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[x25xe]

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!

[TheBoy]

I am always sceptical of such treatments...  ...though if the A/C specialist recommended one in particular ?  :-/

[Marks DTM Calib]

There are supposed to be some that work but.

They cant withstand a vac which needs to be pulled before a re-fill and how can you pull a good vac with a hole in the condenser hence

1) You pull a partial but leaky vac becuase there is a hole.

2) Then you fill with the leak sealer

Hence its only realy half a job but, might be acceptable.

[Taxi_Driver]

The car is 12 years old, and sorry to say, not worth very much.
You could easily spend more than the car is worth, but it depends how long you want to keep it for and how much its likely to cost to keep it on the road at MOT time.
ie no point spending £300-£400 on fixing the aircon if in a few months time say its gonna cost £500 to get it through an MOT and you decide to scrap it.

Also you have to way up how much for the sealant and regas compared with the replacement condensor/dryer.

Tough call.....  :-/ i know which way i would go

[x25xe]

Thanks for the replies.

Apparently, the sealant is "one that comes from the US and everyone is using it" like that is supposed to convince me that it is OK!

Mark, I share your views about the vac and I reckon that the system will not function at full efficiency.

Yep, I know that the car is not worth very much.  It is worth more to me than anyone else - I don't even know what it is worth to be honest.  I don't intend on selling it for the foreseeable future.  At this stage, I don't think that there will be any large expenses associated with the next MOT - hopefully!

It is a tough call, but I have a leaning towards doing the job correctly to be honest.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

[Martin_1962]

Older cars - well it comes to the point.

Do you want to keep it or get rid of it.

M reg is now getting on a bit. Do you want to sell it or do you want to keep it for a fwe more years?

If you want it get it done properly

[Elite Pete]

Thanks for the replies.

Apparently, the sealant is "one that comes from the US and everyone is using it" like that is supposed to convince me that it is OK!

Mark, I share your views about the vac and I reckon that the system will not function at full efficiency.

Yep, I know that the car is not worth very much.  It is worth more to me than anyone else - I don't even know what it is worth to be honest.  I don't intend on selling it for the foreseeable future.  At this stage, I don't think that there will be any large expenses associated with the next MOT - hopefully!

It is a tough call, but I have a leaning towards doing the job correctly to be honest.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

I take it that the garage has said the sealant is good, if they are that sure the sealant is the dogs danglies ask them to do the repair and you will pay them if it works

[Marks DTM Calib]

Plus, I consider a car I own that is in a known state of repair to be worth 500 ish more than the sale price......coz you know it and that in itself is worth money!

[Martin_1962]

Just because a car cost £100 is not a reason to not spend more than the purchase price keeping it going.

1 rusty banger, 2 cills, 2 arches, 2 wings and you get a tidy litle car

[TheBoy]

Plus, I consider a car I own that is in a known state of repair to be worth 500 ish more than the sale price......coz you know it and that in itself is worth money!

unless its a tractor.....