[Smokinjoe73]

Ok so the new condenser came. The old one had a hole in it and the local radiator welder said to replace it.

So.....Do I have to remove the whole front end (the whole front plastic clip)?? I saw a vid on it and it looks a bit of a pain.
Also do I need new seals for the new condenser? Should it come with it?

Any help would be great on how to proceed.

 

[Bob Ricewasser]

The entire front clip should be removed. I would check and make sure you have new o-ring seals for the condensor. Your system should then be hooked up to an A/C charging station and evacuated, leak checked, and recharged with the proper amount of Pag oil added to the R-13A refrigerant.

 

[Smokinjoe73]

Thanks Bob that is what I thought but rock auto didn't have the o rings. How do I track them down since my laps didn't even have the condenser I cant picture it has the o rings.

 

[Bob Ricewasser]

You can buy a box of various size o-rings at an auto parts store, Harbor Freight or a hardware store. When you remove the old condenser, match up the o-rings. Be sure to put refrigerant oil on them before buttoning everything up. Then it is best to seek out an a/c shop who can put the system in a vacuum to make sure there are no leaks. I would leave the front clip off in case you find a leak.

 

[Smokinjoe73]

Ok so got front clip off but not obvious how condenser is held in. Is there a repair manual PDF on this site? Or can someone lmk how to detach the condenser?

 

[Bob Ricewasser]

Ok so got front clip off but not obvious how condenser is held in. Is there a repair manual PDF on this site? Or can someone lmk how to detach the condenser?

I would get a subscription to Evilution.com smart car encyclopedia. It costs around $15.00 USD. Also check out FQ101. Both of these websites are in the UK.

 

[jwight]

Here you go:

1	Capacitor
2	Refrigerant line
3	Nut
4	Catch

 

[Smokinjoe73]

Yeah I paid for the evolution subscription but it is not working. The pages come up blank.

 

[Bob Ricewasser]

Yeah I paid for the evolution subscription but it is not working. The pages come up blank.

Send Kane an e-mail and tell him about your issues with the website.

 

[Smokinjoe73]

Wow hard job. Got the whole new condenser in but cant get the 2 orings to pop in.

 

[Bob Ricewasser]

Did you lube the o-rings? Post a photo so we can see how the o-rings need to be fitted.

 

[Smokinjoe73]

Yes I always lube stuff like that. I took some pics of the job. First problem was the vid I saw said to take off side skirts to remove front clip but you don't need to and it adds a ton of work. You can bend the front of them back and get the ONE bolt off.
The condenser was removed straight down & out of car. I did need to remove the passngr headlight to gain access to the aluminum hoses but as stated still cant get o rings to seat. Car will sit the night half naked and I'll resume the job in the morning.

 

[Smokinjoe73]

Yes I am in contacted evolution to address the issue. He is trying to fix it. It just stinks to not have the pics and have had to wing it.

 

[Smokinjoe73]

Update, job done and AC blowing cold!. All in all easier than I thought. the front clip also easier than expected and found utube vid to see it done. Just remember to remount the side turn signal bulbs.
You DONT need to remove the whole side skirt, you can carefully bend it since you only need to remove 1 screw at the front of it.