My AC went south a year and a half ago. I had been out of town during the really sticky days, so I decided I would just put off fixing it. Especially since I had an estimate of over $1K to fix it (Mazda was quoting me the early model condensor vs. the low price one I needed.)

This summer has been too hot to be without the air. In addition, I hate the way the windshield fogs with no way to clear it except with a rag, and the exhaust fumes from highway speeds with the roof and the windows open bacame unbearable.

So, I plunked down the $305 to get a new condensor from the dealer.

Total time for the replacement of the condensor was 1/2 hour.

The only problem I have with this job is that the system requires 4.9 to 5.1 ounces of oil to run properly. Without taking the entire system apart, I have no idea how much oil was in there to start so I am hoping that the amount of oil included in the refrigerant will prove to be enough. I'd hate to have to replace the compressor soon because the oil volume was not right.

 

I believe it would be empty if you replaced the condensor since it would release everything once disconnected.

 

Not true whatsoever.

The majority of the oil is sitting in the compressor. Only any oil that had mixed with the coolant would have escaped through leaks.

I had to take my AC system apart for the v-mount install. I had the freeze-12 sucked out. When I was moving the compressor, oil leaked out of it.