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Questions about A/C repair (Condenser)
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cnevins
New User
May 19, 2008, 6:03 AM
Post #1 of 4
(1725 views)
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Questions about A/C repair (Condenser)
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2001/Toyota Celica/HVAC (A/C Condenser)
My a/c stopped working, so I took it to a general repair shop, they looked at it and told me the condenser was broken, most likely from a rock hitting it while driving on the highway. My car didnt come with a protective front bumper grill that year. This was a couple years back, so I dont remember any specifics about the diagnosis, just that I needed a new condenser to get the ac working again.
My plan is to buy the parts myself, to avoid marked up prices from the shop, and just pay for the labor.
I plan to buy a Silla brand condenser ($189) from autopartswarehouse.com (part no: SILLAC0370)
I understand Freon will need to be purchased, but I may have to get it from the repair shop since I read you need a permit/license to buy freon. How much should I expect to pay for the freon, ballpark range? I just want to make sure they give me a fair price.
So aside from the condenser unit, and freon, are there any other parts or materials that will be needed? I just want to avoid any surprises and make the repair as inexpensive as possible.
What is a fair price to pay for labor, and how many hours would this task run? Any tips on selecting a good A/C repair shop?
Thanks in advance!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 19, 2008, 6:16 AM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: Questions about A/C repair (Condenser)
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Two charts differ by an ounce for this - 15 or 16 oz 134a with 7oz PAG46 oil from completely empty! Note oil isn't empty without flushing it out.
Too bad you waited so long as PAG oils absorb moisture and become corrosive The repair may not work with other parts in trouble now - hard to say.
In any case you need a new drier to go with new condenser. You can buy 134a and the oil OTC in USA and could do this yourself if you wanted with some rented equipment and no guarantee of what else might have gone wrong in the couple years of dormancy till you get it started again.
What do you want to do?
T
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cnevins
New User
May 19, 2008, 7:01 AM
Post #3 of 4
(1719 views)
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Re: Questions about A/C repair (Condenser)
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Thank you for the quick reply!
So how much would the 16oz of freon and the 7oz of oil cost me? I dont think ill buy it myself, just want to make sure the store doesnt overcharge me.
As far as the drier, I cant seem to find it on autoparts website. Is it called something else officially? How much do those run? Sorry, I have zero auto mechanical knowledge.
If the repair may not work due to other parts going bad from being dormant, than would you recommend that I go to an ac repair shop and have them do a fresh checkup so I know if anything else needs to be replaced? I'd hate to buy these parts, only to find out more stuff needs to be replaced, and go beyond my budget.
Two charts differ by an ounce for this - 15 or 16 oz 134a with 7oz PAG46 oil from completely empty! Note oil isn't empty without flushing it out. Too bad you waited so long as PAG oils absorb moisture and become corrosive The repair may not work with other parts in trouble now - hard to say. In any case you need a new drier to go with new condenser. You can buy 134a and the oil OTC in USA and could do this yourself if you wanted with some rented equipment and no guarantee of what else might have gone wrong in the couple years of dormancy till you get it started again. What do you want to do? T |
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 19, 2008, 8:46 AM
Post #4 of 4
(1716 views)
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Re: Questions about A/C repair (Condenser)
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http://acsource.net/xcart/home.php?cat=8197 <<<< that's your drier for just 20+ bucks at a friend's site.
134a in 12oz cans is about 7-8 bucks ---- oil charge is 2ozoil with 2oz 134a to push it for about 5 bucks ea. or you can buy it in a bottle for about $15 for 8oz.
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If you send this out for a complete flush with the parts installed and it holds a perfect (close) vacuum a shop might still want a couple hundred bucks and they'd use their refrigerant - haven't checked on 30lb bottles for the year but it isn't dirt for the little this car uses.
Can you see the hole a rock might have made? Is it a gaping hole or just wet with oil there if there's any still left after this much time - there would have been when it happened.
I feel like Clint E. "Do you feel lucky?" If you've decided to fix this put the parts in with new "O" rings as needed and the drier which will help with moisture - that's their thing in life! Any damage by the oil is already done and you could proceed to give this a try yourself if you think you can handle instructions and have the common tools for the condenser and drier replacement. Condenser will still be good if all fails but driers are spent so you toss those.
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Time is against this but you/we should know some things now. Are you willing to spend the couple grand it might cost to just send the whole job out? Ya - that much!
Ok: If you want or need to save some bucks we need to know a couple things.......
1. Will outer hub of compressor turn by hand at all (engine off please!) ?? Use a rag - it should turn but may take some persuation after sitting still so long. Don't run or jump it or it will definately be toast!
Let's start with finding that out. The reason is oil for the system is carried by the refrigerant when it's engaged and empty as it is now it can't be or shouldn't be trying on its own. When inoperable or not engaged the oil just pools to the low spots and sits there. Compressor could be good and dry of oil and burn right up in front of you - there's a gamble there. If it turns by hand worth a dang there's a chance. They don't just spin easily but should by hand - at least turn.
Note: You can rent and need gauges, vacuum pump, can tap that will allow connection to gauges (purchased) -- rental's can be free with 100% deposits at some places.
Let me/us know and what you think you can handle and we'll go from there,
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 19, 2008, 8:50 AM)
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