Removal & replacement of aircon condenser

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

This is a bit of a long-shot, given how few Chimaeras have aircon - but does anybody know how to remove and replace the condenser? Is it necessary to remove the radiator and/or the bonnet? Can it be removed from below?

My car is currently at an aircon specialist in west London, and needs a new condenser. Whilst they are aircon specialists, they are not TVR specialists - although they do claim to be able to repair and (retro-)fit aircon to performance cars and classic cars so they should know what they're doing.

However, it would be nice to be able to guide them on the best way of proceeding so that they don't waste too much time - I'm hoping to take it away on holiday in just over a week's time.

Any tips that I can pass on will be gratefully received!

[roseytvr]

Assuming its the same as the griff (not a safe assumption!!) the rad sits on top of the condensor and needs to be reomved to get the condensor out. A bit fiddly but easily doable by anyone, especially aircon specialists. good luck.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

Hmmm... so they'll probably need to drain the cooling system I guess. That's the sort of thing that a specialist is better at - any fool can drain and refill it, but getting the air out is a bit of a knack!

I'm sure they'll figure it out.

[Ozmira]

I'm having my ac sorted now. New condenser and dryer. The works being carried out while it is having a body off give Steve or rich a ring southways they might be able to give you some information.

[Steve_D]

Yes the rad will need to come out as everything is bolted to the front of it.
When the condenser gets replaced they will likely replace the drier.
All this lot sits on the front of the rad and has some dedicated ali pipework. If the condenser is gone then the likelihood is that the pipes will also be corroded. Replacing these will not be easy.

We have made up special hoses to replace the pipes but it was far from easy.

Steve

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

Well, I've now got the car back, with aircon working better than ever. They changed the condenser, the receiver/dryer, and a corroded pressure switch.

The chap at Alpinair says he managed to do it without removing the rad, which is a bonus - I had visions of going on holiday and overheating due to air in the cooling system.