jordan Posted 16September, 2019 Report Share Posted 16September, 2019 Hey peeps! So, according to PCB, I have an evaporator that needs to be replaced - which they’re charging an arm and a leg for. This was based on their service notes from 18 months ago...and I’m not sure how accurate it is as the service guy said it could be a compressor or a leak. I don’t plan on getting it done at PCB, as it’s a 2004 996, and really, there’s no need to. I understand it’s a finicky job - but just wondering if anyone has replaced one before, and I’ve read on variety of forums that there is the exact same part as OEM, with a much cheaper cost! The current symptoms are: 1. The cold air doesn’t work. 2. There is a smell that pumps out when I first use the heater or cooler (seemingly more prevalent when I use the heater) - however the heater works. 3. No other symptoms. What I’ve done? 1. Kicked the tyres 2. Ummmmmm’d and Ahhhhhhhhh’d with the occasional chin stroke. 3. Left the AC on full for 5 minutes to see if there are any leaks - there weren’t any I could see at all on the ground or floor. Would love some help from the wise on here... Any ideas? What’s the best way to diagnose this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason A Posted 16September, 2019 Report Share Posted 16September, 2019 You do need an air con technician to let you know where the leak is. There is a dye they place in the oil / gas that is seen with infrared light. If it is evaporator they will advise which side etc. Your front end is same as Boxter, so no big cost. You will need to remove bumper, etc - it’s not a difficult job if you are a bit mechanicaly inclined. Bumper will need to come off to correctly diagnose leak in any case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordan Posted 16September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 16September, 2019 45 minutes ago, Jason A said: You do need an air con technician to let you know where the leak is. There is a dye they place in the oil / gas that is seen with infrared light. If it is evaporator they will advise which side etc. Your front end is same as Boxter, so no big cost. You will need to remove bumper, etc - it’s not a difficult job if you are a bit mechanicaly inclined. Bumper will need to come off to correctly diagnose leak in any case. Thanks mate. However, I think the evaporator is located underneath the entire dash? Meaning you have to remove almost everything internally - I could be wrong. However, I don’t want to go ahead with that unless it’s certain that is the cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason A Posted 17September, 2019 Report Share Posted 17September, 2019 So there is a heat exchanger in the heater box, plus two at the front of the car. Removing the dash is a two hour job, no special tools required but there are a few tricks. Get the air con guy to highlight where the leak is first. Both jobs you can tackle yourself if you have mechanical aptitude and some tools. once you know where it is - you can make a plan. I can help you - share detailed instructions on both - as I have tackled both jobs. jordan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordan Posted 17September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 17September, 2019 Okay great! Now to find a car aircon guy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnr356 Posted 18September, 2019 Report Share Posted 18September, 2019 steve varasso Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordan Posted 19September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 19September, 2019 On 18/09/2019 at 17:48, jnr356 said: steve varasso Is he on here? Stteeeveeee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnr356 Posted 19September, 2019 Report Share Posted 19September, 2019 https://www.google.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordan Posted 21September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 21September, 2019 On 19/09/2019 at 21:04, jnr356 said: https://www.google.com/ Wow didn’t know that google would tell me if Steve was on this forum. Amazing technology these days... But thanks, I will reach out to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordan Posted 29September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 29September, 2019 Update: went to Beach Radiators, regassed and added dye. Aircon is now working, smell is gone, and the AC is holding vacuum. Will be interesting to see if this solves the problem; but thankfully I didn’t go with Porsche’s idea of paying $7k for a new evaporator. firstone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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