no surprise condensors / rads corrode on the 996!
Discussion
Have been having aircon probs on my 2000 996 and then noticed a drip of very thin oil from the front corner, infront of the the front offside wheel.
After wondering if it could be PAS or brake fluid and after speaking to a couple of folks (thanks Cridfords and GT one) I pretty much decided it must be a split condensor with AC oil leaking slowly from it - the cause of both problems I hope.
Well, the AC man is popping round tomorrow so to save him some time I decided to remove the PU and get access to the condensor.
I dunno if you're like me, but I understand things a lot better in pictures than words, so I took a few and thought I'd show why in my opinion all 996 owners should remove the PU and the air intakes to do this occassionally. I have read that a vac can remove some of the crud and that OPCs do this (!?), but I wasn't expecting this - what a silly design!
Here's what I found (on both sides!):
There's no real wonder the seams go in the corners is there!?
After a clean up with washing up liquid, a soft brush, a hose, some water and some patience both sides look like this:
The problem is this great big gaping leaf and crap catcher - now re-installed and clean which has no drainage or clearing holes in it!
Just in case anyone wants to know what it looks like behind the front pu, here's a shot of the whole job:
All in all about a 2 hours work with a brew inbetween -and the aircon man will be in for a short stay hopefully! (and I know the PU's been removed and put back properly
)
Hope this is helpful.
Cheers
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:51
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:52
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:54
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:59
After wondering if it could be PAS or brake fluid and after speaking to a couple of folks (thanks Cridfords and GT one) I pretty much decided it must be a split condensor with AC oil leaking slowly from it - the cause of both problems I hope.
Well, the AC man is popping round tomorrow so to save him some time I decided to remove the PU and get access to the condensor.
I dunno if you're like me, but I understand things a lot better in pictures than words, so I took a few and thought I'd show why in my opinion all 996 owners should remove the PU and the air intakes to do this occassionally. I have read that a vac can remove some of the crud and that OPCs do this (!?), but I wasn't expecting this - what a silly design!
Here's what I found (on both sides!):
There's no real wonder the seams go in the corners is there!?
After a clean up with washing up liquid, a soft brush, a hose, some water and some patience both sides look like this:
The problem is this great big gaping leaf and crap catcher - now re-installed and clean which has no drainage or clearing holes in it!
Just in case anyone wants to know what it looks like behind the front pu, here's a shot of the whole job:
All in all about a 2 hours work with a brew inbetween -and the aircon man will be in for a short stay hopefully! (and I know the PU's been removed and put back properly
) Hope this is helpful.
Cheers
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:51
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:52
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:54
>> Edited by 340ragtop on Sunday 14th August 19:59
not sure!!
I assume it's a hairline crack / perforation in the offside one, yes. I reckon we'll have to pressurize the system and check for a leak to diagnose it properly.
It's certainly not coolant that's leaking and there's no oil coming out anymore, so can only assume it was the dregs of the condensor leaking out.
I think the badger is in this area:
I assume it's a hairline crack / perforation in the offside one, yes. I reckon we'll have to pressurize the system and check for a leak to diagnose it properly.
It's certainly not coolant that's leaking and there's no oil coming out anymore, so can only assume it was the dregs of the condensor leaking out.
I think the badger is in this area:
Well guys - you simply will not believe the tale of woe that has ensued...
The aircon man turned up with aftermarket aircon condensor in hand - blatantly a different shape and size to the original - checked the system with gas and diagnosed 2 leaking condensors...
tried to fit one, a little ham fisted and broke the rad mount for the condensor...nice!
I played hell, he left, I swear never to even entertain a non porsche part ever, ever again.
So (all credit to James at Cridfords) they agree both need replacing with porsche parts AND I now need a new rad as matey boy has broken the rad mounting...
So I ring around and find 2 condensors, some seals, some coolant etc at the OPC - West London.
I go and collect everything, then get home and start to refit all the bits.
When I unpack one of the condensors the
ing thing is damaged beyond repair despite being in a non damaged box!!!!
arghhhhhh!
So I now have to go back and exchange it, then refit everything.
All in all will have a new rad and 2 new condensors...should sort the car for a while!
so much for porker reliability :-)
The aircon man turned up with aftermarket aircon condensor in hand - blatantly a different shape and size to the original - checked the system with gas and diagnosed 2 leaking condensors...
tried to fit one, a little ham fisted and broke the rad mount for the condensor...nice!
I played hell, he left, I swear never to even entertain a non porsche part ever, ever again.
So (all credit to James at Cridfords) they agree both need replacing with porsche parts AND I now need a new rad as matey boy has broken the rad mounting...
So I ring around and find 2 condensors, some seals, some coolant etc at the OPC - West London.
I go and collect everything, then get home and start to refit all the bits.
When I unpack one of the condensors the
ing thing is damaged beyond repair despite being in a non damaged box!!!! arghhhhhh!
So I now have to go back and exchange it, then refit everything.
All in all will have a new rad and 2 new condensors...should sort the car for a while!
so much for porker reliability :-)
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