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Hi All,
I was hoping someone out there has good knowledge of A/C systems...
My recently bought 2005 Federal Elise had not been used for a few years, so when the A/C wasn't working, I thought a re-gas will fix it. When it was re-gassed, they also put in dye too, to see if there were leaks in the system.
When I had to take the front clam off to replace a cracked radiator :crazyeyes, I got the garage to check the condenser with a UV lamp. With the unit off the car, it was possible to confirm it’s not cracked or stone damaged. However there were signs of overall light corrosion and some of these areas showed-up with the UV lamp (mostly a few small spots, with one larger spot about 5mm square).
I got the impression from the workshop manager that if access to the condenser was easy, he’d re-fit it until the corrosion was worse, but with the car apart, he suggested now is the time to replace it. Also, with the system opened the manager explained that the drier would need to be replaced and any ‘O’ Rings that were disturbed.
I check with a UK Lotus dealer (there are no Lotus dealers in the Middle East) and they suggested that if the condenser needed replacing, the drier does not automatically need replacing too...:shrug:
So, based on the above should I go a head and order a new condenser ($$$), drier & 'O' rings ? Or just the condenser & 'O' rings? Or are the condenser UV traces too minor to worry about and could I get away with just new 'O' rings?
Thanks for your advice in advance :bow: (I know it's tricky without seeing the car). I'd like to get-on and order the parts so the car can be re-assembled, but don't fancy taking off the front clam again if I make the wrong decision.
Cheers
Sean
I was hoping someone out there has good knowledge of A/C systems...
My recently bought 2005 Federal Elise had not been used for a few years, so when the A/C wasn't working, I thought a re-gas will fix it. When it was re-gassed, they also put in dye too, to see if there were leaks in the system.
When I had to take the front clam off to replace a cracked radiator :crazyeyes, I got the garage to check the condenser with a UV lamp. With the unit off the car, it was possible to confirm it’s not cracked or stone damaged. However there were signs of overall light corrosion and some of these areas showed-up with the UV lamp (mostly a few small spots, with one larger spot about 5mm square).
I got the impression from the workshop manager that if access to the condenser was easy, he’d re-fit it until the corrosion was worse, but with the car apart, he suggested now is the time to replace it. Also, with the system opened the manager explained that the drier would need to be replaced and any ‘O’ Rings that were disturbed.
I check with a UK Lotus dealer (there are no Lotus dealers in the Middle East) and they suggested that if the condenser needed replacing, the drier does not automatically need replacing too...:shrug:
So, based on the above should I go a head and order a new condenser ($$$), drier & 'O' rings ? Or just the condenser & 'O' rings? Or are the condenser UV traces too minor to worry about and could I get away with just new 'O' rings?
Thanks for your advice in advance :bow: (I know it's tricky without seeing the car). I'd like to get-on and order the parts so the car can be re-assembled, but don't fancy taking off the front clam again if I make the wrong decision.
Cheers
Sean