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General Discussion Area / Air Conditioning Woes
« on: 13 September 2007, 11:02:53 »
OK, this is not on the Omega, but the Cavalier, hence posting in here.
My condenser has a pinhole leak in it and the A/C is, obviously, not working.
I took it to my local A/C outfit (not Kwik Fit) who have suggested using an A/C sealant rather than replacing the condenser. He based this on the following:
1. The car is a 95 M plate and, in his opinion, "not worth spending much on". However, it is in good condition, everything works and I want to keep it that way.
2. The front bumper has to come off in order to access the condenser.
3. In the past, the car has been fitted with a non OE condenser and receiver / dryer. The receiver / dryer is no longer available and apparently the pipes were modified for this non OE part to fit.
4. To put this right will cost a good deal in labour charges.
Now, my heart says that really, I should have new parts fitted and get the job done properly. However, my head says that in view of the above, perhaps it may be better to use the sealant although I have never really trusted these "treatments". Owing the the non availability of the receiver / dryer putting the sealant in and regassing means that the old receiver / dryer will still be in the system - this is now three years old and probably nearing the end of it's useful life which I have no doubt is being shortened due to the pin hole leak and moisture penetrating the system.
What would you peeps do in my situation and does anyone have any experience of these types of sealant?
Thanks in advance and sorry the the large post!
My condenser has a pinhole leak in it and the A/C is, obviously, not working.
I took it to my local A/C outfit (not Kwik Fit) who have suggested using an A/C sealant rather than replacing the condenser. He based this on the following:
1. The car is a 95 M plate and, in his opinion, "not worth spending much on". However, it is in good condition, everything works and I want to keep it that way.
2. The front bumper has to come off in order to access the condenser.
3. In the past, the car has been fitted with a non OE condenser and receiver / dryer. The receiver / dryer is no longer available and apparently the pipes were modified for this non OE part to fit.
4. To put this right will cost a good deal in labour charges.
Now, my heart says that really, I should have new parts fitted and get the job done properly. However, my head says that in view of the above, perhaps it may be better to use the sealant although I have never really trusted these "treatments". Owing the the non availability of the receiver / dryer putting the sealant in and regassing means that the old receiver / dryer will still be in the system - this is now three years old and probably nearing the end of it's useful life which I have no doubt is being shortened due to the pin hole leak and moisture penetrating the system.
What would you peeps do in my situation and does anyone have any experience of these types of sealant?
Thanks in advance and sorry the the large post!