Bill Elwell

I'm about to dig into my 944S2 and replace the A/C compressor. What is the best way to attack the removal? From above by removing the alternator or from below?

Thanks!

Bill

Skip

Both... but, can be done solely from below. Be sure the system is depressurized, then have a go at the two pressure lines and electrical connection. Should be fairly self-explanatory from there. There's the lower mount to the adjusting strut (loosen to remove belt), and the upper bolt holding it to the engine.

Good Luck!

rfuerst

I did my 1987-944S from below,its not that bad.If the system still has refrigerant in it,have a shop evacuate it.Once empty,you can loosen the bolts that hold the turnbuckle adjusting mount,then remove the hoses on the side of the compressor,then remove the electrical connection,then 2 mounting bolts and she will come out,be careful its a little heavy.Depending on the mileage of the car,it might be a good idea to replace the receiver/dryer,on my car it is between the radiator and the drivers side headlight,this is easy to replace.Install new compressor,put the proper amount of oil in,have someone pull a vacumn on the system to insure no leaks and start charging gas,R134A you can do yourself or R12 you need a shop to do it.Good luck.When I did mine,total time was under 3 hours,not bad. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Bill Elwell

So far so good. Seems that I should attache this animal from the bottom. I have a new compressor, a receiver/dryer AND a new expansion valve on my kitchen table waiting to be installed. Where the heck is the expansion valve located? Tough to get to?

Bill

944 S2 cab

I am planning to replace my compressor with a rotary. Previous owner converted it to an R134A. There is leakage around the compressor seals and have been for sometime. As of now, there appears to be no pressure in the system since it has been so long. Does this nulify the need to have a shop evacuate it? I assume this is for environmental reasons more so than safety(?)

Bri Bro

Where the heck is the expansion valve located?

It is inside the car and requires a ton of work to replace it. Unless the current valve is plugged from metal after a compressor failure, I wouldn't replace it.

<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/944ac.jpg" target="_blank">Expansion valve location</a>

sm

beab951:

so how difficult is it to replace and how would you get at the expansion valve? reason i ask is that my compressor siezed and i have a new one mounted. if i change out the drier, can i just back flush the system to clean the expansion valve?

also, can i simply flush the condensor while it's on the car or should i take it out?

thanks in advance,
sm

Bri Bro

Well if you stand on your head under the passenger side of the dash, you might be able to get a finger on it. I didn't try and remove mine but it looked like I would have to remove a good bit of the dash and the air box to get it out. You can tell if the expansion valve is plugged when you flush the system.

Install a new dryer and pull a vacuum before you recharging the system. The vacuum draws the water out of the system and the dryer takes care of the rest. Water in the A/C system will cause the compressor to fail...it want to compress a liquid, not ice.

rfuerst

I have heard that you can access the expansion valve thru the fresh air vent next to the battery,I believe you remove the vent cover and maybe some other hardware and you can reach down in there,its not easy but easier than ripping out the dash and ventilation system. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />