997.1 3.6 Carrera AC condensers

H_A · Sep 18, 2018

Hi my AC is leaking from what I can see, although it vacced out well when recharged this summer, it is now noisy and I can see oil on the condensers.
What are people using for new condensers, I was looking at these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8FC-351-301-424-HELLA-Condenser-air-conditioning-Left-Front-Right-Front/302620457201?fits=Plat_Gen%3A997&epid=747133707&hash=item467595b8f1:g:x6UAAOSwgeBab1Bt
I thought Hella were original equipment, is that correct? Thanks

Hardy · Sep 19, 2018

Hi H_A,

I had some problems locating suitable condensers about this time last year, see my thread https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=981008. If you want units that will be a straight swap as I did, you'll need the Hella Behr part ending in ..421. They looked identical to the Porsche originals I removed.

H_A · Sep 19, 2018

That is great thanks, so I need Hella part number 8FC 351 301-421.
I almost bought a pair of the 424s.
H_A

Hardy · Sep 19, 2018

Hi H_A,

If you want condensers that match the original Porsche item, then the 8FC 351 301-421 parts are the ones you require. They were a bit more expensive than most of the other alternatives, but they should fit straight in and if you are doing the job yourself it's still a significant saving over having them replaced by Porsche or an independent even. I was also recommended to use the Porsche 'O' rings (they are purple not green). You'll need a few drops of air con oil for the 'O' rings, I got this from my independent after providing a small glass jar, they also did the de-gas and a re-gas for me. In my case they also thought it wasn't necessary to replace the drier.

After a year, my air con is still working fine, too cold sometimes, noticeable in the footwells, feet can get cold after a while.

H_A · Jun 26, 2019

Have just bought a condenser, desiccator and "o"ring kit from Design 911.
Even though their website says 8FC 351 301-421, they have sent me 424s.
https://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod132771/Air-Conditioning--Air-Con--Radiator-Condenser-Kit-Porsche-996---987---987C---997/
More hassle.

JMR · Jun 27, 2019

I had my condensers replaced by Zentrum Porsche specialist at Calverton, Notts within a week of buying my 987 Boxster.

That was over 2 years ago now and the aircon is still ice cold.
I don't know which condensors they used, but they replaced the condensers, drier and o-rings.

I fitted Zunsports grilles within 20 minutes of getting back home too.... [

]

JWBall222 · Jun 28, 2019

I have just done the same with them. I received 2 424's instead of the 421's they they stated was included. I notice they have removed the Hella numbers from their website now.
Have you had a reply from them yet. I'm just about to message them as I have also read that the 424's won't fit.

H_A · Jun 28, 2019

Yes have sorted out their website error. I am sending mine back and will buy from elsewhere.
Very annoying.

JWBall222 · Jun 29, 2019

I had a reply from them to say
"We have been selling the rads ending 424 for few years now.
There was one batch made incorrectly long time ago (our stock was also affected) but this was rectified by Hella almost immediately.
I believe it made it to the forums but it is the thing of the past (for us at least). We haven’t had complaint or return on them since June 2017."

So it sounds like the 424's will fit ok. Well I hope so! I will update here once I find time to fit them.
Hope you get yours sorted soon.

H_A · Jun 29, 2019

The Hella 424 are quite a bit cheaper than the 421s https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8FC-351-301-424-HELLA-Condenser-air-conditioning-Left-Front-Right-Front/302620457201?epid=747133707&hash=item467595b8f1:g:x6UAAOSwgeBab1Bt

I thought they were smaller and not a direct swap. https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=981008.
Let us know how you get on.

JWBall222 · Jun 29, 2019

H_A said:
The Hella 424 are quite a bit cheaper than the 421s https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8FC-351-301-424-HELLA-Condenser-air-conditioning-Left-Front-Right-Front/302620457201?epid=747133707&hash=item467595b8f1:g:x6UAAOSwgeBab1Bt

Yes I did see them on eBay and thought it seemed a bit too good to be true but I don't know.
Seemed like a good idea doing a DIY job but it's taking longer sorting the parts than hopefully the job will take. I'm just waiting for some EIS pag oil 46 to arrive now.
I'll update.

Timbo2 · Jul 4, 2019

http://redirect.viglink.c...2Fitm%252F272858502690

H_A · Jul 4, 2019

I have just bought a pair of those, made in Turkey by Kale.
Look good, will see how they last

H_A · Jul 4, 2019

Will give these guys a go https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/ats-euromaster-ltd-20

£38 for a regas, if it has a leak then there is no charge.

JWBall222 · Jul 6, 2019

Well I fitted the condensers from design911 today and they fit OK. All the pipes and screws lined up perfectly. There is a small gap at the top and bottom of the plastic frame as there is no edge piece on the condenser but it does not seem to do anything and all tightened up nicely.
Took me about 3.5 hours but I still have to fit the Condenser Desiccator tomorrow and then get the test and re-gas. I will check out the groupon ats deal as that sounds ok.
Here's a few pics of my nice shiny new condensers and the old one.
Thanks for the advice and hope you have your sorted.

Timbo2 · Jul 7, 2019

I'll be interested if you can get a re gas for that price, its dependant on the size of the car and their is a new gas they have to use which is of course more expensive, I've been quoted £60.
The no charge bit is because they vacuum test the system first before regassing.

H_A · Jul 7, 2019

Did mine today, no major problems.
All back together and ready for re-gas.
Costing for job
Condensers (Cheap ebay) £79.00
Desiccator (Hella) £13.13
Pag oil £8.00
O rings (Porsche) £25.27
Re-gas (R134a) £38.00
Total £163.40

Not a bad total, did spend an additional £147.00 on Zunsport grills to stop the stones.
Will be interesting to see how well the cheap ones last, they were delivered under pressure, hissed when I took the blanking plugs out, so should not be a leak there.

H_A · Jul 9, 2019

Recharged by ATS Leatherhead nice guys, very helpful even though they were very busy, I did ask them to vac it for 40 minutes which was more than they usually do. Also checked the refrigerant charge amount was 850 grams which they confirmed.
I added 35ml of Pag 46 when replacing the condensers and desiccator.
Now AC works perfectly, measured temp on centre vent at low blower speed with re-circ on at 0 degrees Celcius.
Very pleased, hope I have not made any fundamental errors, time will tell I can always open the window.

JWBall222 · Jul 9, 2019

H_A said:
Recharged by ATS Leatherhead nice guys, very helpful even though they were very busy, I did ask them to vac it for 40 minutes which was more than they usually do. Also checked the refrigerant charge amount was 850 grams which they confirmed.
I added 35ml of Pag 46 when replacing the condensers and desiccator.
Now AC works perfectly, measured temp on centre vent at low blower speed with re-circ on at 0 degrees Celcius.
Very pleased, hope I have not made any fundamental errors, time will tell I can always open the window.

Glad you got it all sorted now. Was that using the groupon deal? I am going to book in tomorrow if I can.
How did you add the Pag 46 oil?