Aircon repairs in the UK?
08-02-2006, 04:18 AM
#1
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Aircon repairs in the UK?
Like most people (i presume), i was told when i bought my 1990 C4 from a Porsche specialist dealer that the aircon 'doesnt work'.
Has anybody in the UK had their A/C system fixed and/or can recommend somewhere to get it repaired ?
Any idea of what sort of cost i am looking at?
Would i need to go to a dedicated Porsche A/C repairer or would a generalised A/C expert company be able to solve any potential problems with the system?
What actually is it that fails on these A/C systems?...do they just wear out and leak or does a pump fail etc? I really havent got a clue about the workings of aircon.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Has anybody in the UK had their A/C system fixed and/or can recommend somewhere to get it repaired ?
Any idea of what sort of cost i am looking at?
Would i need to go to a dedicated Porsche A/C repairer or would a generalised A/C expert company be able to solve any potential problems with the system?
What actually is it that fails on these A/C systems?...do they just wear out and leak or does a pump fail etc? I really havent got a clue about the workings of aircon.
Any help greatly appreciated.
08-02-2006, 04:40 AM
#2
I need to get mine fixed as well. I have used a mobile guy in the past - but he didn't turn out to be all that fantastic (I had to ask on here how much gas he needed to add.....).
Porsche specialists are not that good in my opinion, because they are not a/c experts and a lot of them sub-contract anyway. There was an article in one of the mags recently (911&P-World?) where they used a company in Dorset (Cool-it or something like that) and I was planning to talk to them at some point.
I've been told my evaporator leaks - which will be a £1K repair if it's true. However, I was told that before I called the mobile guy out - who discovered one of my rear pipes leaked. I replaced them, but it still only held charge for a few days.
I suspect other cars might leak from the same place mine was - where the pipes from the compressor leave the engine bay, water gets trapped - corrosion results.
Compressor seals are also known to be a cause. And condensors also spring leaks - mine has been replaced in the past.
I think that detecting the leaks is a bit of a minefield - and I think finding a good recommended air con specialist is probably better than taking it to a good Porsche mechanic.
Porsche specialists are not that good in my opinion, because they are not a/c experts and a lot of them sub-contract anyway. There was an article in one of the mags recently (911&P-World?) where they used a company in Dorset (Cool-it or something like that) and I was planning to talk to them at some point.
I've been told my evaporator leaks - which will be a £1K repair if it's true. However, I was told that before I called the mobile guy out - who discovered one of my rear pipes leaked. I replaced them, but it still only held charge for a few days.
I suspect other cars might leak from the same place mine was - where the pipes from the compressor leave the engine bay, water gets trapped - corrosion results.
Compressor seals are also known to be a cause. And condensors also spring leaks - mine has been replaced in the past.
I think that detecting the leaks is a bit of a minefield - and I think finding a good recommended air con specialist is probably better than taking it to a good Porsche mechanic.
08-02-2006, 05:53 AM
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I've just bought a 1991 reg 1993 C4 that had a full aircon rebuild at Munich Motors of Wokingham (0118-9772236) in 2003 and charged £1400 to replace the whole system - everything. Works a treat but expensive. I cannot recommend Munich. But I can recommend Vehvac.
My other car is a Mercedes 500E and the aircon and the pre-heat engine system was overhauled by Vehvac. www.vehvac.co.uk These guys are simply the best available. Reasonable prices and only do want is needed. And they are quick. No one in the UK knew how to service a pre-heat system except Vehvac and they only charged £80.
Vehvac would be my choice every time.
On a different note, I'll post some pics of my new baby soon.
My other car is a Mercedes 500E and the aircon and the pre-heat engine system was overhauled by Vehvac. www.vehvac.co.uk These guys are simply the best available. Reasonable prices and only do want is needed. And they are quick. No one in the UK knew how to service a pre-heat system except Vehvac and they only charged £80.
Vehvac would be my choice every time.
On a different note, I'll post some pics of my new baby soon.
08-02-2006, 09:02 AM
#5
Three Wheelin'
I think the decision of where to go will depend a lot on what exactly is the problem.
The a/c system consists of quite a few parts - some of which are pretty commonly available (i.e. used on other cars/makes etc) and some are very specific to the 964.
A failure to work is invariably because there is no (or insufficient) gas in the system or the gas isn't being compressed sufficiently to operate. The lack of gas is THE most common problem and it's usually becauise the gas has leaked out theough dried seals/O-rings or through the old R12-compatible pipes. Another common cause of leakage is the corrosion of the condenser or the evaporator.
You will only be able to establish what is leaking by initially doing a pressure test. This can be done by anyone with the neccesary equipment and will give you some idea if the system is gas tight or not. If it holds a test pressure for 30-60 minutes there is a good chance a simple re-gas will solve your problem. If it is determined that there IS a leak it's likely that a Porsche specialist will need to be consulted. Replacement of the condensor is pretty straight forward but the evaporator is a real PITA!! You're looking at the best part of £1000+ for an evaporator change.
Go for the pressure test and take it from there.
Regards
Dave
The a/c system consists of quite a few parts - some of which are pretty commonly available (i.e. used on other cars/makes etc) and some are very specific to the 964.
A failure to work is invariably because there is no (or insufficient) gas in the system or the gas isn't being compressed sufficiently to operate. The lack of gas is THE most common problem and it's usually becauise the gas has leaked out theough dried seals/O-rings or through the old R12-compatible pipes. Another common cause of leakage is the corrosion of the condenser or the evaporator.
You will only be able to establish what is leaking by initially doing a pressure test. This can be done by anyone with the neccesary equipment and will give you some idea if the system is gas tight or not. If it holds a test pressure for 30-60 minutes there is a good chance a simple re-gas will solve your problem. If it is determined that there IS a leak it's likely that a Porsche specialist will need to be consulted. Replacement of the condensor is pretty straight forward but the evaporator is a real PITA!! You're looking at the best part of £1000+ for an evaporator change.
Go for the pressure test and take it from there.
Regards
Dave
08-02-2006, 09:09 AM
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Ring Noel at Cool-It 07968 727095 (based in Dorset).
Charged me £80 for a recharge and it still works.
Also he owns a 996 GT2 and really loves his Porsches. Its worth going just to see it - especially the Cargraphic Split rims he has fitted.
Regards Andy
Charged me £80 for a recharge and it still works.
Also he owns a 996 GT2 and really loves his Porsches. Its worth going just to see it - especially the Cargraphic Split rims he has fitted.
Regards Andy
08-02-2006, 11:43 AM
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Thanks for the tips chaps. I wouldnt pay a grand to get the damn aircon working...i'd rather sweat a little ! Doesnt belong in a sportscar anyway, its the missus who's always nagging to get it fixed.
Sounds like i should find someone local to test the system then go from there with the contacts you guys have provided.
cheers for the help
Mark
Sounds like i should find someone local to test the system then go from there with the contacts you guys have provided.
cheers for the help
Mark