Hole in my condensor/radiator

2lo

Not a happy camper here.

I took my z to the dealer because there was no cold air blowing out from the a/c. I get a call a little while and they say there is a small hole in my condensor probably caused by a rock while driving. Cost is about $1650 to replace the condensor (said its part of the radiator now).

Anyone have this happen to them and if so, anyone have a solution to this?

Thanks in advance

iceman21_23

best bet is to go through insurance...

11Thumper

Courtesy Nissan (online) sells a new radiator for about $750 plus shipping. If you have a hole that means you've already released AC chemicals into the atmosphere, so you're probably ok just removing everything yourself.

$750 for a radiator, $20 for engine coolant, $40 for AC chemicals, $7 for a 6-pack of beer and an afternoon of fun is all you really need.

Knock this puppy out on your own. It's easy too!

Montez

Try this site, they usually sell parts for way way way less than the dealer RockAuto Auto Parts

Trips

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jaedub

or order yourself the part and have a local auto shop fix it for you to save trouble. Cuz $1650 is just playing plain

Or just work it out with the insurance

GL with the repair

Spencer@Z1

Sounds like time for an upgrade at that cost.

The CSF Aluminum Radiator Condenser Combo units have been great for us.


Either way sorry to hear it, repairs are never the fun way to spend money on your car.

tommyguns

[QUOTE=11Thumper;1090033]Courtesy Nissan (online) sells a new radiator for about $750 plus shipping. If you have a hole that means you've already released AC chemicals into the atmosphere, so you're probably ok just removing everything yourself.

$750 for a radiator, $20 for engine coolant, $40 for AC chemicals, $7 for a 6-pack of beer and an afternoon of fun is all you really need.

Knock this puppy out on your own. It's easy too!

It's not that easy. The system must be evacuated using an evacuation pump that also has an inline drier on it to remove any moister that may now be in the system due to the fact that it is now open to the atmosphere. You can do the replacing of the radiator but as far as the evacuating and charging of the system, I would take it to a professional. You don't want to over charge and blow the compressor. JMO

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11Thumper

It's easy not to overcharge. Get a gauge to use while filling it up. The chemicals all come in the same can to my knowedge. Still, if it's best for the car he can do the labor and pay the $100 or so to have the dealer charge the system. The point was he can do a lot of it himself.

Or...roll down the windows and it's free!

kenchan

+1 yep, unless you have the time, tools, and experience, just take it up to you insurance, and have them send you a check later. all you'll probably need to do is make one phonecall to the adjuster send him the quote and pictures (if any) and walla.

you pay for the repair, get a check in the mail.

11Thumper

I've never considered this in the past. Does it work for rock chips in the bumper and hood too? My S2000 wants some new nail polish.

MelloYello

I just had this same exact thing happen to me last week. Turn on A/C, no cold air. Went to the dealer. I'm 1 month still within 36 month/36k warranty. They tell me a rock put a hole in the condenser and it'll be $1400 to fix. Sounds reasonable I suppose, but I'm concerned that they may be guessing and it may really be something else faulty. Then after they get me for $1400 for a new condenser (that may or may not have been the problem), it'll be something else.

Has anyone else had this happen (or something like it) and successfully filed an insurance claim for the repair? OP, what was the outcome of your situation? Did a new condenser fix the problem? Did insurance cover it? Suggestions, anyone?

daisuke149

its not that hard to test if there is a hole in your condensor area
take it to auto zone
they can test it for free by checking the pressure in the lines
if no pressure = leak.

MelloYello

Originally, I thought it must be the compressor since it wasn't kicking on when I hit the button. They said that if the pressure goes low enough a safety mechanism prevents the compressor from turning on and damaging the system. I agree it sounds like I lost freon, but would you take their word at just simply putting in a new condenser? It couldn't be leaking from some place else maybe or due to a faulty seal on something? Forgive my ignorance, I'm no mechanic. $1400 is a good chunk of change. I just want to be sure we're not throwing darts with a blindfold on. Could be I'm just paranoid of dealers. In short, you'd just suck it up and let them do the work? Thanks.

MattP725

I better get a rep for this!

BOOM! 370Z Radiator / Condenser Assembly Used