Meaning of "condenser"

Janice321

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Ive just had the car in for a service and I mentioned that the air conditioning was'ent working. My independant gassed the system up with some dye.

The conclusion was that the condenser was leaking and reqd replacement.
I have a warrenty with Warrenty Direct, after checking in the booklet it seemed to be covered under "Cooling Systems"The items covered inc radiator and heater matrix. I phoned only to be told that condensers are not covered. Whilst my technical knowledge is limited it seems that condensers remove heat! Is that not what a radiater or heater matrix does?

Im very disapointed with WD. and will be writing to say so. I may be better off not renewing the warranty next time and putting the money towards a replacement condenser. The cost of a replacement is £470 inc. vat is this reasonable?
 

television

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It sits with the rad Janice,,what car is it
 

bigasotonuk

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Hi,
For genuine item that does,nt sound "too" bad, I have heard that the pattern ones can be a lot of problems to the point that some independants refuse to use them as the car keeps coming back with them leaking, but i must admit i think i would use one and fit it myself, for the possible saving made.
 

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Mine sbeen on 6 months so far no probs, quite easy to damage as all fitting are alloy including the threaded fittings!


Lynall
 

Rory

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The conclusion was that the condenser was leaking and reqd replacement.
I have a warrenty with Warrenty Direct, after checking in the booklet it seemed to be covered under "Cooling Systems"The items covered inc radiator and heater matrix. I phoned only to be told that condensers are not covered. Whilst my technical knowledge is limited it seems that condensers remove heat! Is that not what a radiater or heater matrix does?

It's part of the air conditioning system and that's only covered on WD's higher levels of cover.

It's also worth noting that condensers, because they're mounted low down at the front of the car, are frequently damaged by stones and the warranty won't cover them for that even if a/c cover is included.
 
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Janice321

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Sorry TV; its a W203 C220 2002. I understand it sits behind the radiator which has to come out? before the condenser can be fitted.:(
 

television

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Sorry TV; its a W203 C220 2002. I understand it sits behind the radiator which has to come out? before the condenser can be fitted.:(

I can give the remove and refit papers if you would like them
 
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Janice321

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Thanks Malcolm I would really like to see them ! It sounds like a difficult job though, the Indy (who I trust) is quoting 4 hrs time is this too much?
thanks once again for your quick response. Never mind St Georges day lets have a St malcolms day instead !!
 

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I have sent the basic paper for the job an not the ones for the sub assemblies
 

anyweb

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why not just get a quote from an AC specialist, they spend all day replacing condensers... so could do it much quicker and probably at less cost

just a thought
 
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Janice321

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Thanks for the thought! I intend getting a second quote(wheels already in motion )
Thanks Malcolm for the directive!
 
H

Highwoods

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Way to dear! condensor rad for my w210 was just under £80, i fitted it myself in just over 1 hour.

See here http://www.aaronradiator.co.uk/catalog/Mercedes_E_Class_W210_condenser-1068-2.html


Lynall
Lynall,

It was good to read that you can replace a condenser in an hour or so. I have a leaking condenser on my E240 - according to the garage that topped up the gas and then advised of the leak and circa £340.00 + vat to fix. Does this model has two condensers as the garage person said that one of the condensers was leaking ? Is is relatively easy to gain access to replace yourself?. Do you know where I would find instructions to do it myself. ? I see that the condenser can be bought for circa. £80.00

Thanks

tahnsk
 
H

Highwoods

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Way to dear! condensor rad for my w210 was just under £80, i fitted it myself in just over 1 hour.

See here http://www.aaronradiator.co.uk/catalog/Mercedes_E_Class_W210_condenser-1068-2.html


Lynall
Lynall,

It was good to read that you can replace a condenser in an hour or so. I have a leaking condenser on my E240 - according to the garage that topped up the gas and then advised of the leak and circa £340.00 + vat to fix. Does this model has two condensers as the garage person said that one of the condensers was leaking ? Is is relatively easy to gain access to replace yourself?. Do you know where I would find instructions to do it myself. ? I see that the condenser can be bought for circa. £80.00

Thanks

tahnsk
 
J

johndlellis

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Hi Janice

Warranty Direct is, as far as my experience goes, completely useless!
I had an electrical fault, WD said wiring wasn't covered and my bill came to £1500!
Quentin Willson should not be endorsing this rubbish!

Kind regards

John
 

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