Cost to replace AC Condenser?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Cost to replace AC Condenser?
I still have to investigate, but I think my AC condenser is leaking oil? Is that possible?
I have noticed on my garage floor drops of yellow oil dripping occasionally from the front left radiator guard rail (far in front of the steering rack). All I can figure that is that far forward is the AC Condenser - just never heard of one dripping oil?
If that is what is wrong, approximately what should it cost to have it replaced? I can't do it myself currently.
I have noticed on my garage floor drops of yellow oil dripping occasionally from the front left radiator guard rail (far in front of the steering rack). All I can figure that is that far forward is the AC Condenser - just never heard of one dripping oil?
If that is what is wrong, approximately what should it cost to have it replaced? I can't do it myself currently.
Last edited by Choreo; Jun 24, 2020 at 11:37 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
Happened to me as well. Forever I thought it was a tiny leak at my B&M trans cooler. Never dripped though.
When I pulled the engine a month ago I went ahead and pulled the radiator and AC condenser. There was no charge left in the AC so what the heck. Lower right of the condenser was black from the leak and accumulated dirt.
Now I know why the AC would not stay charged.
No clue what a shop would charge to replace it. The part itself is a couple hundred bucks. I’d guess though the job won’t be cheap. Labor to R&R, refill the cooling system, charge the AC etc. it will add up.
When I pulled the engine a month ago I went ahead and pulled the radiator and AC condenser. There was no charge left in the AC so what the heck. Lower right of the condenser was black from the leak and accumulated dirt.
Now I know why the AC would not stay charged.
No clue what a shop would charge to replace it. The part itself is a couple hundred bucks. I’d guess though the job won’t be cheap. Labor to R&R, refill the cooling system, charge the AC etc. it will add up.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
What is amazing is that I first noticed the drops almost a year ago and have been watching my engine oil and power steering fluid levels, but they never went down. Also my AC is still freezing cold! The system must hold a LOT of oil!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
If you leak enough oil eventually you will seize the compressor. Don't know how long you can go like that. It's also interesting that you are not loosing freon and it's still cold. I guess if the leak gets bad enough that you start losing cold air it will.be.time to replace it.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 113
Likes: 28
The condenser isn't that expensive. They aren't that big of a deal to change yourself wither. The real cost is in the recharging of the system. I need a new compressor and recharge, but am holding off until after my motor swap is done.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
Interesting that your AC still worked. Mine would last a month. I got free recharges at the shop I worked for, but it became pointless.
I did tuning and performance work, I’m not an AC tech😊
Like RichyB33, I’m doing an engine swap, I’m seriously considering leaving the AC off the car. For now anyway....
Doesn't get all that hot in Oregon
I did tuning and performance work, I’m not an AC tech😊
Like RichyB33, I’m doing an engine swap, I’m seriously considering leaving the AC off the car. For now anyway....
Doesn't get all that hot in Oregon
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
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Pro
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Choreo: your ac condenser is not leaking oil. If it were you would not have a cold ac. The condenser usually holds 2 oz of oil. The refrigerant would leak out long before the oil
If you have an auto trans I would look at the cooling lines
If you have an auto trans I would look at the cooling lines