Noticed my AC was cool but not cold. Scheduled an appointment to have a recharge of the system. The AC system has not been touched in 24 years. Factory fill. Vacuum on system showed no leaks, so removed 0.74 pounds from the system and recharged 1.97 pounds R134a with oil. Damn it blows cold now, so much so I have to set the temp on the HVAC in the upper 70's even on a 90 degree + day. If you haven't had this done like me, something to consider.

All in at an indie $133, mostly cost of freon. One of the cheapest and best repairs on my 996 ever. Nice to have the cool air and defrost working perfectly.

 

What did they charge for the Freon?
That’s less than 2 cans. (Normally runs $10 each or less)
it’s even cheaper when purchased in bulk tank.

 

Mine is somewhat tepid and seems to take quite awhile to cool down at all. I checked charge level and it was fine. Next I will remove front bumper cover and clean radiators etc. If still only somewhat cold I will follow your lead.

 

The invoice does not specify cost of the freon. I just paid and moved on. Seemed very fair to me. Took about an hour, 20 minutes on the vacuum hold test. Look, an AC system recharge is not something someone can DIY. It is really not best to dump a can from the auto parts store in the system because you don't know what you are getting. It requires a pretty specialized machine to do an extract, flush with nitrogen and refill. Just my two cents....

 

Nice. Mine blows plenty cool enough for me, but only if I really blast it on low when it’s really hot outside. I might want to get mine refreshed as well.

 

Well I'm screwed then. Because I recharged mine with a can from advanced auto parts. My Indy suggested I try it myself. I trust him. So do hundreds of customers who drive cars far more finicky and expensive than my girl. That was months ago, still blows cold. Not as icey as a new car but cold enough to chill the cab very nicely. I am trying to budget for ceramic tint. That's something I won't try myself.
Butt I hear you,. It's your car, and you're certainly not wrong to care for it.

 

I’ve got to get mine checked. I had it done about 5 years ago but it’s not even getting cool now. I’ve got to have full vac check done first, then a refill if ok…I think last time it cost me about $225… been dreading bringing it in…

 

The sophisticated machines can do the full check, check for leaks, and determine how much lubrication is on the system and all that. Even $225 doesn’t sound bad on a Porsche.

 

If it needs a charge, you have a leak. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

My cost on 134A has gone up 400% over the last year, 30pound cyl is now close to $400.00.We charge 1HR Labor $135.00 plus Freon at $25.00 per pound.

 

Define "leak"?

A 24 yr old car, even with no "leaks", can have some seepage. The seals around the compressor shaft are not perfect.

If you have it checked and in 2-3 years you're having an appreciable loss, then yes, you have a "leak".

 

I wasn't so lucky, but a dye test, two condensers and $1400 later its colder than an igloo in my cabrio.

 

Luckily I still have 1 full 30# tank and just under 4 cases of 12oz cans that I purchased a couple of years ago. (But I do see R134A still available in cans for $10)
I guess when I fill my other empty tank I‘ll see how much R134A has gone up.
I don’t charge labor.

 

If you can find it. Tell us how much for R12 now. I used to sell that stuff. Zerex owned by Valvoline bought all the R12 supply in the US. Every year we would raise the price. At one point in time I had control with prices so I would set a price for Mexico and then another price for the rest of Latin America. I’m just curious now how expensive that stuff is. I used to buy cans for 99 cents, way back when.

 

Old stock of R-12 can be found on Ebay. The price is all over rhe board from 40-80 dollars a can I saw a 30 pound cylinder for $1100.00 On early cars I recommend upgrading to barrier hose and conversion to 134A.


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