23/01/2019
Now I'm going to enlighten you all a little about the AC CONDENSER, it's function and things that could go wrong with it and then various steps to be taken in solving its problems.
CONDENSER
Firstly what is a CONDENSER?
A CONDENSER is the "metal-like substance" made of aluminium which is directly in front of the radiator of all cars. Note that they look very similar to the radiator but are always slimmer/thinner than the radiators so you don't get to mix up things.
Its main function is "To convert AC gas (vapour that passes through it) into liquid form by cooling it through condensation and releases hot air into the atmosphere with the help of the well functioning fan blades behind the radiators.
Problems one could experience on a CONDENSER?
The condenser consists of a series of very tiny lines/pipes interwovenly connected throughout the condenser body and also fin-like openings very similar to that of the radiator which aids in proper heat exchange.
Now these tiny lines are what allows for gas to flow properly from the COMPRESSOR to the EVAPORATOR via the EXPANSION VALVE, note that these interwoven lines/pipes & fin-like openings are very delicate in a proper function of the condenser.
There are 2 major problems people often face in the condenser and these are;
1) BLOCKAGE 2) LEAKAGE
-BLOCKAGE: This can be caused by various disorders in the system such as debris from broken hoses or pipes, a malfunctioning compressor, an already opened system, sand, accumulated dust or a malfunctioning radiator fan and so in cases like this there are 2 things that can be done;
1) The condenser can either be flushed with an R-22 flushing gas (not so reliable in most critical cases) or
2) it must be replaced with a new one. Most AC technicians would advice you flush the CONDENSER or replace with the second hand ones (ie tokunbo) but there are no guarantees on that cos they might have had the same problems in the past and therefore have no second hand value, So it's advisable to replace with a brand new one.
-LEAKAGE: This can be caused by several reasons such as;
1) Since the AC CONDENSER is located in front of the radiator it is susceptible to minor accidents, bumps, potholes, improper handling, raised stones from tires and the likes. Now when either of these happens that results to breaking or cracking of the condensers "2" things can be done;
A) Broken parts can be welded by an aluminium welder if as a result of a minor accident or scratch/rub against any metallic object in the car depending on the point of damage though or;
B) It is advisable you change completely to a new one to avoid constant refilling of gas which is caused through leakage from the broken part
2) Since most of the modern day condensers are made of aluminium it (the CONDENSER) has a lifespan of at most 10 years from manufacturing date, so from the 5th year after manufacturing the AC CONDENSER is susceptible to leaking on its own due to weakness in aluminium made part and in cases like this there is only one thing to do & this is TO REPLACE IMMEDIATELY WITH A BRAND NEW ONE. No welder will be able to weld any condenser that leaks on its own so be guided.
Note: In most cases where the AC COMPRESSOR is to be changed it is most times adviced that the AC CONDENSER be replaced as well to prevent future problems such as a malfunctioning compressor due to debris remnant in the old condenser entering the newly replaced compressor.
I hope I've been able to enlighten you guys a little on how the AC CONDENSER works and its issues and solutions...? 🤔
I also promise to try to talk more on other AC parts from time to time and if you have any questions or complaints on past or current experiences then feel free to ask a question by simply dropping a comment.
THANKS
