More air conditioner help - selection of condensor / other suggestions for system been empty a while?

[SC Maintenance]

My next attempt at AC repair. My daughter drove my 2008 Xterra into someone. By all measures it should have been junked but I couldn't bear the thought and I have it almost fixed. I am just figuring out the airbag system now and the last after that is AC - so I need to accumulate some parts. (pun intended).

I will need a condenser. My options below. OEM is on backorder.

Second question - the high pressure line is an all metal line highlighted below and it got pretty bent when the condenser got pushed in. I feel like I should get a new one rather than just trying to bend it back? Should I buy an OEM one $100 online assuming they can ship it without getting bent - $150 local - or should I just try to pull a used one from the local pull a part. Its just a metal line?

Lastly - is there anything else I should do? System has been empty for now 4 months. When I did pull the old condenser out I wrapped the end of the lines with silicon tape so they wouldn't get anything in them - but obviously there was condensation in there already. I plan to pull a good long vacuum before refill? Add the proper amount of oil. Anything else?

Any other suggestions are appreciated! Thank you.

 

[researcher]

I can't answer all the questions. but about the condenser? I'd go with TYC. When I did that for my old Civic the a/c actually got colder, why? TYC had made the heat sink fins larger so more heat was being removed from the system compared to OEM! Maybe that isn't the case with your Nissan but that sort of re-design thinking won me over! Plus the quality wasn't bad, no it wasn't OEM but it was good quality and the price was excellent!

that's my 2 cents..

 

[thescreensavers]

Yes id replace the high pressure line if it got damaged. TYC or CSF would be good options on what's pictured. The drier which you'd replace on an open system is part of the condenser so you are good there.

Id also check the FSM for how much oil to add when replacing the condenser but sounds like you are on it!

 

[Nukeman7]

I'm back to help again SCM!

I agree that the TYC condenser would be the choice given that the Xterra is well worn and the TYC has a lifetime warranty. I also like the CSF unit, but it only has a 1 yr. limited warranty. Both units come with the new integrated drier, so moisture won't be a concern after drawing a deep vacuum for an hour.

As for the aluminum hard line, I suggest that you go to the local Pick-n-Pull scrapyard and get one from a junker unit. This will also give you the opportunity to practice on the "mockup" vehicle before you actually do it on your daughter's Xterra. As always, use new o-rings with the Nylog blue sealant.

The only other advice is to drain and measure the amount of PAG 46 oil from the old parts to get an idea of how much to add to the new condenser/drier assembly.

 

[CarbonToast]

TYC, and I would probably bend the line back and if it felt solid run it. If it felt "plasticity" buy a new one.

Use a scale to weigh the cans and get a accurate charge weight. You want the optimal charge amount not too much over / under spec.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I'm back to help again SCM!

Great to have your help again!

The only other advice is to drain and measure the amount of PAG 46 oil from the old parts to get an idea of how much to add to the new condenser/drier assembly.

Oops - I threw that out already. Learn as you go.

Manual says 2.5 oz. Entire system holds 6.1 oz. Guess I will use that.

 

[The Critic]

Whatever you do, do not install the new drier until you're ready to vacuum and recharge the system.

 

[SC Maintenance]

So to close this off I finally got around to replacing the parts and refilling the system. Blowing cold for now.

High pressure floating between 200 and 225. Low between 40 and 50. Outlet temp with engine at about 1500 RPM is about 49F. It was 88F out today.

 

[researcher]

So to close this off I finally got around to replacing the parts and refilling the system. Blowing cold for now.

High pressure floating between 200 and 225. Low between 40 and 50. Outlet temp with engine at about 1500 RPM is about 49F. It was 88F out today.

what brand of parts did you finally decide to use? Good to hear it's working great!

 

[SC Maintenance]

what brand of parts did you finally decide to use? Good to hear it's working great!

I went with CSF condenser. The TYC they wanted like $40 to ship. The CSF ended up being much cheaper.

I just re-used the lines/hoses. The one is a little bent but they seem to be working. I replaced all the O-Rings obviously.

I also had to replace the pressure switch and went OEM on that. I didn't find anything on RA for a aftermarket switch?

I bought a OEM condenser fan. Then I dropped it taking it out of the box and cracked the cage I epoxied it back together but it likely won't last so I went ahead and bought a TYC one to replace it. Its pretty easy to swap - I don't have to depressurize anything.

 

[researcher]

I went with CSF condenser. The TYC they wanted like $40 to ship. The CSF ended up being much cheaper.

I just re-used the lines/hoses. The one is a little bent but they seem to be working. I replaced all the O-Rings obviously.

I also had to replace the pressure switch and went OEM on that. I didn't find anything on RA for a aftermarket switch?

I bought a OEM condenser fan. Then I dropped it taking it out of the box and cracked the cage I epoxied it back together but it likely won't last so I went ahead and bought a TYC one to replace it. Its pretty easy to swap - I don't have to depressurize anything.

thanks for the update, ya I agree that's crazy to pay $40 for a condenser. Glad it's all working well now!