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Dented ac condenser with no leaks that I can see

S

SAWYER

Lifer
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?
 
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. -_- )
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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