Hole in Condenser

[Lynn_F]

So I had my first true dumbass moment on the Gladiator this weekend...I accidentally poked a small hole in my A/C condenser. I've no experience with damage/repairs to a condenser. I looked up a new one and its ~$650 for the part alone. I have 2 questions: Is there a way to patch it? Do I need to repair it immediately or can it wait until Spring?

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[turd fergusen]

So I had my first true dumbass moment on the Gladiator this weekend...I accidentally poked a small hole in my A/C condenser. I've no experience with damage/repairs to a condenser. I looked up a new one and its ~$650 for the part alone. I have 2 questions: Is there a way to patch it? Do I need to repair it immediately or can it wait until Spring?

If you leave it until spring you will have to replace a lot more than the condenser. moisture getting in the system will ruin the dehydrator and harm the seals on the compressor and the meter valve. Just bite the bullet and get it fixed.

 

[Klutch]

Ouch! Yeah, that's a tough one. The repair will involve replacing the condenser, applying vacuum to the system to get all the air out, then reintroducing refrigerant. You'll have to pay for the new condenser, the refrigerant and the labor.

Since it's not a warranty repair, I would recommend finding a GOOD local, independent shop to do the repair. Likely, the cost will be half what a dealer would charge.

Good luck.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Get it fixed.

I was lucky on my car I did the engine transplant in. The engine was a 94 Jeep engine with the Jeep compressor, the car was an 82 and the AC had been empty for a few years, but sealed. It's been fine for years since I replaced the receiver/dryer and evacuated it and filled with R134a
I do my own HVAC work on mine and other cars from the last century - I agree - don't let it sit open.

 

[Casique]

Get ready for probably $2K....

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Get ready for probably $2K....

Yeah - could be. I paid over 600 to have a couple fittings and line welded and the receiver dryer for my system and told them to just finish the job since my tools were old tech. So if parts are needed, the labor, dryer, etc. - I could see 2 grand happening.

 

[Lynn_F]

Welp...a somewhat happy ending. After what I heard hear and saw on the internets I was resigned to paying $1000+ to get my condenser replaced. I called my dealership first just to see what they'd quote me because they have a shuttle service and I wouldn't have to miss work. The service rep quoted me $457...I didn't check anywhere else. They had to order the part and that took a few days to come in. When it finally came in dropped my truck off and was told i could pick it up that afternoon. They called and said that the condenser was received damaged and that there were no more in stock. I waited another week and it came in on Friday. I dropped it off today and the repair was made. I went to pick it up and was told that they had forgotten to quote me for the freon recharge and associated labor. They only charged me for the freon and offered to repair my dent on the tailgate for free. Condenser replaced and scratch free dent repair for $762. Not too bad

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Welp...a somewhat happy ending. After what I heard hear and saw on the internets I was resigned to paying $1000+ to get my condenser replaced. I called my dealership first just to see what they'd quote me because they have a shuttle service and I wouldn't have to miss work. The service rep quoted me $457...I didn't check anywhere else. They had to order the part and that took a few days to come in. When it finally came in dropped my truck off and was told i could pick it up that afternoon. They called and said that the condenser was received damaged and that there were no more in stock. I waited another week and it came in on Friday. I dropped it off today and the repair was made. I went to pick it up and was told that they had forgotten to quote me for the freon recharge and associated labor. They only charged me for the freon and offered to repair my dent on the tailgate for free. Condenser replaced and scratch free dent repair for $762. Not too bad

I need to move to Texas..........

 

[Troybilt]

Op I am so glad thing work out ok for you. Now that the hard part is over and things are back to normal do you mind telling us how you poked a hole in it so that we can point and laugh at you. If it is to soon we will understand

 

[Lynn_F]

Let's just say the hole was about the size of a 3/16" drill bit...

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Op I am so glad thing work out ok for you. Now that the hard part is over and things are back to normal do you mind telling us how you poked a hole in it so that we can point and laugh at you. If it is to soon we will understand

I won't laugh - I was installing a large mirror on one of my tractors a few years back - hey, the corner of the cab is a great location, just right. I needed to monitor some new equipment for my spraying rig on my planter.
So I hold it up to the cab, mark the spots for the holes, lay it down and start drilling.
HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Oh, crap!
AC line ran down through the left front cab pillar, right along the inside of the outer wall of the "A pillar" of that cab. Not along the inner area as expected. THAT was expensive!

 

[Troybilt]

Let's just say the hole was about the size of a 3/16" drill bit...

Ok. Im pointing but not laughing yet

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