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I got a good deal on a center radiator for my '09 w/ PDK and after pulling the front bumper to install it I got a good look at the status of the existing condensers and radiators.
I was pretty surprised at the amount of blockage that was occurring from bent fins and dead leaves stuck both above, below and in-between the condenser/ radiators. I haven't experienced any cooling or AC issues but there are some definite inefficiencies going on.
I used 100psi compressed air to clean out a TON of smaller rocks and debris imbedded within the fins. For those doing this DIY I would highly recommend you do this step given the amount of hidden material that blew out of there.
For those interested, I used a very small/ thin flat blade screwdriver and it took about 4-5 hours to straighten everything. That said depending on what your time is worth it may be easier just to buy new condensers at $180 each...
Nice job! I too found loads of debris between the radiators and condensors. I didn't have the patience you did and didn't straighten things so much.
Thanks! I was listening to a great podcast called "Philosophize This!" while I was straightening fins and must have gotten into an existentialist zone.
That is awesome! I didn’t have the patience and my condensers were hammered worse than yours so I just replaced them. Really allows a lot more air to flow and lowered oil temps. Nice job.
Some intake grill screens from Rennline or others will minimize the amount of crap and stones making their way in. Doesn't take long for dents and clogs to begin without any protection. I did the 3rd radiator install on my BS, cleaned and straightened condensers and radiators, and installed some grill screens on all three openings.
06-08-2019, 04:46 AM
997.2 Condenser/ Radiator maintainance
