Is this something important? (behind front bumper)

[sw20GTS]

Hi all,

Was cleaning my car when I noticed this behind the front bumper:



and also this



Is that the engine radiator or the aircon condensor? Will it affect my engine cooling?
Also, is that bent bar anything major?

Thanks.

[Peterwolf]

Is the engine radiator. Change it or repair.

[Martin F]

Is the engine radiator. Change it or repair.

Is it not the air-con radiator

[travisfububarker]

Looks like the aircon rad to me, not sure what kind of impact it has on it's performance though

Jonny

[sw20GTS]

I was told it was the air con rad too. Don't use air con much so I thought of just leaving it...

[-:[KM]:-]

And someone has removed the vertical rib covers off the bumper too..

[mks2005]

i would say aircon as well looks a bit thin to be main rad..

[Mr Two]

Defo air-con rad

[sw20GTS]

Defo air-con rad

Ahh, nothing too important then Should I go to Kwik Fit to try to have my aircon recharged? The A/C is not cold at all atm... I heard that I might snap the belt the A/C motor is connected to is the A/C is leaking and motor seizes etc...

[Peter C]

Should I go to Kwik Fit to try to have my aircon recharged? The A/C is not cold at all atm... I heard that I might snap the belt the A/C motor is connected to is the A/C is leaking and motor seizes etc...

If all / most of the gas has leaked out of the system, your A/C will not work, but don't worry, nothing will break. If the system is de-gassed, the electro-magnetic clutch fixed to the side of the A/C compressor will not engage, thus allowing the pulley (and belt) to rotate freely.

I had my A/C re-gassed a few weeks ago. Despite my MR2 being 15 years old, all the connections / pipes / joints remain in good condition - had it all checked by a proper A/C specialist. With fresh gas in, my A/C blows ice cold.

I wouldn't go to Kwik Fit to have your A/C sorted. They are ok for tyres but A/C is a bit more specialized. Do you really want a high school dropout fiddling with your MR2's A/C installation? Take it to a pro.

[jmachling]

If you want to get it regassed, take it to an independent specialist as it'll be much cheaper. Make sure they pressure test it before regassing too or you'll be wasting your time (and money).

It should really be pressure tested with nitrogen NOT compressed air - compressed air contains moisture that could cause problems in the system if it condenses if all of it isn't vacuumed out prior to refilling.

[Mr Two]

jmachling Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:22 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to get it regassed, take it to an independent specialist as it'll be much cheaper. Make sure they pressure test it before regassing too or you'll be wasting your time (and money).

It should really be pressure tested with nitrogen NOT compressed air - compressed air contains moisture that could cause problems in the system if it condenses if all of it isn't vacuumed out prior to refilling.

I did this at the end of May as mine hadn't worked for a couple of years. Had it fully checked and cleaned out etc by an independant. Cost me £55 with a re-gas. Was told to operate the air con at least every two weeks so as to keep the "oiled gas seal"? in the compressor otherwise the gas would start to leak out from this.Said all was fine, no leaks etc etc. Air con worked fine for about a month or so and then it began to run warmer and warmer until i am back at square one again without air-con again now

[sw20GTS]

Hmm, I was roughly quoted 120-180 quid to get it checked and re-gassed. Might try other garage then.

Thanks about the advice to pressure test Might request that so they won't think I am a total noob

Just to make sure though, I can still operate the normal fan (without the A/C or Econ switched on) and also the heater still works?

edit: Or anyone near Dundee area could recommend me a proper MR2 specialist that deals with this? The garage I went to actually had no idea how to remove the black shroud covering in the front.

[Peter C]

Hmm, I was roughly quoted 120-180 quid to get it checked and re-gassed. Might try other garage then.

I had my installation pressure checked, de-pressurised, cleaned and re-gassed for £40, but that was in Poland, which might be a bit far for you to travel.

Just to make sure though, I can still operate the normal fan (without the A/C or Econ switched on) and also the heater still works?

Correct.

edit: Or anyone near Dundee area could recommend me a proper MR2 specialist that deals with this? The garage I went to actually had no idea how to remove the black shroud covering in the front.

The taps for the A/C are located beneath the plastic shroud, to the right of the spare wheel, which comes off by removing a couple of plastic clips - anyone can do it. A/C connections are standard, no need for MR2 specialists to get involved.

HTH

[sw20GTS]

Hmm, I was roughly quoted 120-180 quid to get it checked and re-gassed. Might try other garage then.

I had my installation pressure checked, de-pressurised, cleaned and re-gassed for £40, but that was in Poland, which might be a bit far for you to travel.

Just to make sure though, I can still operate the normal fan (without the A/C or Econ switched on) and also the heater still works?

Correct.

edit: Or anyone near Dundee area could recommend me a proper MR2 specialist that deals with this? The garage I went to actually had no idea how to remove the black shroud covering in the front.

The taps for the A/C are located beneath the plastic shroud, to the right of the spare wheel, which comes off by removing a couple of plastic clips - anyone can do it. A/C connections are standard, no need for MR2 specialists to get involved.

HTH

Thanks! Solid answers

[RobCrezz]

Kwik fit regassed mine no problem. £45.