Condensor Protection

[themoose06]

Hey all, my condensor looks like a small child was given a hammer and set free on it. Pretty sure its the reason why my a/c is toast. I'm thinking of custom fabbing a sort of screen in front of it to catch any debri that would otherwise be smashing into it. I have a GT/CS bumper now with no lower grille, so its going to need something there for protection. Thoughts?

 

[408Stang]

S281 Motorsports in California makes some pretty nice lower mesh grills for the Saleen bumpers. Maybe they have something that will fit your bumper as well

 

[07gts197]

As long as theres no holes in it and there is airflow across it I doubt thats why your ac isnt working. Mine failed a couple years ago due to my evaporator core somehow leaking. Whats it doing, not working at all or weak?

 

[TexasBlownV8]

If there's a puncture, it'll look wet or stained around the leaking area. It's not uncommon for rocks to hit a vein and then cause a leak.
If you do use anything, make sure it does not impede air flow. For example, something like a window screen would likely be too fine to let enough air pass through the stack of coolers and through the radiator.

 

[eighty6gt]

Just plan on replacing it occasionally.

I straightened all of the fins on mine with a fin comb and a pick. Then I put a big huge intercooler rad in front of it.

 

[themoose06]

S281 Motorsports in California makes some pretty nice lower mesh grills for the Saleen bumpers. Maybe they have something that will fit your bumper as well

I'll check them out, but I keep finding these lower grilles so be simple and overpriced. I want the simple part, but not willing to pay more than $50 for a lower grille. If its more than I'd just make my own or leave it

 

[themoose06]

As long as theres no holes in it and there is airflow across it I doubt thats why your ac isnt working. Mine failed a couple years ago due to my evaporator core somehow leaking. Whats it doing, not working at all or weak?

Not working at all, refridgerant leaks out within 24 hours. Used a dye additive, couldnt find the leak on the lines, compressor cycles on and off. Just blows hot air

video of condensor condition
https://youtu.be/D_PFTQOrdt4

 

[themoose06]

If there's a puncture, it'll look wet or stained around the leaking area. It's not uncommon for rocks to hit a vein and then cause a leak.
If you do use anything, make sure it does not impede air flow. For example, something like a window screen would likely be too fine to let enough air pass through the stack of coolers and through the radiator.

Maybe a more spaced window screen? Surprised the GT's get enough airflow with how restrictive the foglight grille is

 

[Wes06]

I took a eBay upper billet grille. Chopped it down and put it in the lower section

Hides the IC down there. Not sure if it protects much but better than nothing

 

[Shotokan1509]

Not as cheap as DIY but super simple install and nicely matches factory upper grill

http://www.silverhorseracing.com/2007-2009-mustang-shr-california-special-shelby-gt-lower-grill.html

 

[07gts197]

Not working at all, refridgerant leaks out within 24 hours. Used a dye additive, couldnt find the leak on the lines, compressor cycles on and off. Just blows hot air

video of condensor condition
https://youtu.be/D_PFTQOrdt4

It could be the evaporator core like mine was. You wont find the leak unless you pull the dash and open the hvac box.

 

[themoose06]

Not as cheap as DIY but super simple install and nicely matches factory upper grill

http://www.silverhorseracing.com/2007-2009-mustang-shr-california-special-shelby-gt-lower-grill.html

Those arent bad, but you still need the weird left and right inserts. I dont have them

 

[themoose06]

It could be the evaporator core like mine was. You wont find the leak unless you pull the dash and open the hvac box.

As much as I love tearing my dash apart, i'd like to find a way to be sure. I have a free consdensor that works, but would like to be sure on whatever the issue is so I don't replace working parts. Where is the hvac core? behind the radio somewhere?

 

[themoose06]

I took a eBay upper billet grille. Chopped it down and put it in the lower section

Hides the IC down there. Not sure if it protects much but better than nothing

pics?

 

[TexasBlownV8]

I would rule out all other areas first before looking inside.
Use the dye and you should find the leakage, especially if it is at a connection. I had one stang where the line going into the condenser by the driver headlight was seeping due to a bad o-ring. On another, the condenser was split/cracked. Dye in the system can help pinpoint a leak if you can't find it otherwise.

 

[themoose06]

I would rule out all other areas first before looking inside.
Use the dye and you should find the leakage, especially if it is at a connection. I had one stang where the line going into the condenser by the driver headlight was seeping due to a bad o-ring. On another, the condenser was split/cracked. Dye in the system can help pinpoint a leak if you can't find it otherwise.

I tried dye. I might go back and try again. Haven't had a/c since I bought it before winter. Kinda just putting up with it at this point

 

[07gts197]

You can take it to a shop and get it diagnosed for free. Thats what I had done.

 

[themoose06]

You can take it to a shop and get it diagnosed for free. Thats what I had done.

For free?!?! whered you take it?

 

[07gts197]

For free?!?! whered you take it?

Theres a local place called collier ac or something like that. Call around and see. Id think a lot of places do free diagnostics but I rarely take my car to someone else to be honest.

 

[Shotokan1509]

Those arent bad, but you still need the weird left and right inserts. I dont have them

Oh I missed that, those ish are expensive too