Recplacing AC Condenser?

[lindsay_elaine]

Can someone tell me if it's a hard job to replace the AC Condenser in my '03 2.3? The truck was hit in the front before I bought it and I discovered the condenser has a crack in it where everything leaks out when I tried to recharge it last summer. Thinking of getting a used one from the JY and trying to get my AC back... did a quick search but didn't come up with anything, sorry if this info is easily found somewhere

 

[exbass94]

Looking in my Hayne's book:

1. disconnect lines at condenser.
2. remove mounting fasteners for radiator and tilt radiator back. Be careful not to damage raditor with cooling fan. If you still can't get enough clearance, you'll need to remove the radiator.
3. remove the mounting fasteners for condenser.
4. lift condenser out.

Add 1 oz of PAG oil to new condenser before installing. Installation is reverse of removal.

Never actually done one before, so I don't know how hard it actually is.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Once you get it all together you need to pull it into a deep vacuum to get all the noncondensable gasses out before you add the refrigerant and oil. I do homes for a living heat pumps and A/C and am certified in refrigeration but have not worked with cars but if you dont prepare the system remove the gasses and moisture it will fail in short order if it has been open more than likely you have moisture in it that has to be removed so you might be better off to just put it all together and take it in unless you know someone who has the tools. Purging and pressure test with nitrogen first and then add the refrigerant and oil while it is in a deep vac is the only way to assure worry free operation. Just adding juie to a dead system might work for a bit but it will fail in short order and possibly destroy the compressor.

 

[TomJenks]

I would highly advise to just go get a new one from the parts store. Junk yards usually aint to friendly to them and they are somewhat fragile, especially around the fittings. Besides, I don't think condensers are horribly expensive anyway.