my a/c has not worked since i had it charged 3 years ago - lasted 2 days. when i looked with ultraviolet light i see leakage at the rear of the compressor and its making a grinding sound. im looking to get the system back in shape. i plan on buying a compressor kit which includes compressor , drier , expansion valve and o ring kit. the condenser i believe is original. although i do not see any leaks im not sure it could still do its job after 20+ years. should i replace it ? the lines all look good . i plan on flushing the evap and the lines. anything else i should address ?

 

I guess if your going that far into it why not?

 

I removed my A/C system at about 70,000 miles. I gave the condenser to a buddy, whose car had at least twice as many miles as mine (maybe more?), and he said there was a significant improvement in A/C performance, I have no idea whether his old unit was leaking, corroded, plugged externally, or sludged up internally. If your car has significant miles on it, would seem to be cheap insurance to replace the condenser.

 

I'm a fairly decent "shade tree mechanic" and prefer to do all my own work...with one exception, AC. Mine went out on my '98 Z28 years ago...the compressor was leaking. I did the research and realized the BEST way to fix an AC system is to just replace the whole thing. However, by the time I priced everything out, including taking it to have it professionally charged since I don't own the equipment, I discovered it was only a few hundred dollars more to just take it to a local AC shop and just have them do it. The other advantage to having it done professionally was that I got a warranty on parts and labor. In the end, I decided to just save myself the time and headache and worry and just have it done and enjoy the peace of mine of having a warranty too...

 

im going to go for the condenser also. it would be a sin to have to evac and charge again. ill let you know how i made out thanks guys

 

Good call