I have a Chevy Cavalier - 1998 model (2.4L). My A/C quit working recently and I took it in for repairs. The technician could not locate the problem and inserted a dye into the system and refilled the coolant. The A/c quit again in a couple of days. I am told that the Condenser has a hole in it and the coolant is leaking out from there. The compressor seems to be okay. I have been advised to replace the condenser - which is quite expensive. I was wondering if there is any way to fix this hole in the condenser... without having to replace it. I am looking for a temporary fix.... Any ideas/ suggestions would be appreciated.
If you took it to a technician, and he couldn't locate the problem...
Either you do not have a hole in the condenser, or the technician has an extra hole in his head.
Especially when using a dye to locate leaks, a hole in the condenser would be VERY easy to spot.
So either it's not there, or the tech is an idiot and shouldn't be working on AC systems.
Take it to another shop, let a qualified professional inspect it (usually free or minimal labor charge) and get an accurate diagnosis.
-Ferrite
The condensor might be able to be welded, since it's similiar to a radiator.
Rob
Sold 2/2/05
Like redgote suggested, call to a radiator shop and ask them if they repair them, or even maybe to a HVAV place.
As for you comments ferrite, not everyone in the world is as smart as you, and have you ever seen refridgerant
(sp?)? No, it is not visible and for all you know it could be in a spot on the condensor that is not easily seen.
Quote:
not everyone in the world is as smart as you
You're certainly right about that!!
As for seeing refridgerant, that is why technicians use a DYE...so it CAN be seen.
And any competent technician that has been trained to diagnose AC problems would be able to find a hole, no matter the size or location, in a condenser. It really is that simple if you know what you're doing.
So, as I said, either there is not a hole, or the technician that did a dye check and didn't find it isn't qualified to be doing that work.
And if that's the case, he should get it properly diagnosed before doing anything else.
-Ferrite
as for the welding idea.... i really wouldnt try that theres no such thing as a cheap fix that wont cause you problems later besides you know what happens when you heat up refrigirant right?
He said that the tech couldn't find the hole, so dye was put into the system then they found the hole in the condenser
the sad thing is he filled it back up with R134 wich he shouldnt have done since he knew there was a leek in the system. and last i checked. its illegal to let R134 and R12 off in to the atmosphere. so ill settle for idiocy, and him not being able to find the hole. anways. find out if they will install a condensor you bring them. cause if they can. i would try a junkyard for a condensor.
