Air con fault - culprit found

Air con stopped cooling so had it leak tested (no leak found on 1hr pressure test) and then regassed. Worked for a couple of weeks, then cooling gradually disappeared over a few weeks. After looking on this forum decided to have alook at the condensors, so removed the PU and lo and behold an obvious green leak on the near side condensor as shown in the photo. The other side looks slightly damp green as well, second photo. So, next job is to replace the condensors. Questions though are: Is it simply a straight swap and then arrange a regas? Is there anything special I need to know about, like how to seal the joints? Is an OEM relacement the best option? Advice appreciated.

condensors i would try get from eurocarparts or another supplier as they are hella type and same as genuine.... you need to get the system recovered and vacuumed down before removing them, and if you go by porsche protocol then you should replace the drier aswell after opening the system up to atmosphere but we never did whilst i was at opc . you could replace the seals on the condensors just the four of them if you want to do it as is but again your choice..

I would replace the seals as they will likely only cost a few pence, you can see from your pictures that there isn't much involved in their removal. I would check the coolant rads when the condensors are removed as they could be in a similar condition.

Thanks for that. Just wondering what's the point of getting the gas recovered, a) because most of it's likely leaked away and b) the system will need to be refilled anyway? Is it an environmental issue?

Yes its a requirement as part of the environmental controls. but in your case if they do it then it will be very quick and will not make any difference. Changing the condensors is not rocker science but as said you need to be very careful with the seals and as advice I would get all the little bits and pieces including seals etc replaced as well to make sure if fits properly and you have no leak Theo

Anyone know the seals that are required? I need to do this job this week and its always easier having the bits before taking it to bits!... Many thanks! Oli

You just need 4 'O' Rings, part number 999.707.434.41 at £1.36 each inc VAT from an OPC. There is one on each union where it bolts to the rad.

thanks, you da man! :thumb: Did i read somewhere its good to oil them too?

While we're in this area - can someone please point me in the direction of a link on how to remove the PU on a face lifted 3.6 C2 996? I think that it might be high time that I vacuumed out the leaves! I don't want to end up with similar problems! Thanks.

:thumb:

Thanks Stuart. Do you think that it'll be possible to apply something to the inner surfaces of the condensers and rads to stop then from rusting? Maybe something like WD40....or isn't it a wise thing to do?

http://www.rejel.com/product/8567.aspx ......spray around rad edges only, front and back and about two inches of the bottom, best not cover main body, not really necessary either, very powerful corrosion inhibitor.

Thanks! Flippin' heck! Do you think that could be used on my wheels? You may have inadvertently discovered the product for wheel-waxing there!! It certainly won't melt off like the normal stuff does after a few miles!

would be great wouldn't it, unfortunately not, the product leaves a very slight darkish lair not noticeable on anything 'under' a vehicle but wont cut it on wheels or shiny parts, be sure to let it go off for half a day before driving, when tacky will collect dust and bits which will become embedded forever. also while messin' with rads and stuff give any hose clips a quick squirt.

As stated it is a requirement and should you have some unruly neighbours then it could cost you dearly for venting it to atmosphere £20,000 or jail time was the last i heard but never heard of anyone getting this... as for the other , oiling the seals is a good idea but only with a aircon PAG oil