Shark #2 Has Arrived

[husker boxster]

Had some record breaking temps today, so I took advantage of them to do some diagnostic work on the AC system. Started by checking the switch that keeps the compressor from kicking in if there isn't enough freon in the system. Continuity test was good, so switch should be working.

While I had the plug off the switch, I started the car and clicked on the AC button. Then hotwired the plug, which sends juice from 1 wire to the other. This is what would happen if the system had enough freon in it - the switch would send juice from 1 wire to the other.



The compressor kicked on. Pulled the jumper wire out and plugged it back into the switch. Shut the AC button off and back on. Compressor didn't start. Hotwired, started. That tells me the system doesn't have enough freon. It was last filled 2 yrs ago.

Upon looking at the condensor, there is a grease spot on it, like there's freon leaking out of it.



Guess that's a good news - bad news situation. Chances are there's a leak in the condensor and it would solve my final AC issue. But condensors aren't cheap and I'm having an expensive mo w/ property taxes due at mo end. Might have to wait until next mo, but I felt like I made progress today.

[husker boxster]

Look what arrived yesterday...



Had an expensive mo in Mar with house taxes and house ins due. Figured I could wait until Apr to buy the condenser. Then I started spending money in Apr like a drunken sailor on Sydney (see my post in the Cayman section). So had to push the shark condenser purchase off until May.

But I started doing research on prices in Apr. There was an aftermkt seller on ebay that had 1 for my yr / trans for $350. Made in CA and 1 yr warranty. A cpl Porsche dealers (ATL & Cleveland) had it for $600. And my local dealer wanted $900. Put a thread out on the 928 forum asking if anyone had used the ebay seller. Several had, all with good results. OK, target acquired, just have to wait for my credit card to cool down.

So in early May I decide to pull the trigger on the ebay part. Except now he wants $600 for it. Crap. Can't be tariffs if it's a US product. Maybe prices are seasonal and he jacks them up when AC season comes around. But his ad lists a Best Offer option, so I offer $350 and say that's what it cost last mo. He comes back with $550. Now I have to decide if I want to chance an aftermkt part that claims to be a perfect match or buy one from Porsche, assuming they haven't jacked their prices up. The bad news is it's going to cost me an addl $250. I let it simmer for 2 wks.

Finally time to decide, so I start my research again. The aftermkt ad is listed so I click on it for some reason. Price is now $350. I beat feet to the Order Now button and get it sent. Checked it carefully to my original and it looks exactly as it should. Now setting up an apt w/ my mechanic to have it installed.

Fingers crossed it won't be long before cold air is coursing thru the shark. Would also like to say while my Cayman was having all its work done, I was driving the shark on a semi-daily basis and she was performing great.

[husker boxster]

Just got the shark back this morning. We have COLD AC !!!



Mechanic said it held vacuum for over an hr, so he too thinks the condenser was the issue. We have some hot weather coming our way this wk, so great time to test it out. Also have a driving tour coming in Aug and I'm sure I'll need AC with a black car & black int.

Now what's left are little things - the trunk releases aren't working, the dash lights are dark at night, etc. But those are tiny compared to what I've done so far. And now a polish and wax are on the top of my To Do list. Don't know if I mentioned this before, but she has all original paint, even on both bumpers.

Normally I'd be getting ready to sell her now. But she's so nice I plan to keep her a bit longer. I don't need a 5-spd and would be happy with an auto but I'm not ready to part ways yet. If 5-spd prices head back to pandemic ranges, I'd certainly sell her but we're a ways from there. As she sits now, I have a lot of money in her but I still could make some good money based on her cond and miles.

We'll see...

[husker boxster]

Was out enjoying some car shows last w/e - 3 in 2 days. While at the Sun event and some time to kill, made a list of things left to do and buy. All minor items on both lists.

Brought home some hardware.