Possible A/C clutch issue

Talk and Tech about turbocharged 924/944/968 cars
User avatar
Tom
Site Admin
Posts: 8923
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:04 pm
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Has thanked: 932 times
Been thanked: 3991 times
Contact:
Sure sounds like the clutch just isn't engaging, for whatever reason. I wouldn't mess around with trying to fix the compressor you have if it's been sitting around for years, personally. It lived a good life. Replacements from Denso are around US$400, and easy to find at least here in the US. Ester 100 oil a safe choice if you are converting to r134a, though I'd still flush the system. Be sure to change all o-rings, the receiver drier, and even the rubber hoses to the extent feasible. I could believe that the base compressor is the same as the 928, just with a different manifold and belt pully. In fact, when I replaced mine, I had to swap over the manifold from my original compressor, suggesting the manifolds are Porsche parts and not Denso parts, maybe....

Here's a link to our handy-dandy Carpokes 944 a/c compressor replacement guide.

viewtopic.php?t=425

#11

markagsmith5
Posts: 33
Joined: Sat May 07, 2022 10:11 pm
Location: Redlands, QLD, Australia
Has thanked: 9 times
Been thanked: 29 times
Thanks guys. I am pretty sure back in 2003 when I previously had the AC re gassed the guy converted it to R134a. I can't remember whether he changed the seals, drier etc at the time. Think I'll just book it back in with the mechanic.
1987 944 Turbo
2024 BYD Seal Premium

#12

markagsmith5
Posts: 33
Joined: Sat May 07, 2022 10:11 pm
Location: Redlands, QLD, Australia
Has thanked: 9 times
Been thanked: 29 times
Quick update. I connected a lead from the starter motor to the wire pictured at the red arrow on a previous post. The cooling fan started, but crickets from the A/C clutch.
1987 944 Turbo
2024 BYD Seal Premium

#13

User avatar
Tom
Site Admin
Posts: 8923
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:04 pm
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Has thanked: 932 times
Been thanked: 3991 times
Contact:
If it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then the clutch is toast. ;)

#14

markagsmith5
Posts: 33
Joined: Sat May 07, 2022 10:11 pm
Location: Redlands, QLD, Australia
Has thanked: 9 times
Been thanked: 29 times
Quick update. A new A/C compressor was going to cost me $1800 AUD. Found a new one on Aliexpress for $300 AUD delivered to Australia (approx $185 USD). Ordered on 8/Jan and arrived 15/Jan. Had it fitted today and appears to be working perfectly.
Thanks again Tom and dr bob.
951AC_3.jpeg
951AC_3.jpeg (185.98 KiB) Viewed 376 times
951AC_2.jpeg
951AC_2.jpeg (125.06 KiB) Viewed 376 times
951AC_1.jpeg
951AC_1.jpeg (119.07 KiB) Viewed 376 times
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006728935559.html
1987 944 Turbo
2024 BYD Seal Premium

#15

User avatar
Tom
Site Admin
Posts: 8923
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:04 pm
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Has thanked: 932 times
Been thanked: 3991 times
Contact:
Ali Express you say. Looks good. Who knew! Glad you got it sorted and cooling your car again!

#16

dr bob
Moderator
Posts: 622
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:30 pm
Location: Central Oregon
Has thanked: 248 times
Been thanked: 245 times
Great find on that compressor! Report back after some time with it and help me decide if I need a spare for the shelf.

I wonder if Our Hero's new tariff increase would apply on a onesy purchase like this. Still a great deal. Thanks!
dr bob

1989 928 S4, black with cashmere/black inside
SoCal 928 Group Cofounder
928 Owner's Club Charter Member
Former Ex Bend Yacht Club Commodore Emeritus

Free Advice and Commentary. Use At Your Own Risk!

#17

Post Reply