Finally - cold a/c in 88, no need to buy 993!!!
06-10-2002, 11:15 PM
#1
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Finally - cold a/c in 88, no need to buy 993!!!
I've been servicing my car at this small little Porsche shop in my area since I bought it 5 years ago, and finally just got sick of the sucky A/C this year after having none last year, so I diligently brought it back and begged them to do something. They had charged it with freon before but it never got that cold. At the time they said "this is as good as it gets - WRONG".
This time they checked it and found that the front condensor was broken (I wonder for how long?) so they replaced that, and now I actually have working A/C! I mean, we're talking the really cold, unattainable in a pre-89 911 stuff! I am the happiest guy in Silver Spring, Md this week.
The car actually got cold when it was 90 degrees today, even though it was parked in the hot sun for hours! I freaked out when I went out to my oven, eh - I mean car, after work, got in it and it blew cold air after a minute or two. This has never happened since day 1. Kudos to Roger at Autotherapy - yeahhhh.
What I was wondering, though, was why Porsche kept this awful design for so long with it's center air vents that never hit the driver's face, like in other cars, as they only hit close to the face area, but never really hit the mark real well. You can't direct the cold air onto your face even if you have the center vents all the way to the left. It's like they should have redesigned that dash so the vents were just a bit to the left so you could gain the benefit of that luscious cold air on your face, not blowing into the dead useless air between the 2 front seats. I know, it's not a Honda. The good news is that I just saved $30,000, minimum, by fixing the A/C, as the main reason I wanted to upgrade to a 993 was to get really great A/C, and of course the 993's looked pretty hot.
I wish I could afford a 97 C4S or a 97 Targa, but we don't have an extra $30,000 sitting around for essentially the same car, just newer skin and slightly upgraded everything. I did drive a few 993's but didn't think they were worth spending an extra $30k on, plus my car. Mine's worth about $16-20k, and a 97 C4S is about $51k, so, it would cost quite a bit to upgrade.
Cold as ice, for the moment, and smiling as wide as a cheshire cat,
Steve
88 911 Carrera Venetian Blue, Blue, 68k miles
99 Jag XK8 her's (like a refrigerator)
95 BMW 740i 102k miles (ice box city)
This time they checked it and found that the front condensor was broken (I wonder for how long?) so they replaced that, and now I actually have working A/C! I mean, we're talking the really cold, unattainable in a pre-89 911 stuff! I am the happiest guy in Silver Spring, Md this week.
The car actually got cold when it was 90 degrees today, even though it was parked in the hot sun for hours! I freaked out when I went out to my oven, eh - I mean car, after work, got in it and it blew cold air after a minute or two. This has never happened since day 1. Kudos to Roger at Autotherapy - yeahhhh.
What I was wondering, though, was why Porsche kept this awful design for so long with it's center air vents that never hit the driver's face, like in other cars, as they only hit close to the face area, but never really hit the mark real well. You can't direct the cold air onto your face even if you have the center vents all the way to the left. It's like they should have redesigned that dash so the vents were just a bit to the left so you could gain the benefit of that luscious cold air on your face, not blowing into the dead useless air between the 2 front seats. I know, it's not a Honda. The good news is that I just saved $30,000, minimum, by fixing the A/C, as the main reason I wanted to upgrade to a 993 was to get really great A/C, and of course the 993's looked pretty hot.
I wish I could afford a 97 C4S or a 97 Targa, but we don't have an extra $30,000 sitting around for essentially the same car, just newer skin and slightly upgraded everything. I did drive a few 993's but didn't think they were worth spending an extra $30k on, plus my car. Mine's worth about $16-20k, and a 97 C4S is about $51k, so, it would cost quite a bit to upgrade.
Cold as ice, for the moment, and smiling as wide as a cheshire cat,
Steve
88 911 Carrera Venetian Blue, Blue, 68k miles
99 Jag XK8 her's (like a refrigerator)
95 BMW 740i 102k miles (ice box city)
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Superdave312 (07-28-2020)
06-11-2002, 12:27 PM
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Years ago and far away, the brass at the factory argued about whether to install A/C in Porsches (after all, they were sports cars, not luxury cars). Neither side could win the argument, so they compromised. 
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Superdave312 (07-28-2020)
06-11-2002, 04:21 PM
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Steve, how much did this fix run you? My Carrera's a/c is not working and I'm about ready to tackle it myself. If/when that fails, I'd like to know how much it'll cost me. I am familiar with Roger at Autothority and would have no problem giving him my business.
06-11-2002, 11:57 PM
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Thread Starter
Thanks for the replies: Jim, I like the compromise of having the race car feel with a bit of A/C. I just wish the A/C people fought a little harder so the center vents would actually hit my face when my hands are on the wheel.
Rick: At 95 dreadful degrees today, I was semi- comfortable during much city driving in the heat of the day, and actually quite chilly this evening when I got back to my car at 945pm after it was parked from 6-945pm, got in it, and the A/C was actually cold, not just cool!
To replace the A/C blower motor in the "trunk" it was 1 hour @ $69 hour + $238.11 for the blower part #91162401301. This was in addition to 1.5 hours [4 days before] for an A/C service (evacuate and charge, check for leaks) @$69 hour = $103 + Freon R12 3@$54.95 = $164.85.
So total that out: about $574.85. It was alot of money for air con, but I hadn't spent my alotted $2000 this year yet for 911 car expense, so...
)
Enjoying the heck out of my new car, well, my new A/C that actually works for the most part.
Steve
Rick: At 95 dreadful degrees today, I was semi- comfortable during much city driving in the heat of the day, and actually quite chilly this evening when I got back to my car at 945pm after it was parked from 6-945pm, got in it, and the A/C was actually cold, not just cool!
To replace the A/C blower motor in the "trunk" it was 1 hour @ $69 hour + $238.11 for the blower part #91162401301. This was in addition to 1.5 hours [4 days before] for an A/C service (evacuate and charge, check for leaks) @$69 hour = $103 + Freon R12 3@$54.95 = $164.85.
So total that out: about $574.85. It was alot of money for air con, but I hadn't spent my alotted $2000 this year yet for 911 car expense, so...
)Enjoying the heck out of my new car, well, my new A/C that actually works for the most part.
Steve
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Superdave312 (07-28-2020)
06-12-2002, 09:36 AM
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Stever, was it the condenser or the evaporator fan that was broken?
I just bought an 88 in Atlanta and it turned very hot this week. Of course I knew the A/C didn't work, but I thought I could tough it out like I have in my older 911's.
I have been considering some of the upgrades out there, like Griffiths and the Performance air condensers.
Was going to use this weekend to check out the condensors and fans to see if I need to replace anything besides the compressor.
I just bought an 88 in Atlanta and it turned very hot this week. Of course I knew the A/C didn't work, but I thought I could tough it out like I have in my older 911's.
I have been considering some of the upgrades out there, like Griffiths and the Performance air condensers.
Was going to use this weekend to check out the condensors and fans to see if I need to replace anything besides the compressor.
06-12-2002, 12:54 PM
#6
Intermediate
HI all
funny this subject has come up. I recently collected my '88 911 and although the A/C was working when collected it now does not. I have checked the pressure in the compressor (manually pressing in the valve) and there seems to be gas there.
I noticed that the rotary switch inside used to "click" whne I turned the A/C on, and now it does not. I have also checked the fuses and they are alright. I guess this weekend will be as good a time as ever to take a look.
does anyone recommend a basic book for this sort of small repairs. I dont want a workshop manual as I will never go beyond small items like this - anyone give a summary of the latest "101 upgrades for your 911" (or something to that effect)?
cheers
funny this subject has come up. I recently collected my '88 911 and although the A/C was working when collected it now does not. I have checked the pressure in the compressor (manually pressing in the valve) and there seems to be gas there.
I noticed that the rotary switch inside used to "click" whne I turned the A/C on, and now it does not. I have also checked the fuses and they are alright. I guess this weekend will be as good a time as ever to take a look.
does anyone recommend a basic book for this sort of small repairs. I dont want a workshop manual as I will never go beyond small items like this - anyone give a summary of the latest "101 upgrades for your 911" (or something to that effect)?
cheers
06-13-2002, 01:10 AM
#7
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Hi Mark:
To answer your question, it simply says "blower" on my receipt from Autotherapy. I honestly can't remember what the actual name of that part was! I just know it went in the trunk (front hood).
I was in there today to get the front brake pads replaced as my little red light had been on quite a while, and ended up having to do the front rotors too! $640 later - ouch.
We got into a discussion about upgrading to R-134 A/C and he said it's expensive if you want to do it right - $800. He said if you don't do it right, replacing and upgrading all the appropriate parts, it's not going to work right. Also, as long as the R-12 is available here in Maryland, for between $49-59 a unit (I needed 3 units), he said this is the best way to keep the car cold.
He said the R-134 isn't as cold, and didn't recommend switching over to it. I'm happy as a clam in my cold 911 - now that's a strange sentence, as it's never been cold before except in the winter.
Already spent $2000 on the car this year, so I'll have to wait till 2003 to upgrade my tires.
Steve
To answer your question, it simply says "blower" on my receipt from Autotherapy. I honestly can't remember what the actual name of that part was! I just know it went in the trunk (front hood).
I was in there today to get the front brake pads replaced as my little red light had been on quite a while, and ended up having to do the front rotors too! $640 later - ouch.
We got into a discussion about upgrading to R-134 A/C and he said it's expensive if you want to do it right - $800. He said if you don't do it right, replacing and upgrading all the appropriate parts, it's not going to work right. Also, as long as the R-12 is available here in Maryland, for between $49-59 a unit (I needed 3 units), he said this is the best way to keep the car cold.
He said the R-134 isn't as cold, and didn't recommend switching over to it. I'm happy as a clam in my cold 911 - now that's a strange sentence, as it's never been cold before except in the winter.
Already spent $2000 on the car this year, so I'll have to wait till 2003 to upgrade my tires.
Steve
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06-13-2002, 12:45 PM
#8
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I have the same problem with my A/C.1980 911 Targa
Checked the fuse.(OK) Blower runs fine. Everything is turning in the Engine compartment,however, no Click or clutch engagement when I move the Silver toggle switch. Waasuup?
Checked the fuse.(OK) Blower runs fine. Everything is turning in the Engine compartment,however, no Click or clutch engagement when I move the Silver toggle switch. Waasuup?
06-13-2002, 01:42 PM
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Grambo,
Check your front condensor fan. If it's running with everything on (car running, AC on, temperature control fully clockwise), then move on to the rear of the car and check the connection at the clutch. They come loose and/or corrode. If this is OK, start the car and check the voltage at the connection with the AC on and the temperature control on full cool (fully clockwise). If you have ~ 12 volts then check your clutch and its wiring. It may be bad (open circuit). If you don't measure ~12 volts at that point, start moving upstream. The problem is somewhere between the AC clutch and the front condensor relay. Good luck! <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />
Check your front condensor fan. If it's running with everything on (car running, AC on, temperature control fully clockwise), then move on to the rear of the car and check the connection at the clutch. They come loose and/or corrode. If this is OK, start the car and check the voltage at the connection with the AC on and the temperature control on full cool (fully clockwise). If you have ~ 12 volts then check your clutch and its wiring. It may be bad (open circuit). If you don't measure ~12 volts at that point, start moving upstream. The problem is somewhere between the AC clutch and the front condensor relay. Good luck! <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />
06-13-2002, 03:13 PM
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david914,
Thanks for the reply. I'll take a look. With your reply and the other A/C Chat, I should be able to figure out the problem.(right!) <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
Grambo. 80 911 Targa. Black and Tan.
Thanks for the reply. I'll take a look. With your reply and the other A/C Chat, I should be able to figure out the problem.(right!) <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
Grambo. 80 911 Targa. Black and Tan.
06-13-2002, 03:14 PM
#11
Intermediate
David: That is a great post. I can follow instructions like that and use some of my own knowledge of electrics, etc. but as I am not too aware of the circuits/systems, etc. a guiding hand like that is great - thanks <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />
06-14-2002, 08:41 AM
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For the ultimate solution check out
griffiths.com
Quick service, expert advice, just ordered the vent arrived quickly and looks "factory". rear condensere is next!
griffiths.com
Quick service, expert advice, just ordered the vent arrived quickly and looks "factory". rear condensere is next!
06-14-2002, 08:22 PM
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And to think I'm still debating on removing the entire AC system to remove weight. Since the car is for weeekend fun and track, only used the AC once in over a year.
07-08-2002, 06:12 PM
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stever,
you need to learn how to do this stuff yourself!
The fan in front is available for 50-100 from
wrecking yards and the freon i sell for $30.-$35.
a can depending on 12 or 14oz can.a/c is so
simple the owners manual even has instructions on how to top of the freon level. If anyone needs
freon for less than what stever pays please email me. I am the treasurer of the local PCA and we found a stash of real r12 that we are selling to
generate additional club funds.
email me directly at
kepperly@stanion.com
you need to learn how to do this stuff yourself!
The fan in front is available for 50-100 from
wrecking yards and the freon i sell for $30.-$35.
a can depending on 12 or 14oz can.a/c is so
simple the owners manual even has instructions on how to top of the freon level. If anyone needs
freon for less than what stever pays please email me. I am the treasurer of the local PCA and we found a stash of real r12 that we are selling to
generate additional club funds.
email me directly at
kepperly@stanion.com
07-08-2002, 09:39 PM
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Elias,
If in Madrid sometime, it is worth to go to Climbo, an AC shop, where they REALLY know their stuff. I went there 2 months ago for a recharge, and they told me there was a leak. Last week, I went back, they fixed the leak, and recharged for free... top quality guys. Email me offline if you need the address or phone
If in Madrid sometime, it is worth to go to Climbo, an AC shop, where they REALLY know their stuff. I went there 2 months ago for a recharge, and they told me there was a leak. Last week, I went back, they fixed the leak, and recharged for free... top quality guys. Email me offline if you need the address or phone