Technical Aircon

[Jockcl500]

While changing the engine oil and oil filter, I happened to look though the front grill to see almost no fins left on the aircon condenser
As I bought the car in November, and do a short commute, I haven't used the aircon enough to notice it wasn't working properly, has anyone had this changed and if so how much did it cost?

 

[varesecrazy]

https://www.fiatforum.com/500/299505-air-conditioning-condenser-fault.html

Bit of a long read.. but the basics are all covered

 

[Jockcl500]

https://www.fiatforum.com/500/299505-air-conditioning-condenser-fault.html

Bit of a long read.. but the basics are all covered

I was just after a recent cost to replace.
I have just had a look on ECP for the part … EIS £30.99 - AVA £59.99 - Delphi £274.99 wide variety of cost for the same part, I might change it myself and then take it for a regas as I don't have the tool to gas it up.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Not a good idea to change it yourself unless your are 100% sure there is no gas in the system.

The pressure in the system if “empty” can still be extremely high and taking pipes apart containing that pressure can do serious damage to the parts and to you.

Also it is illegal to knowingly vent air on gas into the atmosphere. You can also require special tools to get air on pipes apart.

This one is definitely better left to the professionals.

The good news is that the Delphi part is an OEM part hence the silly price. Where as the other parts will be identical because they are all pattern parts and all a condenser is, is an aluminium radiator, so one is going to work exactly the same as any other. You will need to pay to get the system Gassed and emptied so you might as well pay a few more quid to make sure it’s fitted properly. The last thing you want are leaks or contaminants in the pipe work of the aircon which could damage the compressor.

 

[koalar]

it will still work if its not holed ?

Have you tried it First. Does it blow cold at all.

 

[chris3234]

If you really want to do it yourself you could get a garage to drain the system for you so you can go home and install the new radiator and seals then go back for the system testing and refilling

 

[Jockcl500]

it will still work if its not holed ?

Have you tried it First. Does it blow cold at all.

The cooling is almost none, obviously the air con needs the surface area of the condenser to work properly, with most of the fins gone, it is never going to happen.
I'm not in the car for very long, so might just leave it, but I'm a bit OCD and like everything to work properly.
When the lockdown is all over, I will get some prices for doing the job and decide then.

 

[DaveMcT]

Both radiators clip into place so the labour costs will be low and you can be sure the job is done properly. You can minimise unexpected costs by removing and replacing the front bumper to sort out the inevitable rusted bolts.

You can reduce stone damage to radiators by putting a woven stainless wire mesh behind the grille. No 4 (0.9mm wires - 5.5 mm holes or No 5 - 4.1 mm holes) are ideal because airflow is almost unaffected.

I used this eBay supplier to make a screen for a motorbike oil cooler
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STAINLESS-STEEL-WOVEN-WIRE-MESH-filter-grading-sheet/251198345904?hash=item3a7c9692b0:m:mT8R4iUZkDSTDO9Bwp98eoQ

They also sell it cut to size. Do read their instructions.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251198345692

This is handy for protecting the edges which are VERY sharp. plain rubber or wire reinforced edge trim work well
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR8.TRC2.A0.H0.Xrubber+edge+trim.TRS0&_nkw=rubber+edge+trim&_sacat=0