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Hi Everyone,
I have 2007 Sentra with an empty AC system. Three years ago I’ve taken it to the dealership and they said the condenser has a leak in it. Since then I’ve been using the car, but no AC. My current plan is to replace the condenser and drier/receiver and have a mechanic test/charge the system for me. Is there any issue of installing a new condenser into the existing system and driving it the shop the next day to have it evacuated/charged? My concert that there is most likely moisture in the system, and I don’t know if that can damage newly added parts.
Additionally being in Canada, where r134a refrigerant is not sold, only r12. Read that mixing in r12 into an existing r134 system is not good as it does not mix with the r134 oil, and will turn existing oil acidic, not good. My idea was to test for the leak with some dye, and once fixed vacuum seal the system, then drive to mechanic for a recharge. I’d have to buy all these tools, AC manifold gauge, vacuum pump, dye and refrigerant. Don’t know if it is worth all the trouble. If someone can advise that be great?
Regards,
Rev
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Replies
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OK.
First, if you’re going to replace parts and drive to the mechanic there’s no problem.
BUT –
Your mechanic will need to flush the system and it’s better that the condenser isn’t on it.
Why?
While flushing the system, if the condenser is on there, debris may get flushed into it and clog it. Modern condensers are nothing like the old days.
If I were you, I’d just rebuild the whole thing.
Mail order parts. Google shopping and check Amazon. I’ve gotten great deals on Amazon on occasion – NEW A/C Compressor $145 compared to $350+ locally and $212 for a re-man.
BUT ALWAYS SHOP! Amazon plays with their prices more than airlines do!!
“If I were you, I’d just rebuild the whole thing.”
You think that’s necessary or a better way of going about it, after it has been in non use for 3 years due to a whole in the condenser. That does sound idea, but was hoping to get away with replacing only what is necessary. Thanks for the suggestion. Do the pros use anything different than a vacuum pump to evacuate the system? If that is the case maybe it is worth it to by the vacuum pump and manifold gauge.
Also when shopping for parts do you try to buy OEM, or go after after market stuff?
“Do the pros use anything different than a vacuum pump to evacuate the system?”
Yes.
https://www.google.com/search?client=ubuntu&channel=fs&q=ac+recovery+unit&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
They have a unit that puts a vacuum on the system, recovers the R-22/R134a and does everything like measuring how much refrigerant to put in.
I don’t know where you got your info but you can purchase R134 in Canada but you have to be licenced. Not sure where you can even purchase R-12 anymore.
Even if you had some R-12 your system might not work correctly on it as the system was designed for R-134.
[quote=”wysetech” post=62372]I don’t know where you got your info but you can purchase R134 in Canada but you have to be licenced. Not sure where you can even purchace R-12 anymore.
Even if you had some R-12 your system might not work correctly on it as the system was designed for R-134.[/quote]
Only shops are able to get licensed. In Canada they only sell r-12a (e.g. canadian tire), no r-134a available. Was also thinking of someone shipping r-134a via eBay, alternatively one can buy r-134a in Wall-Mart and bring it across the border. But something tells me this is still illegal as one would require licence paper work if one is to disclose their exact purchases.
Ur Right,rev but it’s called Red Tek R-12a and it’s butane and propane based. From what i understand it works well but it’s very flamable.
I am licenced and i can buy it but i have never tried to get it in small cans.
[quote=”DaveNewbie” post=62364]OK.
First, if you’re going to replace parts and drive to the mechanic there’s no problem.
BUT –
Your mechanic will need to flush the system and it’s better that the condenser isn’t on it.
Why?
While flushing the system, if the condenser is on there, debris may get flushed into it and clog it. Modern condensers are nothing like the old days.
If I were you, I’d just rebuild the whole thing.[/quote]
Just realized, how would one evacuate the system with a vacuum pump, when the condenser is removed or there is a leak elsewhere? Would it not work since a vacuum evacuation will not be possible with a hole in the system? Never taken out the condenser, do the AC lines feeding it have an auto seal (connector) on them, or do they leave the whole AC system exposed. Perhaps there are AC line caps which can be used in order to vacuum out the system following the condenser removal?Dude, I was just saying that it would be better for him to leave it apart, have the tech flush the old parts out, and then put it back together-evac-recharge.
That’s assuming the tech will do it. Most of the time, in my experience, the shop wants to do everything and WILL NOT warranty the work otherwise; let alone even do it.
Gimme a break.
First of all,i’m not here to argue unless you insist but based on what rev is asking i would change the condenser and drier. No flush,add correct amount of oil,check the system for leaks and if no leaks are found evacuate and recharge. if there are leaks found then deal with it at that time.
No warranty, no BS,…..just pay…..and out the door.
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