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punctured compressor

msm15 on Sun May 04, 2008 11:46 PM User is offline

Year: 1995
Make: Toyota
Model: Camry
Engine Size: 2.2 L
Refrigerant Type: r-134a
Ambient Temp: 65-70

Hi I just purchased a 95 camry from a friend for $400, I already did a head gasket job, new radiator, alignment, and avrious other stuff, now I am up to the a/c. I charged the system the other day, and it worked well, blew cold air and all, but the r-134a was all gone with in a day. I did a dye test and found the leak, a rock made its way to the condenser grille and punctured a pin size hole - I was able to see a misty spray coming out under the UV light, it was also leaking but the sensor, but not too bad, I really dont want to put on a whole not condenser grille even though I found one on ebay for $45 shipped in good condition, its just not worth the effort, is there anyway to save the current condenser is there any way to plug the hole, it really is very small, could I have it welded or something like that, any info that would save me hundreds of dollars would be really helpful and greatly appreciated.

thanks
Mark

bohica2xo on Mon May 05, 2008 2:34 AM User is offline

Repairing a condensor can be done, but usually it is cheaper to replace it in the long run.

You have an aluminum serpentine condensor, and it is likely that a good weld job would kill that channel in the extrusion. The condensor can operate at over 300 psi in some conditions.

A replacment part is not unreasonable 1995 Toyota Condensor, less than 120 bucks for a new part.

A new dryer should be installed with any repair at this point.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

Edited: Mon May 05, 2008 at 9:44 PM by bohica2xo

msm15 on Mon May 05, 2008 10:12 AM User is offline

any idea how much $$ I am looking at ? I found a used condenser in good shape with a 90 day guaranty on ebay for $45 but how much will all the work cost me ? does the radiator have top be removed to do this job or is it an isolated fix. thanks

bohica2xo on Mon May 05, 2008 11:32 AM User is offline

Most of the posters here do their own work. I was assuming that you would replace the condensor yourself.

That toyo is an easy car to work on. The condensor can be removed after removing the electric fan, and the top cover. Not necessary to remove the radiator. The book shows 1.7 hours of labor to remove & replace the condensor on that car.

For less than the cost of having a shop repair the A/C in your car you can buy the necessary tools. A good set of gauges, a high quality vacuum pump & everything else you need to get started - The DIY refrigeration kit frm the site sponsor. 300 bucks.

By the time you add in the condensor I already posted, some refrigerant, & a new dryer you should still be under 500 bucks. And you own the tools to do the job. The same repair next time will be a $150 in parts & an afternoon's work.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

Edited: Mon May 05, 2008 at 9:44 PM by bohica2xo

mk378 on Mon May 05, 2008 11:50 AM User is offline

You might find a used one local. I don't think it is worth that money to fuss with an ebay deal compared to just buying a new one. Same on trying to repair yours, if it leaks again you will have to do the labor all over again.

Generally when you have a shop do work, have them buy the part (yes they will mark it up some) but it's worth it because you get a guarantee on the whole job. If you provided a part and it went bad you'd have to pay for labor to replace it again.

msm15 on Mon May 05, 2008 1:21 PM User is offline

I found one locally for the same price, and between me and my father I have all the tools necissary to get the job done, which manual would you recommend I have the Chilton one.

thanks

also I looked into having the hole welded and was quoted about $50-70 for the job, the used condenser I found locally is also $50 is it worth it to just try welding or is that not such a great solution.

bohica2xo on Mon May 05, 2008 9:43 PM User is offline

Like I said, in the long run a repaired condensor rarely saves any money.

Weld you old one for 50 to 75 bucks? Buy someone elses well used part for 50 bucks? Risk debris in the system from either one?

Since you appear to have the necessary tools to complete the job it comes down to the purchase price of the part vs your labor. If you wind up pulling the evaporator case to clean or replace a clogged TXV from a dirty condensor, you will kick yourself for putting in a questionable part. (voice of experience here!).

The price of a new unit is 116 dollars. For less than 70 bucks more you can have a brand new part. I know money is tight, but I hate doing work twice - and possibly making more work for myself in the process.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

msm15 on Mon May 05, 2008 11:03 PM User is offline

ok, but where can I find detailed instructions for the job

bohica2xo on Tue May 06, 2008 2:09 AM User is offline

1995 Camry condensor R&R:

1) Recover system

2) Disconnect battery

3) Disconnect wiring @ condensor fan

4) Remove condensor fan

5) Remove upper cover bracket

6) Rewmove upper supports

7) Disconnect refrigerant lines at condensor

8) Remove headlghts

9) Remove condensor

Re-assemble in reverse order.

You can save a few bucks by going to your local public library, and looking at the automotive repair manuals there.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

brickmason on Tue May 06, 2008 4:39 PM User is offline

Trust Brad's advice and go ahead and spend the money for a new condenser.
You may get lucky with that used one, but personally I would not install it if it was given to me.

In 2004 I ended up buying and returning 3 used condensers which had tiny pinholes in them.

2 @ $50.00 each. 1 @ $40.00 which I removed from the vehicle myself.

It was my first experience with Auto A/C so I finally purchased a new one from ackits for $120.00 to get the job done properly. You may as well say it cost me about $500.00 worth of my time screwing around with a worn out junky assed part.

-------------------------
Just another brick in the wall

Had a little mule I fed him castor oil and every time he jumped the fence he fertilized the soil

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