NEED HELP - Tryng to remove AC Compresor

[Dharn55]

Need help on removing the AC compressor on my 2000 996. The manual makes it sound easy, just undo the two front compressor screws (bolts) and the rear screw. The front screws were fairly easy, but the rear seems inaccessible. I cannot see it, but can feel it by reaching around with my fingers. But I can’t seem to get a socket or a wrench on it.

To remove the heat exchanger or to remove the engine you have to remove the AC compressor. I am hoping someone who has done this before can shed some light on how they removed the rear screw

Loren - I am willing to bet you have done this before.

[Loren]

Did you remove the compressor fastening screws between the intake pipes of cylinders 4 and 5?

As I recall the are four screws to remove - two in front and the two between the intake pipes.

[Dharn55]

I removed the two front screws, but can't get anything on the one back screw. I tried to post the diagram front my manuals showing the screw locations but I can't get Adobe to let me cut and paste much from the manuals. According tot he manual there is one screw on the rear. As i said I can't see it, but can feel it (barely) by getting my fingers around the back of the compressor. It is located behind, or near the tubes 5 & 6. I have removed the airbox, belt, the air metering box and the plenum to get access. I can see the heat exchanger but can't really get at it. The manual (17-40-19) covers removing the heat exchanger with the engine in the car, and makes it sound easy, but it isn't.

This is all part of trying to test the heat exchanger, which the manual and TSB;s say if the first thing to do if you have coolant in the oil. Probably just wishful thinking on my part, but wouldn't it be great if my problem was as simple as that. I read a post somewhere from a boxster owner that had the coolant in the oil and that a bad heat exchanger was his only problem. However, even if it is a bigger problem, to drop the engine requires that you remove the AC compressor.

So the question is how to access the rear screw. Maybe a special tools or type of socket.