Spectra AC Condensers

[motorcity]

Anyone have any recent experience with Spectra A/C condenser's Good or bad?

 

[chemman]

I had to replace the factory condenser 2 years ago in our 99 Buick Century and I used a Spectra Premium A/C condenser. It fit fine, everything matched up as it should and it's worked properly. No complaints from me.

 

[kschachn]

Same here. Sometimes that’s the only brand you can get for older equipment.

 

[partspro]

just check the condenser is not bent, unfortunately, when parts are delivered shrink wrapped on pallets, Radiators, and Condensers sometimes were kinda bent, twisted, just messed up.

 

[kschachn]

just check the condenser is not bent, unfortunately, when parts are delivered shrink wrapped on pallets, Radiators, and Condensers sometimes were kinda bent, twisted, just messed up.

Absolutely. I just bought one for the Accord and it was bowed like you say. I sent it back to Rockauto and got a Denso instead. That one fit.

 

[2009Caraman]

I installed Spectra heater core in a Grand caravan 2 years ago. Perfect fit and no probs yet.

 

[zzyzzx]

I installed two Spectra radiators (in two different cars) and would buy again.

 

[partspro]

The problem that i noted was shipping damage as in bending,i have seen them bow and also be kinda slipped end to end

 

[Chris142]

The problem that i noted was shipping damage as in bending,i have seen them bow and also be kinda slipped end to end

Easily straightened

 

[partspro]

Easily straightened

Bow maybe, but if you mount the condenser or radiator, and one side is more than 1inch lower it's trash IMHO

 

[kschachn]

Bow maybe, but if you mount the condenser or radiator, and one side is more than 1inch lower it's trash IMHO

Exactly. The one I got was bent enough that the mounting tabs were off by over an inch in two directions.

Besides I'm not going to try and bend back a brazed unit that might be cracked already only to find it leaks and have the vendor tell me "you bent it."

 

[Elroy the Brave]

I installed a Spectra Radiator in a van and it lasted approximately 3 years until failed, and I had to install a new one.

 

[GMBoy]

I avoid spectra premium parts because they are far from premium. I have been impressed by TYC, another low priced parts maker. I've installed several of their new alternators, starters as well as headlights and tail lights. Everything fit and functioned. I stopped using Spectra after 2 fuel pumps were dead on arrival and another failed 4 months later. I also got a condensor that was warped yet was in a box that had no damage. So my opinion is that they are too risky to use. When you want to save money and have a good chance of a quality product, I recommend TYC instead.

 

[zzyzzx]

The problem that i noted was shipping damage as in bending,i have seen them bow and also be kinda slipped end to end

My radiators were purchased locally.

 

[gonefishin]

I put a Spectrum Premium radiator CU2458 in my 2004 Trailblazer in April of '18. It fit great and has been keeping my truck cool now for years. Miles on truck = 213K.

 

[partspro]

Everybody has different experiences, I saw them bot bowed and out of level end to end, but i have to say i sold hundreds