Fitting new A/C condenser

[Pistom]

I've got a leak on the AC of a 2012 Mini and the garage say they can't see anything but the condenser looks fairly crusty so suggest replacing that as a start.

It looks an easy enough job. Bumper off, condenser is held in by 2 screws.

Considering the fluid has all leaked out - I guess I'm OK to just disconnect the old unit and fit new before taking to a garage to get gassed up.

Is there anything I should be aware of before doing this?

I've never worked on AC before.

Edited by Pistom on Sunday 17th September 15:13

[colin_p]

Make sure you get a set of new 'o' ring and the correct PAG oil to wet the new 'o' rings.

Also, a good idea to fit a new receiver / dryer if it is separate to the condenser.

[Steviesam]

Just out of interest, what would happen if you undid the condenser and the system was full?

Always wondered, as the warnings are very serious whenever I have read about working on air conditioning systems.

[colin_p]

Check it first, there will be two valves on the system, low pressure side and high pressure side (of the compressor). Find one, remove the black cap and press it very briefly with a screwdriver. You'll know straight away if there is gas in there.

As for letting it all go, probably nothing will happen as long as you remove yourself for the immediate vicinity.

However, any greenies will get very very cross if they catch you doing so.

[TwinKam]

Oh it's only a (up to) £200,000 fine, so nothing to worry about, just let it go...
BUT SERIOUSLY... if the system isn't working because the condenser is leaking then obviously you won't have any gas left in there but, if you do, you need to have your aircon man degas it before you start.

[colin_p]

TwinKam said:

Oh it's only a (up to) £200,000 fine, so nothing to worry about, just let it go...
BUT SERIOUSLY... if the system isn't working because the condenser is leaking then obviously you won't have any gas left in there but, if you do, you need to have your aircon man degas it before you start.

Blimey, £200k, I knew they got cross, but not that cross.

And to clarify, if I ever need to work on the A/C, i'll always get it de-gassed then re-gassed. I don't want to upset any greenies.

[Chris32345]

Steviesam said:

Just out of interest, what would happen if you undid the condenser and the system was full?

Always wondered, as the warnings are very serious whenever I have read about working on air conditioning systems.

High pressure "gas" would leak out freezing your skin if it for near it as well as being pretty bad to breath in

[Jaz2000]

You may be wasting your time and money, go toma proper a/c specialist and get it pressure tested with OFN and find the leak before replacing random parts.

[austina35]

This is what you should do 1st. I used to pressure test them with nitrogen to 15bar.

Main culprit is normally the condensor. But it could also be a rubber pipe that's been rubbing somewhere.

Get it tested 1st.

[Pistom]

Thanks for the suggestion on testing.

I was very brief in my intro on this as my focus is what I need to look out for on a repair but the garage I took it to specialises in AC.

They pressure tested and put dye in the system - no leaks could be seen. It's taken about 4 months for the system to lose pressure so it is very gradual.

But I agree - replacing random parts doesn't sound very smart to me either but not sure what to do if a leak isn't shown by dye.

[austina35]

I'd check the joints on the compressor, condensor, dryer and the schredier valves. (Under the 2 caps where the gauges are fitted).