AC refrigerant line replacement

[gr43023]

I have a MY2002 Boxster with 2.7L engine and manual transmission, USA LHD, 20K miles.

Two summers ago, my mechanic recharged the A/C system after it stopped blowing cold air. At the time he added a fluorescent dye to the refrigerant fluid to help identify source of leak if problem recurred. Made it through last summer, but this year the A/C fluid was gone again. (I drive the car from April through October but garage it for the winter.)

My mechanic showed me evidence of leak around a compression fitting on a line that is fastened to the body shell just in front of the right rear wheel well. The factory service manual has procedures for testing the system and replacing various components (compressor, condenser, etc.) but has nothing about the lines themselves.

After recharge, system works fine again--no problems with clutch, compressor, or electronics.

Has anybody ever replaced a refrigerant line from engine compartment to (we think) front right condenser? What's involved in a job like this?

[spongebob]

I did this work a few years ago when a small stone cut right through one of the lines under the car.

All I remember is that it was an easy job in about an hour plus the vacuum testing and filling procedure .

Some of the plastic panels had to be removed I think.

The connections are very easy to take apart, just remember new o-rings and a new dryer filter

[gr43023]

Thanks very much for the reply. I think you're right about the plastic panels, because the lines disappear behind them about halfway down the car.

[JFP in PA]

I have a MY2002 Boxster with 2.7L engine and manual transmission, USA LHD, 20K miles.

Two summers ago, my mechanic recharged the A/C system after it stopped blowing cold air. At the time he added a fluorescent dye to the refrigerant fluid to help identify source of leak if problem recurred. Made it through last summer, but this year the A/C fluid was gone again. (I drive the car from April through October but garage it for the winter.)

My mechanic showed me evidence of leak around a compression fitting on a line that is fastened to the body shell just in front of the right rear wheel well. The factory service manual has procedures for testing the system and replacing various components (compressor, condenser, etc.) but has nothing about the lines themselves.

After recharge, system works fine again--no problems with clutch, compressor, or electronics.

Has anybody ever replaced a refrigerant line from engine compartment to (we think) front right condenser? What's involved in a job like this?

After you vent and collect the current gas, then replace the damaged components, the system needs to be evacuated and held under high vacuum for several min before refilling with a weighed amount of refigerant. While not complicated, it does require speical tools and recovery gear, so it is best left (and in some states, required) to a certified pro.......

[gr43023]

I'm leaving this one to my mechanic, who runs a highly-regarded independent shop for VW/Audi vehicles. He has the equipment necessary to evacuate the AC system without dumping a bunch of freon into the upper atmosphere, but he hasn't had a lot of experience with Porsches.

BTW we discovered that the high-pressure AC line (which is the one that appears to be leaking) is a two-piece line. The joint is at the mounting point just ahead of the right rear wheel well. We're going to replace the section from the compressor to this joint and hope that it will eliminate the leak.

[JFP in PA]

I'm leaving this one to my mechanic, who runs a highly-regarded independent shop for VW/Audi vehicles. He has the equipment necessary to evacuate the AC system without dumping a bunch of freon into the upper atmosphere, but he hasn't had a lot of experience with Porsches.

BTW we discovered that the high-pressure AC line (which is the one that appears to be leaking) is a two-piece line. The joint is at the mounting point just ahead of the right rear wheel well. We're going to replace the section from the compressor to this joint and hope that it will eliminate the leak.

Get your "wrench" to add a UV dye (Uview & others) to the system when he recharges it, that way if there is still a leak, it will be easy to spot.............