Dented ac condenser with no leaks that I can see

[SAWYER]

I ran over something on the highway a few weeks back and had to replace my radiator. I think now looking back I should have replaced the condenser as well, my ac is not working. I tried turning it on and it will not blow cold, I got to looking and the condenser has a huge dent in it. Is there a way to test this before I buy a new one and take it apart?

 

[JeffMD]

Of the pipe is damaged, it is probably pinched. If some fins are dented, should be no problem. Any AC service should be able to pinpoint the problem (unless you have a compressor valve, in which case good luck, most don't understand and will junk the entire unit. -_- )

 

[bamx2]

Check the pressures with an A/C gauge set. If you don't have one at least press one of the shraeder valves (engine off) to find out if there is still any refrigerant in the system.

 

[C1]

Take it to an AC specialist shop. You need all kinds of specialized tools :

- Gauge manifold set
- Fluori dye for leak checking
- Recovery system

Usually if pressure is too low (or too high) then there is a cut-out switch to prevent damage to the compressor (as lubrication is typically circulated with refrigerant).

If you keep messing around then you may damage the compressor too.

 

[skyking]

do the schraeder check above.
No coolant plus big dent = probably need a new condenser.
Once you crack the system you need an evac pump, so unless you have a friend with tools you are going to a shop.

 

[Pacfanweb]

If the refrigerant came out through the condenser, there will be a greasy/oily place where it did so. I'd look at the condenser really well for that before I got it replaced.

 

[thomsbrain]

I used a brand-specific shop to evacuate and recharge my system when I replaced my own condenser (it was working fine but heavily banged up after 250K of road debris and was blocking airflow to the radiator). I made sure to replace all the O-rings I touched, and the replacement went smoothly. I think I paid maybe $70 to the shop all-in, plus I had to bring it in twice (to empty it and then to re-fill). But it was worth it because I saved a couple hundred bucks on labor.