Porsche-O-Phile

To just vaccum out my a/c system and lines. All I have all parts to get the systems ready to fill (new compressor, o-rings, new receiver/driers, etc.) that will be going on the cars this week. I also have freon and oil, thanks to Joe. I was quoted $65 at a local place to do it (vaccum & leak-test with the dye stuff if necessary to find a leak), $75 at a place up in Canyon Country (but that's a hassle for me to get to - I'd have to take a day off of work or something), or (get this) $120 at the dealership - JUST for the vaccumming. I could barely restrain my laughter when the guy told me that.

Anyway, I figure there has to be a "quick-n-easy" type of shop that'll do the five minutes of labor this will entail for something like 30 bucks. It involves hooking a vaccum fitting up to the a/c pressure ports, running an air compressor for about 5 minutes and letting it sit for an hour or two to make sure the system holds vaccum. I just want someone that isn't looking to rip me off and isn't going to get P.O.-ed when I tell 'em that's all I need - I'm not buying their overpriced freon at $200 a charge.

Any suggestions?

vette4lyfe

NO suggestions.. but what shop is this in canyon country? Is it an AC place or a porsche place? I can check it out for you if need be.. plus it might help me to know of a good shop around me since i havnt spotted any yet, you got an address?

Porsche-O-Phile

Actually just a place I came across while I was up that way on business a couple of weeks ago. I saw their sign driving by that said they were a specialist of German cars, including Porsche, so I figured it was worth at least giving a quick look-see. I saw at least two 911s parked on the lot for service as well as a 912 that it looked like the guy is either selling or keeping as a project so I went in and talked with him - he says he's worked on 944s before and if he had a couple of other P-cars there, I guess it can't be that bad. Heck, all I need is someone to connect one hose, flip a switch and read a dial. Ain't that complicated, I just don't have access to an air compressor or vaccum pump.

I got his business card but it's in my rolodex at work. I'll grab it tomorrow and shoot you a PM with the info if you want.

vette4lyfe

sounds good.. never hurts to know of another pcar mechanic.. hope someone chimes in soon with a shop closer to you though..

Funn944

Hey guys, I once installed an aftermarket AC in a truck. Took it to Sears automotive and had them evacuate the system and fill it with coolant. Don't remember the cost but it wasn't bad. Also try Al at Glendale Motor Center
at 818.547.9594 He works on all Porces including my 86 944 NA, and he has gotten me some good prices on real factory parts. You might try Joseph at German Autohause in Newhall. Don't have a number handy for them at the moment. I live in Stevenson Ranch and have had him do some work as well.

Porsche-O-Phile

Good to know. There's actually a Sears Auto Center very close to my work in Glendale, but the guy there (he's kind of an idiot, talked to him before) claims it's illegal to even recover r-12 now. Uhhh, yea. Right. I think he just realized there was no money in it so he didn't want to touch it.