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AC and Radiator Gripe

Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2025 8:02 pm
by Strummagnet
Sooooooooo......... after a good deal of time I finally have the inclination to tackle the swap out of the AC Compressor - its causing a whine issue that was originally blamed on the gearbox and is due to be swapped out by a NRF unit MJ recommended. Before that my 'chum' with the garage opted to put some AC gas trace thingy stuff in to see if the leak in the system can be detected (he bought a new whizzy machine). Nothing on the compressor. Turns out the leak is from the condenser unit. :cry:

It gets better, I also have another coolant leak from the same place in the radiator I replaced 16months ago for the very same leak in the very same place FFS! - The car just sat on the drive and broke the radiator all by itself. :evil:

So, whilst I attempt to rip the front end off again my plan is the new NRF Compressor (currently have BNIB) with addition of a new condenser and another new radiator...... Any recommendations :?:

Re: AC and Radiator Gripe

Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2025 9:18 pm
by Ronin
I replaced my compressor and dryer and they were both NRF. I see a lot of NRF being used in the trade and world of youtube mechanics :)

Re: AC and Radiator Gripe

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 8:31 am
by MikkiJayne
Unfortunately all the aftermarket radiators and condensers are now chinesium and complete crap :( Even the big brands are buying the same crap from the same factory and putting expensive stickers on it. The brackets are welded on to the condenser backwards and the pipes don't fit, and every single one is the same :x

New radiators are available from Tradition, but the cost is considerable...

radiator :shock:

Alas, no condensers so you just have to modify the chinesium, unless you can find a company who will properly copy an OE one. I have one as a template if needed.

Re: AC and Radiator Gripe

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 12:28 pm
by Strummagnet
Wish I had seen your post before ordering MJ.

For condenser I went NRF 'EasyFit' to match the compressor. So it will be an easy fit :lol:

For the radiator I went NRF again - so probably paid more for the badge.......... :(

Re: AC and Radiator Gripe

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 8:33 am
by MikkiJayne
I actually didn't know NRF sold the rad or condenser so lets hope I'm wrong about *all* aftermarket being crap and they have put some effort in to theirs...

Their compressors do seem to work pretty well, so hopefully that is a good sign.