Cleaning out the radiator and condenser

[ac427]

Are there any documented procedures on gaining access to clean the radiator, condenser and in between the pair?

[eacmen]

Something like this and a pressure washer:

https://a.co/d/bVkwM6v

[JakeM346]

Are there any documented procedures on gaining access to clean the radiator, condenser and in between the pair?

Best thing is to remove it…..blow it out with compressed air. Use a pressure washer with distance and also maybe….put it in an ultrasonic cleaner.
at least that’s what I did….and I tell you …. A lot of dirt was stuck in there

[ac427]

Best thing is to remove it…..blow it out with compressed air. Use a pressure washer with distance and also maybe….put it in an ultrasonic cleaner.
at least that’s what I did….and I tell you …. A lot of dirt was stuck in there

Thanks Jake, So how do you actually get the condenser out?

[eacmen]

Thanks Jake, So how do you actually get the condenser out?

fyi if you disconnect the condensor you need to get a shop to evac refrigerant for you. if you go through that effort i would just replace the condensor tbh

[ac427]

fyi if you disconnect the condensor you need to get a shop to evac refrigerant for you. if you go through that effort i would just replace the condensor tbh

Thanks. Once the gas has been removed. Can the condenser be removed without removing the radiator or is it best to remove the radiator beforehand?

[bigjae46]

Thanks. Once the gas has been removed. Can the condenser be removed without removing the radiator or is it best to remove the radiator beforehand?

Have to remove the radiator. You will want to remove the radiator because all you will do is shoot all of the crap in the radiator into condenser. But the condenser and oil cooler will have bugs, sand, and other crap in it. The radiator will not have much in it if anything.

I would pull the radiator and oil cooler. Maybe remove the pusher fan. Then blow out the condenser.

I have a 150psi compressor. It does a meh job. I feel like a pressure washer would do a much better job but not sure how much pressure the condenser and radiator can withstand.

[D-O]

Do you have to pull the radiator even if you pull the bumper? Can't remember...

In any case, when I tried to clean mine during a cooling system refresh I used compressed air and a soft brush. The fins just disintegrated. A new Behr/Mahle OEM condenser is ~$100 on FCP.

[sapote]

So how do you actually get the condenser out?

If your AC is charged and working, then it's best just remove the radiator to clean it, then clean the condenser in situ.

[JakeM346]

You don’t have to evacuate the ac if you pull the front bumper carrier off