A/C condenser help
 

So I took my car to an AC place today cause the air hasnt been cold lately and the compressor isnt engaging so i figured I had a leak and needed a recharge. The lady comes out with an estimate of 1200+ because she says the condenser has a hole in it and mazda is the only ones who sell it at 700 bucks. And of course that includes the retrofit price and labor for replacing the condenser.

So I was just thinkin of buyin one of the new parrallel style condensers for 80 bucks and changing it myself and just takin it back for the retrofit ($150)(or even doin it myself with the write ups online).

My question is, if i could find someone who recharges the r-12, would the new style of condenser still work with it? or only with 134a? And if I cant find R-12 anywhere, would converting to 134a or freeze 12 be better? I could always get an original condenser on the classifieds here if i had to, but I just dont know if a parrallel flow one would work with r-12 or freeze 12.

why don't you post a want to buy in the classified section, a lot of the members remove their ac systems, so they can sell you a replacement for cheap, my guess is under $100

well i will do that if i can find someone who recharges r-12. but if not ill have to get a parallel style condenser (if i go 134a) that i can buy new for around the same price

Alot of places in Texas recharges r12. Just cost alot. Have you tried calling around?

A chain here in Dallas called Christian Brothers does it.

It would probably be still cheaper to buy the part used from Fritz Flynn and changing the o-rings for r-134 or staying with r12.

Do a search for Damonb and the pros and cons of the switch.

Thx for the tips. But since I have to replace my condenser (unless theres a way to patch holes in them), i just want to make sure r-12 would work with the new style parallel flow condensers just in case i do find someone who could refill it.

Quick question, is there anyway to replace the condenser without removing the bumper? If so, would it be better to go through the engine bay or have the car lifted and do it from the bottom?

I sent my old condenser to American Radiator, and they manufactured one just like the old one. . . came out real nice!

Ask for an estimate elsewhere. I took my 7 to a highly-acclaimed local A/C shop, and they gave me an estimate of $450. This included a new condenser (non-OEM), a new dryer (non-OEM), some new lines that were damaged, R-12 recharge, and labor.

:)

Well I already got a replacement condenser, and I got a quote of around 150 for a r-12 recharge, so I'm tryin maybe to just change the condenser myself.

$150 seems about right. A lot of people seem to think that R-12 is either unavailable, illegal, or super expensive. Pretty much every AC shop in the US will do an R-12 recharge and, while it is more expensive than R-134, it is far from unaffordable.