DIY aircon question
#1
11-03-2014 | 01:48 AM
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DIY aircon question
Guys,
How difficult is it to swap out the aircon radiator condensers and desicator? After replacing the hardware, I assume I will need a full vacuum of the system and then fresh refrigerant and lubricant?
Picked up one of these kits. http://www.design911.com/Porsche/996...-cmo110-ct351/
Cheers, JE
How difficult is it to swap out the aircon radiator condensers and desicator? After replacing the hardware, I assume I will need a full vacuum of the system and then fresh refrigerant and lubricant?
Picked up one of these kits. http://www.design911.com/Porsche/996...-cmo110-ct351/
Cheers, JE
Last edited by Mr. C4; 11-03-2014 at 01:52 AM.
#3
11-03-2014 | 10:39 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 394
From: South Florida
Rep Power: 46
I recently changed both condensers and dryer, it was an easy job.
Remove front bumper
Discharge ac system (recycling is best but 134 is not harmful to the environment)
Remove condensers
Change o rings and re assemble.
Remove Dryer
Change o-rings and reassemble.
Vacuum the system and let sit 15-30 min. to make sure no leaks
Install 31 oz of 134 along with oil (Google amount of oil needed for each part replaced) I used a 12 oz and 19 oz can just to make sure I didn't over or under charge.
Run car/ac and make sure temp drops to 40's
reinstall bumper
done.
At the time, Pelican had the best prices on the condensers and dryer. Parts were under 400 plus the vacuum pump and gauges at harbour freight for about $150. Total job took about 4 hours +/- and much easier than the coolant flush I did this weekend. Good luck.
This was one of the most satisfying DIY repairs. The knowledge I gained is invaluable as it is the same for every car.
Remove front bumper
Discharge ac system (recycling is best but 134 is not harmful to the environment)
Remove condensers
Change o rings and re assemble.
Remove Dryer
Change o-rings and reassemble.
Vacuum the system and let sit 15-30 min. to make sure no leaks
Install 31 oz of 134 along with oil (Google amount of oil needed for each part replaced) I used a 12 oz and 19 oz can just to make sure I didn't over or under charge.
Run car/ac and make sure temp drops to 40's
reinstall bumper
done.
At the time, Pelican had the best prices on the condensers and dryer. Parts were under 400 plus the vacuum pump and gauges at harbour freight for about $150. Total job took about 4 hours +/- and much easier than the coolant flush I did this weekend. Good luck.
This was one of the most satisfying DIY repairs. The knowledge I gained is invaluable as it is the same for every car.
Last edited by 03 996tt; 11-03-2014 at 10:43 AM.
#4
08-28-2015 | 01:24 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,104
From: Orange County, CA
Rep Power: 180
Resurrection as I am getting ready to tackle this myself. Can you elaborate on the o-rings? As I understand it, I need 4 for the condensers and 2 for the dryer...? Do you, by chance, have the part numbers for the o-rings?
I recently changed both condensers and dryer, it was an easy job.
Remove front bumper
Discharge ac system (recycling is best but 134 is not harmful to the environment)
Remove condensers
Change o rings and re assemble.
Remove Dryer
Change o-rings and reassemble.
Vacuum the system and let sit 15-30 min. to make sure no leaks
Install 31 oz of 134 along with oil (Google amount of oil needed for each part replaced) I used a 12 oz and 19 oz can just to make sure I didn't over or under charge.
Run car/ac and make sure temp drops to 40's
reinstall bumper
done.
At the time, Pelican had the best prices on the condensers and dryer. Parts were under 400 plus the vacuum pump and gauges at harbour freight for about $150. Total job took about 4 hours +/- and much easier than the coolant flush I did this weekend. Good luck.
This was one of the most satisfying DIY repairs. The knowledge I gained is invaluable as it is the same for every car.
Remove front bumper
Discharge ac system (recycling is best but 134 is not harmful to the environment)
Remove condensers
Change o rings and re assemble.
Remove Dryer
Change o-rings and reassemble.
Vacuum the system and let sit 15-30 min. to make sure no leaks
Install 31 oz of 134 along with oil (Google amount of oil needed for each part replaced) I used a 12 oz and 19 oz can just to make sure I didn't over or under charge.
Run car/ac and make sure temp drops to 40's
reinstall bumper
done.
At the time, Pelican had the best prices on the condensers and dryer. Parts were under 400 plus the vacuum pump and gauges at harbour freight for about $150. Total job took about 4 hours +/- and much easier than the coolant flush I did this weekend. Good luck.
This was one of the most satisfying DIY repairs. The knowledge I gained is invaluable as it is the same for every car.
#5
08-28-2015 | 07:43 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 394
From: South Florida
Rep Power: 46
I bought a generic kit of metric o-rings (make sure they are green and for air conditioning). Actually, I had to buy 2 kits as the condensers require 4 and the kits only came with 3 of each.
Ive helped friends with this since completing mine, the while I recommend changing the o-rings, my cheap friends reused the old ones and we had no issue with leakage. Remember to use some (a/c) oil so they seat easily and dont damage the o-rings .
Look for a of chart of pressures v. temperatures so you can check the gauges properly. the hotter the ambient temperature, the higher the reading If I can find it, Ill post it for you.
One last thing, I put in a few shots of the leak detection dye so should I have issues in the future, it will be easier to track down.
Ive helped friends with this since completing mine, the while I recommend changing the o-rings, my cheap friends reused the old ones and we had no issue with leakage. Remember to use some (a/c) oil so they seat easily and dont damage the o-rings .
Look for a of chart of pressures v. temperatures so you can check the gauges properly. the hotter the ambient temperature, the higher the reading If I can find it, Ill post it for you.
One last thing, I put in a few shots of the leak detection dye so should I have issues in the future, it will be easier to track down.
#6
08-28-2015 | 08:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 710
From: South FLA
Rep Power: 206
I'm subscribed to this thread, lots of great info. Thank you 03 996tt!!
Funny that a fellow South Floridian has mastered the art of automotive AC...It is so ridiculously hot and humid down here we wouldn't last 10 minutes without AC. My AC is kicking really frosty cold (knock on wood) but at least I know who's brain to pick if I ever have an issue
Funny that a fellow South Floridian has mastered the art of automotive AC...It is so ridiculously hot and humid down here we wouldn't last 10 minutes without AC. My AC is kicking really frosty cold (knock on wood) but at least I know who's brain to pick if I ever have an issue
#7
08-29-2015 | 12:53 AM
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,104
From: Orange County, CA
Rep Power: 180
Thanks for the input! 
I bought a generic kit of metric o-rings (make sure they are green and for air conditioning). Actually, I had to buy 2 kits as the condensers require 4 and the kits only came with 3 of each.
Ive helped friends with this since completing mine, the while I recommend changing the o-rings, my cheap friends reused the old ones and we had no issue with leakage. Remember to use some (a/c) oil so they seat easily and dont damage the o-rings .
Look for a of chart of pressures v. temperatures so you can check the gauges properly. the hotter the ambient temperature, the higher the reading If I can find it, Ill post it for you.
One last thing, I put in a few shots of the leak detection dye so should I have issues in the future, it will be easier to track down.
Ive helped friends with this since completing mine, the while I recommend changing the o-rings, my cheap friends reused the old ones and we had no issue with leakage. Remember to use some (a/c) oil so they seat easily and dont damage the o-rings .
Look for a of chart of pressures v. temperatures so you can check the gauges properly. the hotter the ambient temperature, the higher the reading If I can find it, Ill post it for you.
One last thing, I put in a few shots of the leak detection dye so should I have issues in the future, it will be easier to track down.
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