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Re: Replace condenser on 2000 Toyota Sienna
On 11 Sep 2006 23:11:59 -0700, "clintonb@fflax.net"
<clintonb@fflax.net> wrote:
[color=blue]
>I have a Haynes manual that says it is a do-it-yourself job as long as
>a certifed a/c technician discharges before replacing the condenser and
>recharges it after.[/color]
Absolutely - you could in theory vent R-134 without lightning bolts
reaching down from the sky and zapping you to your great reward, but
it's the right thing to do.
Now R-12 they might do the recovery for free - because they want to
sell it back to you later at $60 a pound. Or more, haven't checked
the going rate lately.
[color=blue]
>One potential problem I see is disconnecting the lines to the
>condenser. It looks like there really is no room for me to disconnect
>the "liquid line" (Hayne's term). I wonder if I should try from
>underneath.[/color]
Haven't worked on that particular car, but as a general rule you
usually can get a straight shot at the fittings with wrenches somehow,
might taking removing or moving other items.
Get and use two of the proper flare fitting wrenches, one for the
nut, one backing up on the condenser fitting. If you don't, either
the line will twist and snap (Aluminum is not at all forgiving of
being bent, even once) or the fittings will round off the nuts.
[color=blue]
>Also, I've heard conflicting information on whether it is also
>necessary to replace the receiver/drier at the same time.[/color]
Whenever you have the system open for any length of time, or the
system has had a zero-leak and sat there empty for a few months (and
was 'breathing' moisture inside from the leak as the temperature
changed) you change the filter/drier.
A pro would have it all done and buttoned back up in an hour (and
kept the lines sealed well enough with tape during that hour) but you
most likely won't be done that fast.
Would be nice if they used separate (and cheap) refrigeration style
in-line filter/driers, but that's asking too much of car makers.
It only takes a few drops of moisture to saturate the drier
crystals, and then you have free water droplets wandering around
inside the system, causing mayhem (system freeze-ups) or damage.
--<< Bruce >>--
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