Can you change the Aircon Condenser without draining coolant?

[Brian J]

I have had the aircon on my 182 leak tested and it has a massive leak, so I have bought a new condenser and all of the seals to give it a refresh.
I have done this on a Peugeot 205 gti and a k3micra without having to pull the rad and I would rather do the same on the clio.

If I remove the slam panel and bumper, is it possible to tilt the rad pack back, unbolt the condenser and slip the new one in? Or do I have to drain coolant and remove the rad pack as a unit?

 

[Louis]

I have had the aircon on my 182 leak tested and it has a massive leak, so I have bought a new condenser and all of the seals to give it a refresh.
I have done this on a Peugeot 205 gti and a k3micra without having to pull the rad and I would rather do the same on the clio.

If I remove the slam panel and bumper, is it possible to tilt the rad pack back, unbolt the condenser and slip the new one in? Or do I have to drain coolant and remove the rad pack as a unit?

You can access the condenser through the front as its sat infront of the radiator.

Can do without removing radiator but I'd bet the radiator needs changing too

 

[Daniel]

If you’re changing the air con rad you may as well - they cost peanuts - change the main radiator too whilst it’s all apart.

 

[R3k1355]

As above, it's not worth the bother.

Should still be relatively easy to source good value news ones, Nissens have always been decent.

 

[Brian J]

Thanks for the help. I hear you all but I’m bleeding money on this in the last couple of months so I’m hoping I can get away with the rad right now. It looks in good condition.
if not, I’ll have to do a last minute ECP run…

 

[Brian J]

Just to tidy this off. I hear all the advice about the radiator, but I took the risk because it was another £80, and I am already £1100 down on repairs this month.

I removed the condenser on Saturday without disturbing the rad. The radiator is the original, judging by the date Stamp, but is still in really good order, so I brushed the dead flies off and left well alone.

Unfortunately the Ridex AC condenser AUTODOC quite as fitting a clio 182 does not. It is side mounted (not too and bottom) and the dryer is a little too high up).


Ordered a Hella one from a uk supplier so I can get the car back together.

Thx all for your input tho.