Chipped Condenser

[hozer]

Had my A/C tested and there was an obvious leak on the front heat exchanger (condenser right?) and you can get your hand in there to block it up. I suspect a rock probably dinged it and cause the leak.

Can I just get it soldered or should I try to have to replaced? Is a local A/C shop a good place to take it (I'm not too bad as soldering actually)? The dealer is so high.

 

[Glacier991]

I'd take it to a local AC shop and have them repair it. I had the same thing happen on a Mercedes, and it was aluminum... I tried my hand at AL soldering and ended up screwing it up and had to replace it... I'd say let THEM do it... you may come out ahead!

 

[hozer]

Called someone and they said the solder likely wouldnt stay...and they thought about $300 to replace. Any better ideas?

How difficult is it to change the condenser yourself? That may be the way to go.

 

[hozer]

P.S. Is there a good place to get aftermarket parts online or in the chain parts stores? Ford is pricey.

 

[Glacier991]

First of all $300 for a condensor is way too high. 2nd of all, if the condensor is brass, copper or steel, solder will work just fine... but a lot of places do not know that, because they think regular solder (and on that score they are right). There is a special silver solder Residential AC people use... very strong.... I have some and have installed a few home AC units with it... and I'll post the name of it... now if the condensor is Aluminum... they there is a different stuff used there, and done right ALuminum welding is as strong as the parent metal... Anyway shop around, It IS doable with the right material. Otherwise a condensor ought to cost ya about $175 to $200.

 

[Brandons]

My parents are gas fitters, they install home A/C's, i think their solder would be the type that would work? Cant you get that at a home hardware store?

 

[hozer]

Whats the easiest way to tell what material it is. I assume its the stock unit on 98 SOHC.

 

[Glacier991]

No you cannot get it anywhere but a welding supply house....I'll look for it, I JUST moved so am still unpacking... as for telling what it is, scratch it with the edge of a knife.... silver will be steel or al. Al will be soft, anything copperish will be bronze or copper. I have no clue what they were actually made of.. only one I worked on like this was a Mercedes and it was AL. I have replaced a FORD Explorer condensor but never checked what it was made of.

 

[hozer]

Glacier, have you seen this thread?

According to this you can by something at homedepot that will work as well. There are some videos there that show a guy doing it...looks easy. I guess you need a torch, good flux (I dont know where to get this), and the welding rod.

http://groups.msn.com/AllAutomotive...Message=3967&LastModified=4675512346636735580

 

[hozer]

P.S. I found someone willing to do the repair, but they need the condenser out. Its easy to access though, but noone wants try that.

How difficult is it to take out the condenser and do I need block up the tubes or something so I dont get junk in the system while its being repaired (I still need to drive it).

 

[vstoval]

You can use any silver solder w/at least 5% nickel for vibration. Sil-Fos is a brand that I have used. Any Industrial refridgeration Co. stocks it or even a welding supply shop. Make absoultely sure the condensor is flushed out with something like Dura 141 A/C flush so as to make sure the oil residue doesn't ignite inside or bleed thru the damages area preventing the silver solder from sticking. You can find new condensors on eBay for around and under $130 plus shipping.