bhw33191

what a horrible day..just spent $60 on AC recharge crap to find out i have a crack in the line that goes to what i think is the condensor? (what looks like the engine coolant radiator and sits right in front of it). So now i have to send that to the mechanic..hopefully i can get him to use the refrigerant that i just bought. But anyway, does anyone know how much that condenser thing costs?

__________________


'83 Caprice Classic 305
-- My first and only, hopefully forever --

caffeineaholic

At Autozone it's about $140 dollars new, but if you need a new one I would think that if you price around or possibly even a junk yard you could get it much cheaper. Autozone part #: 632180

Good luck.

Blt2Lst

In addition to the condenser, while the system is open, you should probably replace the receiver/dryer and orifice tube if it has never been done before.
That way when it is up and running it will be blowing ice cubes out of the vents when it is 100 deg outside.
These additional parts should be less than $100 extra. My guess is the condenser will be $150 + labor.
Also if the tube is cracked, you could kiss your freon goodbye, if it is still R12 the cost to refill will be very high.

Good luck

Al

__________________
1989 Caprice Classic Wagon
307 4bbl, 200R4 w/Shift kit, Flowmaster 50 series muffler, Hotchkiss sway bars, KYB Shocks.

1989 Mustang LX 5.0 5sp convertible
1996 Suzuki RMX250

"Don't worry about what I just said, just do what I told you" Beetlejuice

j cAT

I think r12 is no longer available....I agree the receiver /dryer would be good to replace and also a good long vacuum of the system as this sounds like a very large leak...

the cracked condenser line requires you to determine why ..accident or not securely installed rubber/brackets broken loose...

if YOU replace the condenser and do not vacuum the system the internal oils will react with the moisture and you'll never get this to work again..

Carsrcool100

anywhere between $120-$180

bhw33191

Yeah so i think i know why the tube cracked. I noticed it was cracked exactly at the metal bracket that holds it in place. I think it was just a matter of time as the metal chaffed against the bracket and if finally cracked.I think its been like this for a really long time though. I noticed the leak when i tried to recharge it myself and the fluid started squirting everywhere. But the system was empty and hasnt been working for about 8 years anyway so close to nothing was wasted.

__________________


'83 Caprice Classic 305
-- My first and only, hopefully forever --

j cAT

where you live the pot holes cause a lot of damage and if these support brackets/rubber bumpers are not correct this is what happens...since this a/c has been not working for several years it may be too expensive to repair....the acid created internally has destroyed the system most likely...

bhw33191

My car has not had a good history for its A/C reliability. I was told that the A/C caused quite a bit of trouble even when it was "working." So yeah, this really stinks cuz it looks like this summer is gunna be a real doozy. How much would it cost to replace the whole A/C if thats what i have to do to get it working again? Would it be easier to get the system off a car in my local junkyard?

__________________


'83 Caprice Classic 305
-- My first and only, hopefully forever --