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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHLost an AC Condenser
Reported or suspected cause
exact denso unit
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Reported cause
Porsche lists the condenser for $1,660, at Rock it is now $263 and it was the exact Denso unit that came out of the car.
Leading evidence: 'exact denso unit' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'exact denso unit' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Repair work' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Replace compressor, dryer and expansion valve along
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Last year I replaced my compressor, dryer and expansion valve along with may o-rings.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Went ahead and replaced the other one as well (Griffith has them for $99 each).
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Suggestion · Original poster
I've never done AC repair work - but it doesn't look like rocket science.
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Suggestion · Original poster
Obviously replacing the condenser and drier is a piece of cake - but should I attempt to evacuate, and refill the system properly or outsource it to the experts?
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8 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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I took a wheel weight, rock, or some general debris to one of my AC condensers on track last weekend.
The good news is that it punctured the AC condenser and not a radiator.
I noticed when leaving the track (and turning on the climate control) that air was not getting cold. Took a look at the condensers and bingo - one side looks like it was hit with a ball peen hammer. There was the tell tale sign of oil at the base of the condenser on the bumper cover.
I've never done AC repair work - but it doesn't look like rocket science. Obviously replacing the condenser and drier is a piece of cake - but should I attempt to evacuate, and refill the system properly or outsource it to the experts? Any issues with me just replacing the parts and having a general AC shop do the rest?
Appreciate the help.
you could try replace the bad stuff and refill with 134 w/ oil but it is a gamble. one of the worries is the compressor lost all its oil ,if it has not been open too long you could omit vacuuming down. you will need gauges and specs
Yes, it is pretty straightforward, but minimally, you'll need a set of gauges, a vacuum pump and a container of refrigerant. For a one time job, you are probably better off having someone do it for you.
I would replace the components myself and then just bring it to an AC shop to have it evacuated and filled. Sounds like you will need a very small amount of oil also.
Honestly evacuating and filling is pretty easy. You can rent a vacuum pump from AZ for basically free and a set of gauges from HF is like 50 bones. The process is pretty easy and is well documented on the intarwebs. There is nothing special about the AC on our cars.
Porsche lists your condenser for $419 and Sonnen sells it for $321. Or you can go to Rock Auto and get a Behr/Hella condenser for about $168 or an aftermarket one for less that $100. Probably lots of other sources too.
Last year I replaced my compressor, dryer and expansion valve along with may o-rings. Bought it all at Rock Auto. Porsche lists the condenser for $1,660, at Rock it is now $263 and it was the exact Denso unit that came out of the car. How Porsche gets away with this I don't know.
I bought an evacuation pump for about $100 and a set gauges at HF. total about $150. Worked great. The one challenge you have is evacuating and cleaning out the system and determining how much oil to put into the system. If you can flush the whole system then it is easy to determine how much oil to put in. If not it is a bit of a guess.
My system now gets ice cold and has stayed that way for over a year. You will need a few cans of 134A and some oil, You can get a 12 oz can of 134A for about $5.
Decided to DIY the entire job. Super easy.
Parts were very affordable and great service/shipping from
Griffiths
.
The most "difficult" part was converting units of measure - cm3 ml, bar to inHg, etc... If you take your time, have the proper tools (thanks harbor freight), and measure carefully this is just slightly more involved than an oil change. The factory service manual is clear with A/C service - gotta love proper documentation.
I had a leaking condenser last year. Went ahead and replaced the other one as well (Griffith has them for $99 each).
I also replaced the dryer.
Griffiths can tell you how much oil to add based on how many parts you replace.
Because I like tools, I bought a set of Snap-on gauges, a digital scale (for measuring the R134), a vacuum pump, etc.
Long story short, my A/C is colder than it ever has been and the whole process was pretty painless.
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