Hello,

I've got a leaking AC Condensor (Front Right part from the metal tubing)- looks like a pinhole leak. This is the original condensor.

THis is R-134 retrofitted system. For 9-10 years now, it's been running well with occasional addition of oil and refrigerant to top it up. At the time the receiverdryer, expansion valve, compressor and manifold were changed and flushed with brake fluid (done by a mechanic friend).

Question:
1. how easily is the condensor removed (i've removed the coolant radiator easily in the past).
2. once replaced with a new one, any pitfalls? How much PAG should I add to compensate for the loss?
3. will replace Receiver-Dryer along with the pressure switches.
4. I'm NOT planning changing any of the system hoses at this time. (AC Manifold hose replaced 10 y ago). The hose from condensor to the receiver dryer looks cheap though.

I will have the system evacuated and recharged by an AC Shop locally taht did the charge for me last time. Any precautions or advise? I thnk the aux fan may have been the problem, as its locked up and will need to be replaced as well. (will order).

Can average AC Shops do a good aftermarket replacement of the condensor rather than buying one from fastlane...since I'm going there anyway to have the system charged? or is there any advantage to having a german one from fastlane? I'm not sure what types of parts they would use?

__________________
1) 84 300SD 285K+ Miles (Ver Calif)
2) 84 300SD 175K+ Miles (Ver Federal)

Since you have a converted system, now would be a great time to go to a parallel flow condensor. They are not very expensive and will add cooling capacity to your converted system.

You can get them from several sources. Go to www.aircondition.com and you will find a link to Carlisle and ACParts.com, both good sources. Any auto ac shop can install and make the hoses if necessary.

Be happy that the problem is the condensor and not the evaporator.

Good luck,

well, I've got the old (busted) condensor out and I've got my new one and fan, and receiver dryer ready to go in....

THe new condensor doesn't seem to have come with o-rings...The old ones are black and I am recharging R-134 (the expansion valve is already R-134)

Does anyone know if local shops (Pep Boys, Kragen) carry these or are these a dealer item? What size would I buy? Its for the two fittings at the condensor. 84 300sd

UPDATE: Never Mind, found them at the dealer. They're not that much.

__________________
1) 84 300SD 285K+ Miles (Ver Calif)
2) 84 300SD 175K+ Miles (Ver Federal)

Ok,

Everything's working fine but I'm not sure about how much freon and oil to add:

0. Condensor, Receiver Dryer and Pressure switches changed. Compressor not disturbed.
1. System Vaccuumed to -30 in
2. 4oz (2oz * 2) PAG oil added
3. 13oz * 3 = 39 oz R-134 added = 2.43 lbs which is 80% of the original 3.0 lbs of R12.

-----------

Does this sound right? Do I need more oil?

__________________
1) 84 300SD 285K+ Miles (Ver Calif)
2) 84 300SD 175K+ Miles (Ver Federal)