Radiator and an a/c recharge?

Bauer09 · 04-14-2009, 06:40 PM

So I discovered a fairly sizable puddle of green in the driveway and to the shop she went. They said my radiator's bad and they also said that they have to recharge my a/c along with the new radiator install. Is this true? I didn't think that would have to be done after replacing a radiator.

Envygreen · 04-14-2009, 07:49 PM

no a/c work needed, maybe do it yourself it's very easy, they are padding the bill.

redvett94 · 04-14-2009, 07:53 PM

You can replace the radiator as it has no bearing on the A/C as replacement. The A/C may be low on R134A refrigerant and need recharging. I would get the rad. changed first and wait for warmer weather.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bauer09

So I discovered a fairly sizable puddle of green in the driveway and to the shop she went. They said my radiator's bad and they also said that they have to recharge my a/c along with the new radiator install. Is this true? I didn't think that would have to be done after replacing a radiator.

Bauer09 · 04-15-2009, 11:21 AM

I was going to do it myself, but they said something about the a/c needing a recharge and that I shouldn't do that myself, which I agree with.

J_Ro · 04-15-2009, 12:09 PM

If it's just recharging the AC, that's a cinch to do yourself.

ASUsax · 04-15-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Ro

If it's just recharging the AC, that's a cinch to do yourself.

Yup. Piece of cake, all you need is a gauge and a can. They sell kits, and they're pretty cheap.

danielgoforth · 04-15-2009, 01:56 PM

You have ac

. You can most likely do fix on your own if you are up to it.

**bradthebard** · 04-15-2009, 02:07 PM

They are fishin for $$$. You don't need to pull the A/C condenser out for the radiator on a 2000 (or any of them I think). Like the others said, pick up a can of r-134a and swap the radiator yourself. It's an Saturday afternoon job with lots of time for beer.

barty · 04-15-2009, 02:29 PM

I've never had to pull the A/C condenser on any vehicle I've swapped the radiator on, including my TJ. Some have been a bit tight, but I haven't had to take an A/C line loose yet...knock on wood.

Swapping the radiator in a TJ is pretty easy. If I remember right, there are a couple of bolts that can be tricky to get to, but otherwise it is pretty straightforward. Go ahead and replace the hoses and thermostat while you have everything apart.

Bauer09 · 04-15-2009, 05:43 PM

So what you're saying is that taking the condenser off the old radiator and putting it on the new one requires no interruption of the refrigerant in the a/c lines? And that they're just trying to get money from me by saying that it will?

98RedTJ · 04-15-2009, 05:48 PM

Pretty descriptive write up here.

http://www.dailydriventj.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=618

Hope this helps.

Jeff

04-14-2009, 07:49 PM	#2
Envygreen Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Marcos, CA Posts: 289 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	no a/c work needed, maybe do it yourself it's very easy, they are padding the bill. __________________ 2004 WJ 4.0 limited "I'LL TAKE A COLD INTERIOR OVER CLADDING" Still have heated seats! 2008 Ranger, 2003 Powerstroke lariat straight pipe tuned, 2000 TJ Sport, leaky stak 3 speed and bunch of other stuff that i don't care to add up.