HELP! Accidently hit the screen behind my grille and cold air is blowing out fast! ah

[bpl09]

I have the grille off right now and I was trying to cut away at some plastic to mount some lights behind my grille and the blade(just a small razor) slipped and hit the screen behind the grille, in front of the fan. cool air immediately shot out and blew strong for a good 2 minutes or so. I dont know what the heck I punctured but I could really use some help. I dont know if I should drive it to the shop or not.

What did i break and how do i go about fixing it?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Sounds like you may have punctured the A/C condensor, and that was the R134 leaving the system?

I'd imagine you'll need to get a new unit, have the rest of the system evacuated (if there's anything left) and reinstall/recharge.

I guess I'm going to do dig a hole now, because the ozone layer is now in jeapordy and we're all about to die...

 

[Blee1099]

You damaged your AC condensor. Depending on how large the hole is you maybe able to solder it together but remember its under high pressure so it may not work.. I've only seen it work twice.. If that doesn't work its time to buy a new one.

 

[bpl09]

so should i drive my car before i fix it or not? does this only effect my a/c?

thanks guys

 

[Blee1099]

Umm you probably don't have AC anymore well not atleast a good working one.

 

[Burns]

I dont even think the AC will cycle.

Cant be much pressure left if any

 

[JTX]

Yes you can drive it, but the a/c won't work.

 

[bpl09]

how complicated is it to solder? its literally a ##### from the tip of a razor so i feel like I can solder it. and how do I recharge the R134?

 

[CDW6212R]

Fix it fast, or you will need a new dryer. The AC dryer must not be exposed to the atmosphere, it sucks in the moisture and dies very fast. Thus you could fix it fast and not replace the dryer, same day. If the dryer is open to the air like now with the unsealed AC, after about a day it's no good. Those are usually about $50, and you can bolt it on like with the condenser. The AC shop will pull a vacuum to remove the air/moisture, except for what gets into the dryer. Regards,

 

[bpl09]

so couldnt I solder it and then get it recharged later? would the dryer still be exposed after it is soldered? i'm going to florida next week so i was planning on screwing with it when i got back..

what about jb weld or a some kind of glue?

 

[BrianDye]

I agree with Joe Dirt, ill be digging a hole too, our Ozone is cussing us all out right now because of this. LOL jk,

I would think JB would work, maybe even use the moldable sticks and put a nice big chunk on it, then when its dry, cover it all with JB..?

 

[CDW6212R]

The solder may work, that I'm not sure of. The pressure is too high for any glue or epoxy like JB weld to work.

The atmosphere got into the system beginning right after the pressure blew out. There is little time after that to get it pulled down(vacuum) and save the dryer. So unless you can get it finished now then take your time and do what you need to to fix the condenser. Buy a dryer to take with you to where you have AC work done.

The dryer with moisture in it after a time will not stop the AC from working at all. It just won't cool well at all compared to a "clean" dryer. I'm not an AC expert, I have just learned these things from AC guys. Good luck,

 

[bpl09]

well it looks like i'll need a new dryer but i still think i can save the condenser. I'm either going to solder it then use jb over it or just solder it. jb weld has held together some serious stuff for me in the past so its worth a try.

 

[bigblackbronco]

never once have I seen solder work! but good luck and let us know.... first time for everything and all.....

 

[nobodyspecial]

What about brazing? could that work?

 

[jrford]

check a junkyard you may find a used one for cheap. Although keep an eye for leaks or oil on it anywhere. . .although I don't remember reading about a lot of A/C failures on a 3rd gen, they may still all be good unless its damaged in anyway. . imho. .
i checked fleabay, no idea on this, but new ones for $34??
What ever you do get a new drier, it will help it last.

 

[S1NN3R]

If the line is aluminum make sure you use the apropriate JB weld if thats what you are going to do. Also make sure you let it cure for the full amount of time it says it needs...as far as soldering it...i wouldnt reccomend it because you run the risk of pulling the solder into the ac line and restricting the flow. Best thing to do is to go to a local junkyard and pick up a new condenser. Usually they run around 20-30 bucks. Get a new filter/dryer and get the system evacuated. Otherwise you run the risk of seriously damaging your compressor, and those arent cheap.

 

[Cobraguy]

If the line is aluminum make sure you use the apropriate JB weld if thats what you are going to do. Also make sure you let it cure for the full amount of time it says it needs...as far as soldering it...i wouldnt reccomend it because you run the risk of pulling the solder into the ac line and restricting the flow. Best thing to do is to go to a local junkyard and pick up a new condenser. Usually they run around 20-30 bucks. Get a new filter/dryer and get the system evacuated. Otherwise you run the risk of seriously damaging your compressor, and those arent cheap.

Do NOT use JB weld. No way that holds up to 300 psi or better. No way in hell. You can weld it...or you can have the offending tube cut and sealed off with no noticable performance loss (with just one tube). But honestly...if you are going to that expense, just get a new one.