View Full Version : Tranny cooler install turns expensive$$$$
Hawaiian SS
11-15-2006, 08:34 PM
OK, first thing, I am a Jackass.
While attempting to install my tranny cooler in front of the A/C condensor, I am almost finished, my phillips screwdriver slips and goes into the A/C condensor. Immediatly after removing it, I get a loud "hiss" which is the freon escaping from the condensor. Takes about 20 minutes for all to escape. At this time I am pissed beyond words. I call the dealer and get quoted $495 for a new condensor (remember I am in Hawaii) and a week to come in. I then call around to shops/parts stores, but they say the vehicle is "too new" and they are not available yet. I then go to GM Parts Direct and get quoted $250 shipped, but will also take 7-10 days, which I am not worried about, so I proceed to order it. Part # 10442892.
I realize I will have to get it installed and the A/C recharged, can I at least save a little money and install the condensor myself? I do not have the service manual, but looking at it, it looks like I will have to remove the radiator. Any special tools for the hose to condensor fittings? Or maybe I should just have the shop install it and recharge it. Any thoughts? Thanks.
VTODD
11-15-2006, 08:46 PM
OK, first thing, I am a Jackass.
While attempting to install my tranny cooler in front of the A/C condensor, I am almost finished, my phillips screwdriver slips and goes into the A/C condensor. Immediatly after removing it, I get a loud "hiss" which is the freon escaping from the condensor. Takes about 20 minutes for all to escape. At this time I am pissed beyond words. I call the dealer and get quoted $495 for a new condensor (remember I am in Hawaii) and a week to come in. I then call around to shops/parts stores, but they say the vehicle is "too new" and they are not available yet. I then go to GM Parts Direct and get quoted $250 shipped, but will also take 7-10 days, which I am not worried about, so I proceed to order it. Part # 10442892.
I realize I will have to get it installed and the A/C recharged, can I at least save a little money and install the condensor myself? I do not have the service manual, but looking at it, it looks like I will have to remove the radiator. Any special tools for the hose to condensor fittings? Or maybe I should just have the shop install it and recharge it. Any thoughts? Thanks.
LOL, i did the same thing when installing my super large B and M tranny cooler on my silverado ss. i drilled through the condensor accidently (i thought i had it all planned out, and i wouldnt go too far) when making the brackets for the cooler.
anyways, the condensor is such an easy replacement. just get the new one in and do a swap. you will figure it out.
todd
blktbon20s
11-15-2006, 08:59 PM
sorry to hear what happened.
BTW what are you towing or modding that you need a tranny cooler:confused:
ScarabEpic22
11-16-2006, 01:28 AM
sorry to hear what happened.
BTW what are you towing or modding that you need a tranny cooler:confused:
Probably a torque converter. High stall ones generate more heat, and a trans cooler is cheap insurance for a trans.
blu ya
11-16-2006, 04:50 AM
Did the same thing to mine. I was putting it in on the finale tie down when the tranny cooler touched the a/c condensor one to many times and I too got supprised by the long hiss. Luckily, I had a good dealership that after explaining what had happened, and I guess they could care less since my extended insur. was paying for the repair, they fixed it and I payed slightly over $50 dollars. Sorry to hear that. :(
WILWAXU
11-16-2006, 09:29 AM
LMAO!
Yup, It's a sickening sound.
Did something similar years ago. Worst thing... you can't blame anyone but yourself. :o
TonyGXP
11-16-2006, 11:05 PM
you can get an S10 condenser it's exactly the same one.. will be $100 less...
Hawaiian SS
11-17-2006, 12:28 AM
you can get an S10 condenser it's exactly the same one.. will be $100 less...
Thanks! I will check into that.
I was told that I will need a new accumulator/dryer as well since the freon escaped from the system, is that true?
kevz28carter
11-17-2006, 01:29 AM
i was told that as long as the system is vacumed down that you dont need other parts
my tahoe is working fine without the new dryer
just be sure to tell whoever is doing the service
RayVoy
11-17-2006, 05:51 PM
Thanks! I will check into that.
I was told that I will need a new accumulator/dryer as well since the freon escaped from the system, is that true?
Iam not sure, but I think you only need to change the accumulator if the compressor was running with no preasure. If you have not started the TB, the accumulator should be ok.
WILWAXU
11-17-2006, 06:18 PM
Yup, shouldn't need other parts as long as it vacuums down. A/C shop will probably have to add a little oil.
Hawaiian SS
11-17-2006, 09:34 PM
The parts will take 2 weeks to get here, I still have to drive the TBSS. I did order the accumulator as a pre-caution just in case. So $250 for the condensor, $90 for the accumulator, and calling around to shops I am getting quoted from $375-$450 for the labor. So worst case this big mistake I made will cost me around $800 when everything is said and done. Plus I have a B&M 70264 cooler that I still need to install. Everytime I walk by and look at the cooler in the garage I get pissed, but it was my fault.
GaryTucker
11-17-2006, 09:43 PM
If the system is open to atmospheric pressure for any time...especially in high humidity...the dessicant inside the accumulator will become useless, as it can only suck up so much moisture. If your system is opened for any amount of time you have to replace this part to be safe. Can you get by without replacing the accumulator? Sure...but do you want to chance buying a $800 compressor? A little insurance is a good thing when you are discussing the A/C system. Also, when you take the truck in to have it recharged, tell the technician what parts were replaced, so that he/she can add the appropriate amount of PAG oil. I wouldn't replace the accumulator until right before you go to the dealer or repair shop...especially in a high humidity area like Hawaii.
Hawaiian SS
11-18-2006, 01:38 AM
If the system is open to atmospheric pressure for any time...especially in high humidity...the dessicant inside the accumulator will become useless, as it can only suck up so much moisture. If your system is opened for any amount of time you have to replace this part to be safe. Can you get by without replacing the accumulator? Sure...but do you want to chance buying a $800 compressor? A little insurance is a good thing when you are discussing the A/C system. Also, when you take the truck in to have it recharged, tell the technician what parts were replaced, so that he/she can add the appropriate amount of PAG oil. I wouldn't replace the accumulator until right before you go to the dealer or repair shop...especially in a high humidity area like Hawaii.
Thats great advice. I am just going to have the shop install the condensor and accumulator and recharge the system as soon as I get it, I am sure after about a week of having the A/C back I will forget this ever happened.