.

Mrdi

Stay w/ the R12

Adrian

There is a document from Porsche on how to convert from R12 to R134A.
Here is the text and the identifier of this document. I am afraid I cannot give you the graphics which show which parts you have to change for your model. In many places in the world R-12 is completely banned so the conversion is mandatory,
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

Retrofitting R12 A/C System to R134
Group
8

Model
All

Part Identifier
8717

Number
9501

December 19, 1995

Subject
Retrofitting R12 A/C System to Refrigerant R134

ATTENTION: Service Manager / Service Technician

Models Affected:
All

Concern:
Retrofitting of R12 air conditioning systems to refrigerant R134a (formerly R12).

General Information:
As of January 1, 1995, (January 1,1996 for USA) production of refrigerant R12 containing CFC substances is no longer permitted in accordance with legislation in the European Union and several other countries and will be made illegal (with specific exceptions) worldwide in the near future. Starting with Model Year '93 (P), all air conditioning systems of new Porsche vehicles are factory charged with non-CFC refrigerant R134a. The formerly used refrigerant R12 was phased out at the same time. A new type of refrigerant oil, ND-Oil 8, must be used in conjunction with refrigerant R134a. This refrigerant oil is of a synthetic type. The formerly used refrigerant oil based on mineral oils will not mix with the ND-Oil 8 refrigerant oil required for R134a.

Due to the chemical properties of the new refrigerant R134a and of the new refrigerant oil, modifications to the materials of various components exposed to refrigerant oil have become necessary.

The maximum refrigerant and refrigerant oil capacities are changed in this retrofitting process!

Retrofitting:
In most cases, older vehicles fitted with air conditioners charged with R12 refrigerant containing CFC can be converted without any major problems.

It is the responsibility of the dealer/retrofitting agent to maintain A/C system integrity during the retrofitting process.

It is of particular importance to draw off the R12 refrigerant and refrigerant oil charge. Recycling service equipment should be used for this purpose and to separate the refrigerant oil from the refrigerant.

Retrofitting operations should only be performed by qualified personnel in Porsche workshops. After retrofitting, a sticker should be attached near the compressor and in the Maintenance Booklet to confirm that retrofitting has been performed according to specifications. This technical information provides you with an overview of the required scope of operations and parts requirements for retrofitting air conditioners to non-CFC refrigerant R134a.

Warranty Information:
A two year parts warranty without mileage limitations applies to all Genuine Porsche parts used for retrofitting.

The dealer warrants the A/C system integrity, correct installation and execution of all retrofitting operations.