Caoboy

iTrader: (2)

So...finally did my 90k maintenance, at 112k. Before you flip out, my buddy didn't do his until 150k, and that was because his coolant was dirty and making the car run a little hotter than normal.

While the mechanic I have does maintenance like this on the cheap, usually he's quick, and efficient. This time...he had a little boo boo. He hit the AC condenser and cracked it, and leaked out all my A/C Freon. He said he's looking for the part and when he gets it he'll fix my car free of charge (of course) I can't bash the guy, because I know exactly how he broke it, probably breaking the crankshaft bolt loose lol!

I'm not mad, because he A) told me immediately and B) told me he'll fix it.

I feel kind of bad because I looked up on RockAuto.com how much a new condenser is. There's a 'vista pro' that is $137...and then there's a Denso (OEM?) which is $481! Now I know this is a pretty steep range, and I want to help the guy out, because as of now, he's basically doing my timing belt change for free, and if he were to replace it with an OEM condenser brand new, he'd be basically paying to do my 90k maintenance.

Has anybody changed their condenser with the cheap version listed above? Should I just change mine out with a used Denso one? I'm thinking their might be some problems with a used one, as it will have been unhooked and exposed to the elements and maybe rusted on the inside and I foresee my condenser failing and possibly damaging my system even worse. Does anybody know of a different acceptable aftermarket brand?

I know I could be a total *** and turn around and demand he change it with a brand new $500 OEM part, but in these times, we all need to help each other out...

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

i have seen a few people on here try the cheaper compressors and i dont recall anyone having any luck with them....i know you not trying to take advantage of him but i personally would go back OEM and NOT used OEM. also make sure he flushes the lines before he refills this since its now exposed to the environment...

also have him try some hotshot aka R414B, stuff works amazing. i can get to low 30's with a R134/R414B mix

Caoboy

iTrader: (2)

It's the condenser, not the compressor. If he broke the compressor by hitting it I'd ask him to try punching the block and seeing if he can break that too lol.

AshburnM3

Aftermarket is fine.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

hahaha oops,i guess i was skimming it and thought i read compressor. then yeah a aftermarket should be fine....

STILL have him flush the lines before installing and looking into that freon i recommended