legacysti05 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 A warning for the community- I was driving on 95 yesterday and a big rock hit my A/C condenser. I've seen other post warning about this and I didn't think it would happened since I stay away from the dump trucks. Going to put a grill in the front so this doesn't happen again. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/02/21/d8bd4cd257596e7fda2e10f28546b680.jpg What do you guys think of this replacement? Have any of you guys use this company with success.. Any fitment or leak issues? I would like to install the condenser myself and bring it to the shop so they can evacuated and recharged it. Instead of the $900 bill from the dealership. Thanks for all your advice. If you guys recommend this condenser I will do a walk-through finding the easiest way to take it out with some pictures hopefully this will help the community if you run into this issue. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/02/21/0b2b3b63e3782069537a1c3c7cf7d6c8.jpg eBay- Kool Vue A/C Condenser -- KOOL VUE A/C CONDENSER, ALUMINUM, PARALLEL FLOW TYPE, FACTORY FINISH -- 100% Fit tested, 100% Leak tested" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SpecB_DE Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I've used that brand before and never had an issue. In order to replace that you must first evacuate the system. It looks like the accumulator is mounted on the condenser according to the pic. If it's not, you must also replace it when opening the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 I've used that brand before and never had an issue. In order to replace that you must first evacuate the system. It looks like the accumulator is mounted on the condenser according to the pic. If it's not, you must also replace it when opening the system. Thanks for your reply, Is the accumulator consider the dryer? Would I have to evacuated the system if everything leaked out from the puncture? Can I just take the old one out and put the new one in. Once I have the new one in can I just bring it to a shop and have them evacuate and recharge? The only components I need to get the fixed is a new dryer and condenser? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8lolsubie Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 AC repair can be very involved. When I do recharges at work, the right way is to evacuate the system everytime. Even if there is no puncture. In a nut shell, when the system is open or leaking, moisture gets in. The right way is to evacuate the system and remove all the atmosphere by putting it under vacuum for at least half an hour to an hour. Moisture/water in the system kills AC performance and damages components. Water boils out of the system at room temperature when placed under a vacuum, that's why we do it. So yes the right way to do it is to replace the part, add in the required amount of PAG oil for condenser replacement, put it under vacuum and then recharge it. Don't just throw it in and charge it, the AC will suck and not last. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 AC repair can be very involved. When I do recharges at work, the right way is to evacuate the system everytime. Even if there is no puncture. In a nut shell, when the system is open or leaking, moisture gets in. The right way is to evacuate the system and remove all the atmosphere by putting it under vacuum for at least half an hour to an hour. Moisture/water in the system kills AC performance and damages components. Water boils out of the system at room temperature when placed under a vacuum, that's why we do it. So yes the right way to do it is to replace the part, add in the required amount of PAG oil for condenser replacement, put it under vacuum and then recharge it. Don't just throw it in and charge it, the AC will suck and not last. Thanks for the information. It looks like the one in the link comes with the dryer. I probably need to order the gaskets unless the ac shop has them. I'm selling the vehicle since I bought the same vehicle with 11,000 miles. But I do not want to put a poor performing part in there. Anyone installed this aftermarket part in their subaru GT? Do not want to have problems for the new owner... Leaks or fitting issues. Would you guys recommend any shops in South Florida to evacuate and recharge the A/C ? Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SpecB_DE Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Definitely replace the o-rings when you install the condenser. Yes, the accumulator is also known as a dryer. Sometimes the condensers come with new o-rings but I can't remember if the Kool vues do or not. Like V8 stated, even if you think the system is empty it needs to all be evacuated. It might be in your best interest to have a shop do all the work. You can try supplying the parts to save some money but not all places like to use customer supplied parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted February 23, 2016 Author Share Posted February 23, 2016 08 & V8, I really appreciate your guys help. I ordered it will see if it comes in before the weekend. I will let you know how it works out. A lesson for all make sure you have a grill on. Found a local shop that would evacuate and recharge for 78+ Freon Thanks Jason Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 Arrived in good shape... Hopefully I can make some time on the weekend to get it installed. I will let you know how it turns out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkhttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/02/25/4093518df278c79391c0647a95724727.jpg http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/02/25/c4f4d3ba0cbd47085284b8c2e3eb5907.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 Are there different grades of R134A Freon... Is it okay for the shop to use what they normally have on site? Vehicle is a 2005 Legacy GT. I want to make sure whether there putting in provides the coldest AC since I live in Florida. Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snm95ls Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Different brands claim various benefits such as increased cooling performance, etc, but it is just marketing. The R134a that the shop has on site will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 snm95ls, Thanks.. I appreciate the help. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hkshooter Posted March 12, 2016 Share Posted March 12, 2016 Were you driving without a grille installed? I'm confused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted March 14, 2016 Author Share Posted March 14, 2016 Were you driving without a grille installed? I'm confused. Had the factory grill on the car. The factory grill has large openings this will allow rocks to come in and damaged the condenser. This has been fixed sorry for the delay in response busy at work. I will try to upload some pictures and walk through. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/13/1dc55e22aa0bf37af32454916a8aa214.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/13/67e192cf29e88e535ae480d87d16f3b2.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/13/c739cae49675163cd7e0161d6d8867f0.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/13/e991cf0997dca48e47be76fab835ba4c.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/13/d573b2d5dcd309603073a67a95ac1728.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/13/bbf874f330e04ca2e5088157213bcd27.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/13/7dd00b1b49a7f53be450eba6739353ea.jpg Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacysti05 Posted March 14, 2016 Author Share Posted March 14, 2016 Clean the radiator off since the condenser was out.. If you run into the problem you definitely want to find independent shop to get it evacuated and recharged. Saved hard earned money not going to the dealership! Dealership quoted me an outrageous 600 to $800 to get this fixed. I made a grill from Home Depot and will attach some pictures in the daylight. Always check your oil routinely. Picture attached.. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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