MGH

Hi All-

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I am currently "trying" to have my AC sorted out at what I believe to be a reputable AC specialist. (AC was nonfunctional when I bought the car) They seem competent and carry r12, which I intend to stick with, since the car (1990 C2 coupe) has never been converted to r134.

I say "trying" because the first thing they discovered is that the condenser is leaking and is not repairable. This shop cannot source the part; I was told that the only new condensers available for this system are ACM (part# 1601206) and that they do not recommend using them, as the refrigerant capacity and overall design are different from the factory part. (factory part #99357301101)

So I tried Parts Heaven for a used one - they shipped a condenser to the shop and it was a "Modine" brand serpentine condenser, rather than a factory "tube and fin" style condenser. A mistake on their end - have to send it back (though they were very helpful / apologetic).

Next I tried DC Automotive; same result - wrong part. This one was for a '94 (and therefore an r134 system). When I called DC about this, I was told that my car does not use r12 and that the changeover to r134 was in '89 (not true - it was '93 according to ProDemand) They swear I have the right part but agreed to take it back anyway.

Back to square 1

So my questions are:

1 -Are the concerns that the shop has over the non factory ACM condenser valid?

2 - Has anyone tried any "non-factory" condensers in their 964 using r12?

3 - Anyone know of a source for a good used 964 condenser for use with r12? (though I'm afraid I'll end up with the "wrong" condenser a third time)

4 - Should I give up and convert to r134?

Any tips would be appreciated - I just finished a complete and proper repaint / refurbished everything else, and now its too hot to drive the car!

Thanks!

--
Mike

Vandit

http://www.griffiths.com/shop/index....roducts_id=207

Vandit

I didn't think condensers were refridgerant-specific...

MGH

"I didn't think condensers were refridgerant-specific..."

I didn't think so either , but according to this shop they are for the 964 (based on capacity) The condenser in your link is a serpentine condenser which I was told the system is not designed for. (Though I'm not entirely convinced this is true). The Factory part installed when the car was built was a "Tube and Fin" style condenser according to this AC specialist.

Is this BS? Should I just tell them that I "accept the risk" of going against their recommendation and just put in the available condenser?

stevepaa

still available from Porsche?
http://www.gaudinporscheparts.com/pa...&siteid=215796

call them and see

abarthguy

I had the Griffiths condenser put in my '92 with the original R-12 and it works GREAT !!

creaturecat

advertise for a good used one on Pelican.

abarthguy

A 20 year old used one is just asking for trouble.......
The shop that did mine said they could get a replacement from Behr for less than the Griffiths, but the Griffiths is such a better quality piece and a more modern design.

GeorgeK

I put a Griffith condenser in mine, works perfectly. Beware it is a lot of hours to replace it. Seems they built the whole car around the condenser.

911PERVY

Think you mean evaporator, condenser is under front left wing, easy change

newsboy

Pelican also sells one.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...%2520Each%2520

GeorgeK

Oh yes, condenser is not an evaporator. My bad. Proceed....

griffiths

Ahhhh , a Virgin!



Mike,

Your car's AC system can run R134a effectively.

The previous condenser design was a tube and fin. That was replaced with a serpentine design which is more efficient. Although the Porsche PET suggests that you need to change the condenser frame when you upgrade to the newer serpentine unit, many people have successfully inserted the new design condenser in the original frame.

With respect to the amount of refrigerant to be put in the system using the newer design condenser, you simply start off with the original factory specified amount and adjust that amount based on P&T (pressures and temperatures); if the repair facility does not know what "P&T" means then find another.

Griff

MGH

Thanks to everyone for the feedback - I called the shop and told them I want them to put in a serpentine condenser. (I ordered the unit from Griffiths). They did say it will work just fine but that they'll have to adjust the charge. After all of the insistence that I use a tube and fin style, I think they realized that's just not an option and said "OK, non-factory it is". I do still plan to stick with r12 since it is available and blows colder.

So, the unit should show up next week. Then I get to find out what else is leaking / broken in the system (It hasn't been charged in 3+ years and was partially disassembled by a PO to put a supercharger on the car, which he never actually installed) I'll be sure to post the results once I have a working system...

Laker

while you're in there.......
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...573-123-05-M23