AC Condenser - Replace? (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Jul 22, 2016
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Austin, TX
Hey All,

I was cleaning the radiator on my 99 LX470 with the garden hose and used the wrong setting on the nozzle and damaged my AC condenser in about 3 seconds flat. :confused:

I'm already replacing the radiator and some other cooling components.

Based on these photos, does the AC condenser looked trashed too? This IS the condenser right?
Think I should replace it?

About to start this journey (never touched the AC), any other recommended AC parts to replace or words of wisdom anyone can share?

OEM or any other good quality alternatives?

Thanks


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I've seen way worse! Is your a/c still working? My 99 100 had most of the fins flattened out by a previous owner power washing it at one time, the a/c still worked flawlessly, although I did spend about two hours one day with a pick and a tiny screwdriver "unflattening" the fins while on a work conference call. It made no difference in the vent temps, but made me feel like I accomplished something.
 
I've seen way worse! Is your a/c still working? My 99 100 had most of the fins flattened out by a previous owner power washing it at one time, the a/c still worked flawlessly, although I did spend about two hours one day with a pick and a tiny screwdriver "unflattening" the fins while on a work conference call. It made no difference in the vent temps, but made me feel like I accomplished something.
Good to know. Thanks. Part of me just wants to put it all back together and cross my fingers but I figure it will be a lot easier to replace with the radiator off.

I don't know if it still works, I've been in the middle of other unrelated maintenance chasing a coolant temperature issue.
 
Don't get me wrong! I would clean it with something so it performs better. But, with the age of these cruisers now and depending on your comfort spending it's not a bad idea to replace it, count on $200 for an a/c charge. The new evaporator comes with the new dessicant bag too I believe, which is nice...

For reference, my current 06 LX with 260k that I did the timing belt and new radiator and all kinds of new doo-dads while I was in there, I just left the evaporator in place, but I did clean it with Meguiar’s Motorcycle EZ Clean Spray & Rinse since I had it sitting in my chemical cabinet, then hosed it off without any pressure or nozzle...
 
I've seen way worse! Is your a/c still working? My 99 100 had most of the fins flattened out by a previous owner power washing it at one time, the a/c still worked flawlessly, although I did spend about two hours one day with a pick and a tiny screwdriver "unflattening" the fins while on a work conference call. It made no difference in the vent temps, but made me feel like I accomplished something.

Lol I love it that you made good use of the many conference calls that could have been just emails. But alas corporate jobs and middle management is needed to justify the bs salaries we get. I ain't complaining. :bounce:
 
If you want to straighten the fins you can use what is called a coil fin comb. Makes pretty quick work of them, but just using a fingernail or soft pick also works.
 
If your AC works good, I'll leave the AC system untouched.
 

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