punctured the A/C condenser - Need inputs please
06-28-2010, 09:16 PM
#1
punctured the A/C condenser - Need inputs please
So while i did a little research but couldnt find a definent answer for what i was looking for. I put a small hole in my A/C condenser while pulling out my motor the other day and am in need of a replacement unit. I had a hart attack when i found out how much a replacement unit was from toyotoa so i started looking for a cheaper option. First place i looked was at autozone. They asking about $200 for a new one. I then took a look on ebay and found some for around $100. That fits my budget better as im now pretty low on cash with my build and need to keep the A/C but will they work correctly? Has anyone used a unit from ebay and had success with it or are they just junk? Inputs would be great as i need a cheap fix here.
06-29-2010, 01:16 AM
#4
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can you post a pic??? i had a hose clamp fail on a intercooler pipe a couple years back, and the i/c pipe smacked a small hole in my radiator. i covered it with some jb weld, let it cure over night, and it has held strong to this day.
06-29-2010, 06:23 AM
#5
i can get a pic but it realy wont be necessary. The hole is so small you cant really see it. But when i punctured it you could here a quite small hiss coming out of the hole. Took overnight for it to finally run out of freon. I can see JB welding a radiator working great but were talking about alot more pressure inside the condenser. I really dont see jb weld holding up to the pressure of a condenser even with the small damage it did. Id prefer to do a legit fix by replacing the unit or maybe if its possible for a radiator shop to repair it. I should probably look into that. Anyways back to topic here. What do ya think about going the ebay condenser route for under $100?
06-29-2010, 01:01 PM
#6
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i can get a pic but it realy wont be necessary. The hole is so small you cant really see it. But when i punctured it you could here a quite small hiss coming out of the hole. Took overnight for it to finally run out of freon. I can see JB welding a radiator working great but were talking about alot more pressure inside the condenser. I really dont see jb weld holding up to the pressure of a condenser even with the small damage it did. Id prefer to do a legit fix by replacing the unit or maybe if its possible for a radiator shop to repair it. I should probably look into that. Anyways back to topic here. What do ya think about going the ebay condenser route for under $100?
Get it welded.. Its ALM
06-29-2010, 01:26 PM
#7
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a small hole jb weld will seal just fine. Just make it about a 1/4in thick and an inch diameter around the hole you will have no problems.
While jb weld has no little strength vs torque its strength vs compression is amazing.
While jb weld has no little strength vs torque its strength vs compression is amazing.
06-30-2010, 06:43 PM
#18
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I doubt you are going to be able to weld that properly. The aluminum will be contaminated with PAG oil which is inside your AC system to lubricate the compressor. It's mixed with the refrigerant.
Aluminum is pourous, cast or not, and oil soaks in, you can clean it all day and you will still not get the oil out of the material. Once you hit it with the TIG torch it will heat the material up and oil will seep out of the pores contaminating your welds.
Aluminum is pourous, cast or not, and oil soaks in, you can clean it all day and you will still not get the oil out of the material. Once you hit it with the TIG torch it will heat the material up and oil will seep out of the pores contaminating your welds.
