Re: CQ condensor removal

[Chris Hanlon <cwhanlon@eai.com>]

Chris,

I don't remember there being any lower bolts.  There were two 10mm bolts
(at the top) and then the restraining brace.  At the bottom the
condensor is on two hooks.  Simply pull the condensor up to free it from
the hooks.  To make your life easier unbolt the plastic shroud from the
passenger side of the main radiator this will allow you to pull the
condensor out the top easily.

> How the _*H E L L*_ do you get the lower mounting bolt off without
> removing the radiator and half of the front-end hoses?
> 
> I've got the top bots off, but the bottom one is hidden behind the plastic
> ducting, which cannot be removed without taking out the hydraulic pump
> hoses and some of the radiator hoses and perhaps the aux. radiator.
> 

The leak could be from your condensor.  Also check to see if the
connection from the plastic resevoir for the pentosin fluid is leaking.

> On another front, I seem to have a leak in the hydraulic cooling hose.
> The area between the radiator and the quarter panel is filthy with sprayed
> oil, and it's still looks fresh.  Anyone had this before?
> 
> Also, does anyone have opinions about aftermarket vs. OEM condensors?  GPR
> says aftermarkets are cheap and don't last, Blau says different.  Price
> difference is about $200...
>

I first bought an after market one for $280.  It didn't fit quite right
and it didn't have the support brace for the tube running in front of
the condensor.  I sent it back.

I ended up buying a used one from Autobahn motors.  I would recommend
buying an OEM condensor if you want it to fit correctly.

Although the aftermarket condensor was made of repairable copper, the
construction wasn't as sturdy as the OEM one.
 
> I still have a lot of stuff to do:
> 
> - fix passenger window leak
>      looking forward to trying to find those armrest screws
> 
> - fix leaky rear lights
> 
> - new ISV?
> 
> - re-mount rebuilt alternator
> 
> - fix distributor rattle
> 
> - install euro lights
> 
> - install CD player
> 
> Does anyone have any thoughts about what else I should do before a 4000
> mile trip?  The car has 80k miles and new timing belt/water pump.
> 
> Tks.
> 
> Chris.
> '90 CQ