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[RolandL]

My AirCon, has packed up again,     was regassed last year, has been fine until now.  I suspect it may be a problem with condenser as appears to have some damage to it.

Has anyone replaced a condenser themselves, if so,

How did you do it ?

How long did it take

and

Was it a straightforward job.

[Robin Hood]

Yes, just done mine and it was reasonably straightforward.  The hardest part was reinstalling the radiator around the new condenser pipes – which was easier after I removed the battery and  air box.

Took about 4 hours but then I wasn’t rushing it.

[RolandL]

Yes, just done mine and it was reasonably straightforward.  The hardest part was reinstalling the radiator around the new condenser pipes – which was easier after I removed the battery and  air box.

Took about 4 hours but then I wasn’t rushing it.

so the you have to take the radiator out to remove the condenser, was hoping that once the condenser is disconnected it could be taken out from beneath.    Where did you order your condenser fron ?

Nottinghams not far from Doncaster  

[Robin Hood]

Don’t think you will be able to drop it – there’s a drier attached to the front.  

Ended up getting my condenser/drier from Euro Car Parts (Nottingham) £158 inc. retail.  Had previously bought from AutoKool (via Ebay) but had problems with the quality - http://217.155.56.220/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1183027395

[RolandL]

Update......Update......Update....

Aircon guy came round earlier and pressure  tested the system, lost 10psi in 20 mins. He used a special gas sniffer to hunt down the leak, finally located it on the front of the condenser ( not the area I ecpected)    he did say it was a small leak.  Cost £40

Now the interesting bit.  He has said the cheapest place for a new condenser is a firm in Sheffield, around £85.  I asked him about a drier, and he said that given that the system has not been down for a long period, and it is a very slow leak, I wouldn't need one.  So I have asked him to price up the job for me, will let you know the result when I get it.  

He has also said that when the new condenser is in place (whether he fits it or not) that he will regas the system for £20.

I had budgeted for £150 for the parts, will be interesting to see how much he is going to charge for the job

[x25xe]

If it were me, I would also have the receiver / dryer replaced although I understand what the aircon guy is saying about the system not being down for long.

[markrl]

I agree you'd be crazy to replace the Condenser without also replacing the Receiver Drier. A new OEM Receiver Drier sold on ebay for last week for £5. Someone got a bargain, only wish I'd put in a bid now