AC condenser damage: how much is too much?

[semisolidbowie]

Mr Golf (2011 MK6 103TDI) has recently decided that air conditioning is only for special occasions, so I took it to the dealer for an (early) service. Their diagnosis was that after 113k kms of driving, bugs have bent fins on the condenser leading to inefficient AC operation and stress on the compressor leading to failure. The air conditioning does work, but generally only when moving like highway speeds, not round-town or idling. At those speeds the inside of the car is like a jungle.

They recommend full replacement of the AC system and are asking for VW goodwill to do so, but I'm not going to rely on VW generosity on this one (naturally the car ran out of warranty in July.)

My question is: does anyone have an opinion about whether this is actually plausible? I don't know if it is or whether they've just picked a solution easier for them: recommend replacement. If what they say is correct then the car's hardiness seems somewhat...poor.

I have read this thread and I'll keep it in mind for any future goings-on.

For reference, here is a picture of the glorious condenser:

[Hillbilly]

Blow the bugs out from the back of the condenser Easiest way to help Had to do that with radiator in our cruiser after hitting a swarm of bees.

[masternewb]

If your patient you could bend the fins back using a small screw driver.

There is also some cleaning spray that they use on hvac condensers that bring the efficiency back up a bit.

[hoi polloi]

They recommend full replacement of the AC system and are asking for VW goodwill to do so, but I'm not going to rely on VW generosity on this one (naturally the car ran out of warranty in July.)

Mine was out of warranty by a similar amount and had the same issue... VW did come to the party with the good-will in my case so it isn't a foregone conclusion...

- Anthony

[brad]

If your patient you could bend the fins back using a small screw driver.

There is also some cleaning spray that they use on hvac condensers that bring the efficiency back up a bit.

I agree but a toothpick or sate skewer works better & you can be a bit more agressive without damaging the fins.

Also, get some mesh in behind the plastic grille - I did it on mine with dark gutter-guard & cable ties & you can't notice it.

[The One]

I'm pretty sure there is a tool available on the market designed for re positioning fins back to normal? Don't quote me on it though..

[Jmac]

Condensors are available aftermarket now though, , there is plenty flak in there, bad actually. Pressure and temp are related and if its not keeping cool the pressure rises with temp and compressor goes to next to zero duty cycle . Then when going through the air stream it gets cooler then the pressure drops . At those ks if you are going to get a condenser I would also consider a comp control valve and defiantely a receiver dryer
Jmac

[hoi polloi]

I'm pretty sure there is a tool available on the market designed for re positioning fins back to normal? Don't quote me on it though..

Yep, Google "Radiator Fin Straightener" and they're there...

[wai]

After you get it fixed, put a flyscreen mesh in front of the radiators.