jtsporsche

never done it before. besides the compressor, what else do i need? is it as simple as remove and install? or do i have to adjust the belt or anything?

yellowline

Loosen the bolts holding the turnbuckle before you adjust the turnbuckle to remove the belt. Also remember that one of the eyes is reverse threaded.

Other than that, removing it is as simple as undoing hoses and a little wiring (if your system was empty like mine was).

Funn944

Replace the dryer cannister while your in there . Located just behind the drivers side headlight. It has the sight glass on top of it.

jtsporsche

so i need to drain the refrigerant? and is it neccessary to replace the dryer, or is it just a good idea?

austin944

I've not changed the compressor, however the general steps I followed when opening up the AC system were as follows:
1) Went to shop and had them remove the remaining refrigerant, cost about $30. (It's illegal to deliberately vent Freon to the atmosphere).
2) Made repairs to the A/C
3) Quickly swapped in a new receiver/dryer.
4) Went back to shop and had them evacuate out all the air in the system. This removes all remaining water in the system, and also functions as a leak check.
5) Fill system with one can of refrigerant, perform leak check.
6) Fill system completely with new Freon refrigerant.

Are you sticking with Freon or changing over to the new R-134 refrigerant? There are more steps involved with R-134.

edit: if changing the compressor, I think you might have to check/adjust the refrigerant oil level, but I've no experience with that.

jtsporsche

ill be sticking with the r12. i know where i can get some for free, but just incase where can i get the r12 substitutes?

Kevin Baker

Change the drier. Make sure to flush the system with a good chemical flush, if the reed valves in the compressor failed there will be lots of little metal fragments in the system that will damage the new compressor.

BTW it is illegal to deliberatly release refrigerant, but when was the last time you saw an EPA officer hanging around your house? Have the system evacuated, replace the parts and pay someone knowlegeable run a vacuum on it, add oil and recharge. Don't forget the oil. Start by adding 4 oz of oil and enough refrigerant to get the compressor to engage, then add another 2-4 oz oil and complete the charge. Low side pressure should be 32-35 psi, high side should stay around 225-250.

jtsporsche

how do you change the oil in the compressor? and what kind of oil does it take?

numbskull

Just did this job 3 weeks ago. The new compressor came with oil in it, had to add a bit out of a bottle, I think it's ester oil for 134a or something like that. It's a good idea to replace the condensor/drier ALL the O rings you can get to and as many hoses as you can afford if you want this to last. Of course the expansion valve. My other pet peeve about this job, I've snapped the A/C mount bolts on this car loading it up with power and drilled out the threaded ears on the compresor to put in straight double nutted heavier bolts. Worked great though.

The four O-rings in the housing on top of the compressor is held in with allen bolts. Those little o-rings were $70 from holberts Porsche in PA. Man I was pissed but needed cold air. Try Pelican parts for o-rings, I'm sure Ian@944online has them too.

DarylJ

Ugh - Holberts. Yeah, it's close, but they are really expensive. They're still under the impression that it's their glory days back when they were more than just another P-car/VW dealership.

ZPmadA

When you guys said have a shop evacuate the system, then drive home, replace the parts, then drive back to the shop to have lubricating oil and freon added? Can you drive from the shop home with an evacuated system? Even with new parts without seizing a new compressor that hasn't been refilled yet?

V2Rocket

yes as long as you dont run the ac system (ac compressor clutch disengaged = pulley freewheeling)

944Time

I would suggest buying your own vacuum pump.
They used to be cheap, and have now gotten even cheaper!
I paid $100, now they are $50

You can also get at Harbor Freight.