was cleaning radiator ... and it broke, what to do??? I have work in 8 hours! help!

[fedekz986]

Hey guys,

I was cleaning my radiators out, following the youtube video . . . when I went to separate the AC radiator from the engine radiator, the tab that holds it on bent, and compressed air has been coming out for like 5 minutes now ...

The little metal tab that pokes out of the front radiator


What is the function of that front radiator (ive read its the AC radiator, I guess it keeps the AC cold??)?

I'm guessing I'll have to replace that front radiator ... is that the only part that I'll need to replace? and will it be a plug and play - hook it up and I'll be ready to go? Like do I need to bleed the system of anything, re-do my coolant or any of that crap?

And finally, where can I get this part other than Porsche? Is it something generic that autozone, or advance auto parts would carry?


On the bright side, I cleaned a ton of crap off of the drivers side and didn't break the tab

[seventythree]

The stuff leaking out is refrigerant (R134), not compressed air. You need to repair or replace the AC Condenser (the front radiator, as you put it), and then have the system properly evacuated and recharged.

The tab on the condenser shouldn't have bent and cracked that easily, so I suspect it was corroded to some extent. So you may want to consider replacing the condenser instead of using something like JB Weld!

Regards

[fedekz986]

Originally Posted by seventythree

The stuff leaking out is refrigerant (R134), not compressed air. You need to repair or replace the AC Condenser (the front radiator, as you put it), and then have the system property evacuated and recharged.

The tab on the condenser shouldn't have bent and cracked that easily, so I suspect it was corroded to some extent. So you may want to consider replacing the condenser instead of using something like JB Weld!

Regards

Thank you very much for the quick reply!!!

So for the short term, could I load up some gorilla glue on there to keep the seal?

And 2 more questions for you - how much is evacuating, and recharging the system cost? and is it something I can do myself pretty easily? (trying to gauge the costs of gorilla glueing it now, and recharging the AC vs keeping the condenser broken, and waiting on a replacement) . . . second question is - can I drive it in this condition? I assume the AC won't work.

[mcmike27]

Sorry to hear that...those tabs can be delicate. If you have a good local welder they might be able to salvage the unit by welding the tab and closing the hole. If not you'll need a new unit. 2 options. New Porsche part is dependent on the model year. I scanned over the net and for a model year 97-04 the p/n is 997-573-911-01-M6 approx $288.00 new. I would also check with a parts dismantler LA Dismantlers (818) 767-7243 check and see if they have a unit thats been pulled from a wreck. Either way the system is going to have to be refilled and pressure checked.

Good luck

[JFP in PA]

I would not even screw around with trying to weld it; with a new unit costing less than $300, putting time and money into an older unit that may have other weaknesses makes little sense.

And forget about "gorilla glue", it won't work.

[seventythree]

I have read through all responses her and on 986forum. Here is my recommendation:

Somebody is offering you a used condenser for $60. That is a smoking deal; take it and forget about trying to repair your broken condenser. It won't work if you glue it, and it will almost certainly cost more to try and get it welded. Even then, it may not work.

Yes, you can drive the car without AC. Just don't take off the broken condenser yet. Moisture from ambient air contaminating the AC system is the main concern. If that happens, then you may need a new receiver/dryer and possibly more!

You will need some specialized equipment to properly evacuate and recharge the AC system. Almost not worth buying or borrowing for one time use. Even then, you would need the know how! You could have it done at a shop for as little as $100. Shop around a little and get it done by a pro.

Regards