Bad condenser? Used replacement?

[exbass94]

A few weeks ago, my AC compressor seized up. I've been contemplating fixing it, but I don't want to dump a ton of money into it. If I can avoid replacing the condenser, it would make my decision 100x easier. It would save me $80, plus a ton of labor.

I've read that when a compressor dies, it usually causes the "black death" which spews black goo throughout the AC system and clogs the condenser. Would I notice this goo easily? I pulled off the line to the condenser and there wasn't any "goo." I swabbed the inside of the inlet with a paper towel and I think I saw some gray stuff on the towel, but it was such a small amount I could barely see it.

1. Do you think this condenser is still good to use?
2. What do you guys think of used (junkyard) AC parts, specifically used condensers AND compressors? Too much of a gamble? Easy ways to see if they're still good? There's a place locally selling a compressor for $60 and a condenser for $45, both from the same vehicle.

 

[4x4junkie]

Try flushing it out with some solvent. If the solvent comes out clean (outside of some oil dissolved in it), it should be fine to use. If there's any crap in it though, then it's junk.

Used parts are OK to use, but you might want to pressure-test them beforehand to eliminate a dud.