Leaking Aircon Rad/condenser

[bappy]

Hi there, my first post as an almost bankrupt first time X-plate 4:2 owner who's not that hot on the computer (it's the better-halfs !!).

The Rav is a nice car but 'Mr T' demands deep pockets !!.

Anyway, before I go back to Mr T with this problem, I thought I should seek advice from those in the know so here goes:

Normally oil & water tight, I noticed a small damp patch appearing under the nearside front just behind the bumper line. The patch felt 'oily' to the touch and looked clear. On inspection there seemed to be dampness on the lower left-hand bracket and fins of the aircon rad/condenser, which is mounted in front of the 'normal' radiator. There is corrosion around the bracket. My Haynes manual doesn't recommend or specify diy work on the aircon system, so the questions are:

1) If the aircon is leaking, why is it oily to the touch ?,

2) Is the aircon system 'closed off' from the normal coolant system? If so, can I leave it for the time being, and just keep an eye on the other fluid levels ?

3) Could I buy a new rad/condenser and get an air con specialist to fit it or

4) is Mr T going to get loads more of my dosh ?.

Hope you can help,

many thanks,

Bappy.

[PhilGee]

Aircon systems have a lubricating fluid in them. Not alot, but it is there. Thats why it feels oily. It is seperate to the coolant system so no worries there. Any A/C specialist or garage should be able to do the repairs for you no probs.

[igormus]

Hi there, my first post as an almost bankrupt first time X-plate 4:2 owner who's not that hot on the computer (it's the better-halfs !!).

The Rav is a nice car but 'Mr T' demands deep pockets !!.

Anyway, before I go back to Mr T with this problem, I thought I should seek advice from those in the know so here goes:

Normally oil & water tight, I noticed a small damp patch appearing under the nearside front just behind the bumper line. The patch felt 'oily' to the touch and looked clear. On inspection there seemed to be dampness on the lower left-hand bracket and fins of the aircon rad/condenser, which is mounted in front of the 'normal' radiator. There is corrosion around the bracket. My Haynes manual doesn't recommend or specify diy work on the aircon system, so the questions are:

1) If the aircon is leaking, why is it oily to the touch ?,

2) Is the aircon system 'closed off' from the normal coolant system? If so, can I leave it for the time being, and just keep an eye on the other fluid levels ?

3) Could I buy a new rad/condenser and get an air con specialist to fit it or

4) is Mr T going to get loads more of my dosh ?.

Hope you can help,

many thanks,

Bappy.

hi mate

1) If the aircon is leaking, why is it oily to the touch ?,---- FREON GAS + SPECIAL OIL (for compressor lubricating) are in the same circuit.

2) Is the aircon system 'closed off' from the normal coolant system? --- cooling system and A/C system are different and not comunicated to each other.

3) Could I buy a new rad/condenser and get an air con specialist to fit it or ---- you should change condenser on new on only.

4) is Mr T going to get loads more of my dosh ?.---- it is normal job for reliable A/C repair garage at competitive price.

Cheers/Igor

[Jamesbelfast]

A car radiator repair company local to me can repair most air-con condensors. They are similar in construction to radiators. So it may be worth making enquiries in that direction.:)

[three5]

Hi there, my first post as an almost bankrupt first time X-plate 4:2 owner who's not that hot on the computer (it's the better-halfs !!).

The Rav is a nice car but 'Mr T' demands deep pockets !!.

Anyway, before I go back to Mr T with this problem, I thought I should seek advice from those in the know so here goes:

Normally oil & water tight, I noticed a small damp patch appearing under the nearside front just behind the bumper line. The patch felt 'oily' to the touch and looked clear. On inspection there seemed to be dampness on the lower left-hand bracket and fins of the aircon rad/condenser, which is mounted in front of the 'normal' radiator. There is corrosion around the bracket. My Haynes manual doesn't recommend or specify diy work on the aircon system, so the questions are:

1) If the aircon is leaking, why is it oily to the touch ?,

2) Is the aircon system 'closed off' from the normal coolant system? If so, can I leave it for the time being, and just keep an eye on the other fluid levels ?

3) Could I buy a new rad/condenser and get an air con specialist to fit it or

4) is Mr T going to get loads more of my dosh ?.

Hope you can help,

many thanks,

Bappy.

Hi Bappy,

dumb question from a dumb member - This is not just the condensation from the AC unit on the ground is it? If so it is completely normal and better still a "no-cost" option! Does the aircon work, i.e. does it chill the air when set on "cold"and dry the screen when the heating system is set to demist? Very sorry if this question is insulting, that definitely wasn't intended.

[bappy]

Hi there,

a big thanks to everyone who responded to my questions.

In reply to three5, I put a tub under the leak area last night and it was a clear oil substance that greeted me this morning.

(I've had condensation drips from tha aircon before and they were watery, but this is 100% oily !!)

I am tempted to change the condenser myself, to keep labour costs down, but I realise that the system has to be discharged first by an aircon specialist.

Can the car be driven temporarily with a discharged system?.

I will get some quotes tomorrow so I can work out my plan of action.

cheers for now,

Bappy

[three5]

Hi there,

a big thanks to everyone who responded to my questions.

In reply to three5, I put a tub under the leak area last night and it was a clear oil substance that greeted me this morning.

(I've had condensation drips from tha aircon before and they were watery, but this is 100% oily !!)

I am tempted to change the condenser myself, to keep labour costs down, but I realise that the system has to be discharged first by an aircon specialist.

Can the car be driven temporarily with a discharged system?.

I will get some quotes tomorrow so I can work out my plan of action.

cheers for now,

Bappy

Hi Bappy,

The aircon "gas" has oil in it to lubricate the compressor/seals so you might damage it if you drive with the system uncharged. When I last needed a system topping up, I used a local commercial refrigeration repair company. They had the equipment for car AC systems and charged £25 to refill it. Because they are used to carrying all their equipment in a van ( most of their work is on site ) you might get them to come to wherever you change the condensor. If you could get hold of a service exchange condensor the job might be do-able for £2-300. We have a local company that repairs radiators and condensors and you probably have one near you. Good luck and keep us posted on how you get on.

[bappy]

Hi there,

just to update those who may be interested.

I got some quotes today regarding the condenser.

First port of call was my local major motor-factor. Their suppliers do not hold condensers for Ravs ver2 post 06/00 model, damn !!.

Bite the bullet and go to Mr T. £352.95 inc vat + estimated labour of 2-3 hours + vat (as its an older 'rustier' car !!, newer cars 2 hrs).

Didn't say whether re-gas was on top but I can't see much change out of £600-650.

3rd port of call was to a local mobile aircon specialist.

Condenser supply only is £295 inc vat. New aftermarket part.

Supply, fit & recharge all in is £330+vat (approx £380).

I will go with this guy as I can't see how I could do it myself for any less as I would still have to call them in to discharge and recharge the system.

I do not trust Mr T and his 'estimated labour times' as I was stung once before by them.

Cheers for now,

Bappy

[anchorman]

If you turn the aircon off the drive pulley will be disengaged and the A/C is effectively isolated. You can leave it like that until you get round to it. The system will be pretty well discharged by now so there is no reason why you shouldn't get the parts and do it yourself. Most local garages can re-gas it afterwards. I can probably find you some pdf's with the fitting instructions if you want to have a bash.

[bappy]

If you turn the aircon off the drive pulley will be disengaged and the A/C is effectively isolated. You can leave it like that until you get round to it. The system will be pretty well discharged by now so there is no reason why you shouldn't get the parts and do it yourself. Most local garages can re-gas it afterwards. I can probably find you some pdf's with the fitting instructions if you want to have a bash.

Cheers for the info Anchorman.

It looks fairly straight forward to replace, but I had not realised the initial cost of the replacement part would be quite so high. I worked out that I would only save maybe £30-40 if I had a go. In this instance I'm more than happy to let Mr mobile aircon get his hands frozen and dirty for that amount.

Thanks Anchorman, I've been following your posts for a while and was hoping you would pop in on this for me.

Cheers for now,

Bappy

[anchorman]

No worries Bappy!

I work funny shifts and don't always get chance to look in so big gaps occur!!!

Welcome to the club and keep in touch.