Condenser/radiator replacement? 99gtp

[Cbierniat]

My condenser has a been identified as the culprit of my freon leak.. I was wondering if I buy used but good condenser from Morad should I replace the radiator to make it easier? I have no clue and have no idea what Im getting myself into.

[tblake]

Radiator also? No, I dont think I would unless its in pretty bad shape.

You may want to consider changing out the orifice tube though as overtime they get plugged by metal shavings from the compressor. Buy a new one from the dealership. They are pretty cheap. Dont forget a new o-ring in there.

[Cbierniat]

I took it to an a/c shop and they claimed it would have costed 500 to replace condenser so I think I may take it on myself. Are the condensers on these cars known to go bad or could it be something else?

[tblake]

Its possible it could be anything. condensors arent very common to my knowledge (or at least not as common as compressor seals).

[richtazz]

When condensers fail, it's usually one of 3 things: a weld or seam ruptures, a foreign object strikes it, or it corrodes due to salt spray. Since they are mounted right up front, they are the first thing that gets hit by foreign objects and the salt spray from winter driving.

[Cbierniat]

Well I have some more delightful news.. this is all happening because the car has not been driven in well over a year. Started it up today and I heard a obnoxious rattle which sound like it was coming from a pulley. I look down and the A/C pulley has tiny metal shavings everywhere and the clutch? was not spinning smoothly.. it was somewhat jerkin...

What now? Anyone experience this or have knowledge on it... I was told condenser was bad now i see this... I don't wanna take it in and pay an arm and a leg id rather try and do it myself.


You guys have beeen great!
Thank You

[tblake]

You could try cryoseal on that compressor. (my typical smart ass remark for the day!)

No but seriously, sometimes the clutches can be changed seperate from the whole compressor. However your probably better off getting a used low milage one. I usually go to a scrap yard about 30 miles from my home. They have great prices, and a lot of times the parts you buy they will give a lifetime replacement warrenty. So if it ever fails again, you just yank it off, bring it in, and they hand you a replacement no questions asked. I believe the company I do business with also ships parts, if your interested, send me a private message, and I'll reply with their info.

I myself would bring it to a shop, have the system evacuted. Then come home and replace the compressor myself, and also throw in a new orrifice tube (since the old one probably ate metal shavings), and replace the compressor and orifice tube o-rings. Then I would bring it to a shop and have a vacuum pulled on it overnight to see if it holds. If so, have it charged with the proper amount of r-134, if it doesnt hold pressure, then replace the condensor.

My Input, take it with a grain of salt.

[richtazz]

Originally Posted by tblake

You could try cryoseal on that compressor. (my typical smart ass remark for the day!)

Tim, I almost blew hot coffee out my nose when I read that, holy crap that was funny. I hear if you just threaten your car with a bottle of cryoseal it will fix itself (but don't quote me on that...)

I agree with your advice also on the compressor. The clutch and hub can be changed independent of the whole compressor, but since the OP's condenser is leaking anyway, I'd just replace the compressor.

[tblake]

I thought you would like that Rich! I couldnt help myself.

Sounds like a miracle fix, especially for AC systems that can reacy 60psi+.