Butters944

In the process of rebuilding my whole ac system including converting to r134. I'm at the point where I'm debating whether or not to remove and replace the lines.

If I do replace the lines, how much of a pain is it to take them out/put them in? I've heard it's pretty bad especially in early cars

If I don't, I'm afraid the lines might be bad anyway. 30 years in az heat probably hasn't been kind to them..

Anybody replaced early ac lines and can give me advice?

Thanks.

John_AZ

I think you have an early 944 30 years old or so.

Recent post will give you an idea of job. The 924S AC is similiar to the early 944.
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...line-leak.html

If your compressor does not leak and you do not have a major leak or failure.
Some get by with a minimum when converting from R12 to R134a.

If you do the minimum go with POE 100 oil--mixes better with the old AC oil.

Drain the compressor of oil, put in a couple OZ of POE --replace the RD receiver drier, new seals --vacuum and hold for 1 hour and refill with about 28 ounces of R134a. Start with 80% of the R12 -Per RL member Griffiths
www.griffiths.com

If this fails you only have wasted a couple of cans of R134a and time.

Or you could go First Class- with a complete conversion kit---
http://www.griffiths.com/porsche/ac/...dex.html#Hoses

http://www.griffiths.com/shop/index....th=15_16_52_62

GL
John

CurtP

I've removed and reinstalled the lines in my '87 951 when I had the engine out - not sure how it compares to an early car but I suspect that it isn't that much different. If the hoses are in good shape, there's no reason to replace them. If they're bad or suspect, then yes, you might as well take them to an AC shop and have them replace the rubber hoses.

You don't have to replace the hoses just because you're converting to 134a. Despite what you hear, the oil in the system soaks into the hose creating a barrier against 134a leaks. Same thing with the o-rings, but they need to be replaced anywhere you crack open the system or if you suspect that you have a leak at the fittings. If the engine is out, then it's a perfect time to go through the whole system. Make sure you lubricate the o-rings with mineral oil during installation to create the barrier and aid assembly.

If you have the hoses replaced, they will use barrier hose. I don't think you can even get non-barrier hose anymore.

wittsend

I personally have not replaced any ac lines. My car had already been converted to r134a but expeirenced leaking. I took it in to a reputable auto ac shop for diagnostic review. The key here being reputable, they discovered a leak on one of the lines and only repaired what was neccessary. That was 2 years ago and is still performing well.

Butters944

More details:

Had a complete compressor failure last summer in the middle of the desert at 85mph, shredded the serpentine belt, etc etc.

We're going all out, new compressor we already fully rebuilt ourselves, new condenser/drier/box in footwell, even got a whole new set of lines made.

I guess what I wanna know is, who here has actually replaced early lines?

944Ross

How about the expansion valve? If your compressor nuked out, I'd at least look it over. What do you mean by "box in the footwell"?

BTW, do you really expect anyone to post that it will be a cakewalk of a job?! LOL, I guess there's a first time...

Butters944

I'm replacing/rebuilding EVERY part.

I just don't know anybody who has actually done it. I don't want to screw myself over and not be able to put it together

V2Rocket

I waited until my engine was out of the car again to replace the AC lines. If that gives you an idea of how to get to them.

Butters944

Hmm...

KevinGross

I removed all the AC lines in my own car years ago, engine in. Don't recall all the details, but there's one line that I believe follows the firewall, and I remember that one being very difficult to remove intact.

Kevin

Spidey944

There is a place here in Tempe that will rebuild your existing lines just FYI. It's off the 10 and Elliot Rd. I will try and find the name... They will also do braided brake lines etc for like $40.