Condenser change…yes or no
 

Hi X-men
Boneheaded move on my part. I had a loose belt tensioner.
I didn’t know that. Thought the AC had locked up.
Bought new compressor, evaporator and tidbits.
Because of the size, I’m stuck with a brand new condenser.
Costs too much to mail back. It wasn’t a lot anyway.

I also have a brand new Aux fan to install.
As you know, I’m right there.
My system works perfectly. No need to do anything


Question of the day is:

Evacuation of the system,swap condenser, refill?
OR
Leave it in my shop till the next ice age.

My vote would be to leave it alone... I replaced my aux fan and didn't look twice at the condenser - and wouldn't have, even if I had a shiny new one.

If you change it you might also have to swap out the drier?

List your new condenser in the classifieds if you want to.

What brand Aux fan did you go with?...Genuine is pretty damn pricey...I went with TYC and am happy so far.

The condenser is all metal and pretty durable. Unlike the evap it, it doesn't have continuous moisture accumulation.

I agree with all that, even the TYC (which I used on my 2001 3.0i, following @Effduration's good advice).

My AC is still all original and working fine at 203k miles. I have not even added refrigerant (myself, having bought it at 169k miles).

I didn’t buy TYC. it’s a Amazon purchase.
Several E53 guys chimed in on longevity
and value.