Swapping AC Condenser

[Sporin]

My AC Condenser (that's the radiator-looking piece that sits in front of the radiator) has a leak so I got the part and plan to swap it out myself.

This video makes it look pretty easy.... what am I missing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjEf_JHzqe8

I'll then have my shop do a proper, full evac and refrigerant refill and cross my fingers that the rest of the system is still in working order.

Thoughts? Advice?

 

[Sporin]

For anyone interested, this is a simple, 1 Banana job on my 05 V6 sport.

Remove the plastic that covers the top of that area. It's a bunch of plastic clips you just pop out with a screwdriver.

There are six, 10mm bolts holding it in place then a top and bottom, 10mm bolt + o-ring connections on the driver's side.

Then it slides right out the bottom.

My only issue was that I discovered where my coolant has been going, as you'll see in the last pics.

Now I need to replace my radiator. :flypig: Rad was still filled to the top and the truck has never overheated, so I'm lucky the crack is at the very top. it just drains the overflow tank.

Could be worse, could have been losing all that coolant in the combustion chamber.

 

[V8Man]

Check to make sure the condensor you get has a desiccant bag in it. Some do some you buy separate.

 

[Morphyne]

Sorry I missed this. Yes this is a pretty straightforward operation. And you are double right about having a qualified shop charge your system.

 

[Sporin]

Check to make sure the condensor you get has a desicant bag in it. Some do some you buy separate.

hmmmmm... I didn't even check that.

 

[mchestnut]

Hey Sporin -

Thanks for the write up. I'm needing to perform the same service on my rig, and just wondering if anything additional has come up for you since completing this on yours, or if you had any further suggestions prior to launching the project?

I'm considering killing 3 birds with one stone:

1. Replace AC Condenser: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CKN22...UTF8&colid=IRMP2AM9LGZP&coliid=I29OUEXZCQG7HY

2. Add Transmission Cooler while I'm at it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C3DDE...UTF8&colid=IRMP2AM9LGZP&coliid=I2YBJL1ISRD8VP

3. Replace Radiator: https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Prem...8&ymm=2004:toyota:4runner&tag=amazonquery3-20

Thanks!

 

[mchestnut]

Hey Sporin, Morphyne, and V8Man -

Just checking back to see if you had any thoughts on my plan above, anything is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!