Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3

[murraymint]

I need to change the radiator on my 16v as its pissing out coolent. My question is how easy a job is it? Do I have to disconnect the aircon rad? As I don't fancy paying to get the aircon recharged.


Cheers
Josh

[mad4vws]

but of a job but full front has to come off .air con rad is screw to other radiator so you don't have to disconnect air-con rad ....

[murraymint]

Soo the whole front has to come off but I can leave the air com rad pipes connected yh?

[Gavv8]

Pretty sure you can do it without taking the front off the car.

[N900 MJT]

Na the front needs to some off as that's the only way to get the rads out, you will need to get the aircon regassed if you do undo it

[hobbiniho]

Pretty sure you can do it without taking the front off the car.

nope whole front has to come off but shouldnt take much longer than 30 minutes to strip apart

[Khare]

[thai-wronghorse]

Yep,  A/C condenser has to be removed im afraid therefore depressurised.  It's not difficult but those aluminium A/C pipes are extremely fragile  so be careful un tightening them.
As the system will be apart it's advisable to replace the dryer whilst you're at it before getting it regassed seeing as they're designed to absorb moisture from the lines and it'll now be open to the air .

[murraymint]

Fecking aircon!!!!!! Cheers for the info.

[tweed]

Fecking aircon!!!!!! Cheers for the info.

try fitting a 80mm cold air feed from the lower vent then