BigMikeATL

Exactly! I'd change the receiver/dryer as well for another $30.

911PERVY

So with everything else being equal is R12 colder than R134a?

MGH

Yep - I plan to go through the whole system - already have a new receiver / dryer in place. I'm hoping not to replace any of the big$$ items though. We'll see if anything else is in need of replacement after the condenser goes in.

MGH

In a system that was designed to use r12, yes. That's my understanding - I have read / heard this from multiple sources. It's the primary reason I'm not converting the car to r134 (though I will someday if I can't easily obtain a charge of r12).

911PERVY

So a 1996 993 was designed for R134?

power_up

Expansion valve and all the o-rings in the whole system better replace at the same time as well. Compressor's clutch and the A/C hoses connect to the compressor often is the source of freon leak.

MGH

Well, as promised - a quick update. I had the new condenser from Griffiths installed (in the original frame - fit was not much of an issue) Replaced the exp. valve and o-rings as well. Charged the system with r12 and it blows cold air! I have no basis for comparison, but I'd say it's pretty COLD relative to what I've heard other 964 owners have said about the factory AC.

Thanks again to all for the input.

--
Mike

BigMikeATL

Mind sharing what the labor cost was?

MGH

I don't mind sharing at all, but I can't remember off hand what the Parts vs. labor charges were. All said and done, I paid just over $580 for:

diagnose state of system (found leak - condenser)
remove / replace condenser
replace o-rings
replace exp. valve
add oil to compressor (PO dumped some when reinstalling it - don't ask)
evacuate system
recharge with r12
add dye to refrigerant (just in case / to diagnose any future leaks in the near term)

This didn't include the cost of the condenser that I supplied, so all told, I paid around $800 to stop sweating on my 45 minute commute to work. The day I picked up the car was the hottest day so far this year in Milwaukee - well worth the $$.

If your interested I can look at my invoice and tell you how much the r12 recharge was - can't remember exactly, but that plus the evac was expensive.

rstarga

did you change out the condensor or the evaporator? 580 is a bargain for the labor on an evaporator, thats an 8 hour job at a shop. Fuel tank out, fuse panel out etc. The condensor is just under the fender. The expansion valve usually comes with the evaporator.

creaturecat

i bet that would have cost 2000 in Vancouver. : )
And it wouldn't work for long. No guarantees.
You might even have had some of your parts secretly swapped out, while they were at it............

MGH

Replaced condenser, not evap. I misspoke on the expansion valve. Originally I had intended to have it replaced because of the low cost of the part; I didn't initially realize the labor associated with the replacement of this part. Somehow I had it in my head that this was also replaced, but it was not.

So $580 included:

diagnose state of system (found leak - condenser)
remove / replace condenser
replace o-rings
DID NOT replace exp. valve
add oil to compressor (PO dumped some when reinstalling it - don't ask)
evacuate system
recharge with r12
add dye to refrigerant (just in case / to diagnose any future leaks in the near term)

I did discover that I have a loose wire / corroded contact (?) on the AC control unit the other day. (fan quit, no lights on the unit, ie lost power) a light tap on the unit and it came back to life. I'll have to pull it out and see what that's about...