freeon
 

How tough is it to recharge 03 boxster S with freeon? Can any shop do it or does Porsche shop need to? how is it done?

It is strongly suggested that you do not just add 134a freon to the system. It should always be completely recovered and then added by weight. The proper charge is located under the front hood on a decal.

Hi,

The Boxster does not use traditional R-12 Freon, instead it uses R-134a. It also uses a different Compressor Oil than traditional R-12 systems, it uses ND 8. It's capacities are: R-134a (850 g/30 Oz) ND 8 (195 ± 15 ml). These capacities should never be exceeded in an attempt to make the AC Colder, it will prematurely wear out the Compressor and other components.

Federal Law requires that anyone servicing an Auto AC system is properly trained and EPA Certified (local laws may supercede). But, any AC Service Shop should be qualified to do the work.

You should never just Top Up the refrigerant in the system, rather, the system should be discharged, evacuated, leak tested, and then recharged. This is partially because the Compressor Oil can become contaminated and undergo a Chemical reaction to the 'O' rings and other seals and become acidic, which would then attack the system and its components. This precludes using any of the DIY type recharge kits sold in Auto Parts stores because without a Vacuum Pump, you cannot properly evacuate the Dryer.

You should run the AC Monthly to insure that a fresh film of Compressor Oil is circulated throughout the system. The Recharge fittings and the sight glass from the receiver/dryer are located under the Front Inspection Cowls. The AC should be running and there should be no bubbles visible through the Sight Glass. If there are bubbles present, it's time to have the system checked and serviced. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99