new radiator and condensor install

[Skully4]

Hey Everyone

I plan on installing a new radiator and ac condensor in a few weeks and wanted to ask if there were any serious things to watch out for. maybe the word here is TRICKY?

I am a very mechanical gal an just want to be mindful of my lovely Black 96 Avalon..are the fans difficult to take off ? what about the ac condensor..and as to the freon it is LONG GONE..wink

thanks everyone

[artbuc]

Depending on how long your freon has been gone, you may want to install a new drier. Make sure you add the right amount of compressor oil and the RIGHT type of oil. If you buy a Denso condenser it will come with Denso oil. Adding oil to the condenser is a big PITA. If you are installing a new drier, it is pretty east to add it there. Make sure you lube the O-rings with a little compressor oil.

Do you have a high quality 2 stage vac pump and gages to add replacement freon? You will want to evacuate the system and hold full vacuum for at least 20-30 minutes before charging.

[Skully4]

Thanks for your time and advice I will make sure to take care of it
the way you described.

yes I have the correct oil /amount where i got it from it was what the specs call 4 so i know I wont over fill . I did get a new reciever/dryer.

How do you fill it at the dryer?

Thanks again

[dyoungen]

Just curious, why did you change the radiator?

[The Digital MagE]

the place to get the drier is 1-800-radiator. $10 - !! their price on the condenser may "frost you" as well...

the drier - simply pour the oil into it before you put the lines on it.

[sjag]

Ha, I just did my condenser / dryer replacement today. I had to remove the right fan on the radiator to get the space necessary to get the condenser out. I also chose to go through the bottom versus pulling up through the top.

Couple things:
- Make sure the system is evac'd before you start. All the refrigerant - needs to be out!
- Most bolts I dealt with today were 10mm
- Get a pack of AC O rings for 6 bucks to replace any that are damaged
- DEFINITELY replace the receiver/dryer if you are doing the condenser. It is 23 bucks at autozone and a EZ fix. You will find it right under the left side of the battery.
- You may want to get an AC manifold gauge set and a vacuum pump if you plan to recharge the system when u get done.

Recharge - get a vacuum on the system by running a vacuum pump for about 30 minutes on the system.
I added 7-8 oz of oil while the engine was still off.
I started the engine at this point and turned the fan on low for about 5 minutes to equalize pressure.
Now set the fans to MAX AC. I then added a can of 1st charge which has R134a and 5oz. of additional drying agent. You can just add 1.8-2 lbs of refrigerant.

The replacement was all trial and error for me as I had never done this before. If this is your 1st time doing it as well I would plan on 4-6 hours as I was literally out there in the heat all day It made the cold AC that much more worth it lol.

96 XLS / 158K

Here is a decent reference:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=383641 - Decent DIY. Obviously the parts about getting to it are bunk as it is for a beamer, but the recharge info towards the end is spot on.

Good luck!

[The Digital MagE]

the ac in an avy will flat run you out of it, if it works right