Air Con Radiator

[Hilux2400]

Hello All from Hereford UK

I have a leak in my front left air con rad and have taken the front cowl off to put in a replacement, which I have ordered.

There is some pressure in the system so is it OK to just crack open the joint on the tubes running to the rad and allow the pressure to dissipate?

To reduce coolant loss would it be OK to use clamps on the rubber hoses or would this ruin them?

Should I replace the drier/dessicator up in the scuttle well at the same time, or is this a lifetime product?

When I re-connect the rad can I use silicon lubricant or rubber grease on the "O" rings?

Should I fill the rad with AC lubricant before connecting up?

Once I have put the rad back in I had not intended running the AC, or driving the car, until I get it refilled by a specialist.

Thanks for reading

[creekman]

Hlux,

I would suggest you take the car into a A/C center and have them evacuate the system. Yes, I would replace the receiver/dryer. Any time you open up the system the receiver/dryer becomes contaminated.

As far as the "O" rings you'll want to use an A/C PAG oil to lube them before installing. You can buy small bottles of the PAG oil pretty cheap.

[JFP in PA]

There is some pressure in the system so is it OK to just crack open the joint on the tubes running to the rad and allow the pressure to dissipate?

To reduce coolant loss would it be OK to use clamps on the rubber hoses or would this ruin them?

Should I replace the drier/dessicator up in the scuttle well at the same time, or is this a lifetime product?

In the order asked:

Absolutely not. It is actually illegal in many places to vent any AC system, regardless of the gas type used (R12, R22, 134A, etc.). The residual gas needs to be captured and recycled by someone with the correct tooling.

Never use hose clamps on any AC lines, they should use crimped on specific fittings, often with O-ring seals. If the hoses are bad, replace them.

It is always a good idea to replace the system dryer when doing any service that requires opening the system up, and you will need to thoroughly evacuate the system to a high level of vacuum prior to recharging it. Again, often a process best left to a pro with the correct tooling.

[Hilux2400]

Thank you for your replies - very helpful.

I will get a dryer, but do I need a specific Porsche dryer or are they generic.

Thanks

[EleCTriCT]

I would follow JFP's instructions definitely.

If you pre oil the the new part you would have to tell the person recharging the system. Often when ac is recharged the technician may automatically ad new oil. Too much of anything is never a good thing.

The receiver / dryer would be model specific. This is not a universal item.

It would be available through porsche or possibly an aftermarket distributor. Note that aftermarket part distributors often don't deal with the public and you might still have to order it through an independent repair shop.

[Am123]

Hi

Just done this job on a 996 4S. I actually replaced all 4 rads.

AC rads very easy to do. Mine were leaking badly so had no gas in them.

Get new o rings and lube with special o ring lube.

Dryer can be obtained from eurocarparts for about £20. Will need new o rings for this as well.

Will need to filled by specialist who can evacuate the system before adding the correct amount of gas and oil. Kwik fit can do do for £49. Just a case of connecting up their machine. Hopefully they can do without messing it up.. Otherwise take to an air con specialist for a few pounds more.

Edited October 27, 2013 by Am123