P38 - fitting new A/C condenser

1997 P38 4.0SE. Leak in the A/C condenser, top left corner, so am replacing it. Question: the receiver/dryer looks pretty manky (surface rust) but does not leak. I guess it is the original one. Should I replace it at the same time as I get the condenser replaced? Sound practice, or "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"..?

P38 Monkey said:

1997 P38 4.0SE. Leak in the A/C condenser, top left corner, so am replacing it. Question: the receiver/dryer looks pretty manky (surface rust) but does not leak. I guess it is the original one. Should I replace it at the same time as I get the condenser replaced? Sound practice, or "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"..?

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I just treated the rust and painted the dryer on mine.

Datatek said:

I just treated the rust and painted the dryer on mine.

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Thanks - sounds like a good plan.

P38 Monkey said:

Thanks - sounds like a good plan.

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As long as the rust pits are not too deep. Mines been OK for about 12 years since I did it.

Next question: I was planning to buy the A/C condenser from Rimmer Bros, but they get somewhat mixed reviews in this forum.
Any suggestions for a UK-based supplier of a suitable condenser?

I bought mine from eurocarparts everything lines up as it should, the price was decent but not got round to fitting yet as not decided what to do with the car

P38 Monkey said:

Next question: I was planning to buy the A/C condenser from Rimmer Bros, but they get somewhat mixed reviews in this forum.
Any suggestions for a UK-based supplier of a suitable condenser?

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Anywhere but Rimmers unless you have more cash than sense. Got mine off Ebay, bought the cheapest I could find and it's still OK 12 years on.

kermit_rr said:

I bought mine from eurocarparts everything lines up as it should, the price was decent but not got round to fitting yet as not decided what to do with the car

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If you don't need it, I would be happy to buy it off you - please message me if so...

P38 Monkey said:

If you don't need it, I would be happy to buy it off you - please message me if so...

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I'm coming round to the idea that my only way forward is to find someone to fit yet another engine, if i do that then I'll get it gassed up and hope for the best.. it will at least be worth something then... Watch this space...

kermit_rr said:

I'm coming round to the idea that my only way forward is to find someone to fit yet another engine, if i do that then I'll get it gassed up and hope for the best.. it will at least be worth something then... Watch this space...

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You won the lottery tonight?

Got mine off motorchill on ebay.
Came quickly but had a few minor issues in that the 4 mountings for the fans weren't quite right but a tweak of the plastic fan housing sorted that. You'll need 4 new m6 bolts to mount the fans. The two top mountings where they go through the intercooler weren't right either and the slots in the intercooler itself needed elongating but maybe my intercooler isn't OE , dunno.
Seems very sturdy and well made apart from the above and was £77.
This was the earlier deeper type that I fitted to the later car which has a shorter condensor so other mods were necessary and the bumper needed to be removed and a new compressor to condensor pipe also from the earlier car needed to be purchased and fitted, that was circa £160. Working well at the moment after a leak test and regas last Tuesday.

Mark Piercy said:

You won the lottery tonight?

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The heat is getting to me haha
I figure it would be worth more than the cost of an engine

Datatek said:

Anywhere but Rimmers unless you have more cash than sense. Got mine off Ebay, bought the cheapest I could find and it's still OK 12 years on.

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I use Rimmers for fixings and must haves as I pass them most days and they can interrogate the correct part, but wouldn’t buy a major part from them.

P38 Monkey said:

Next question: I was planning to buy the A/C condenser from Rimmer Bros, but they get somewhat mixed reviews in this forum.
Any suggestions for a UK-based supplier of a suitable condenser?

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Rimmers are decent quality, fast and excellent service but main dealer prices.

I find Eurocarparts or GSK very competitive and Paddock Spares online. Think Data uses Famous Four?

kermit_rr said:

I'm coming round to the idea that my only way forward is to find someone to fit yet another engine, if i do that then I'll get it gassed up and hope for the best.. it will at least be worth something then... Watch this space...

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I'm seriously wondering if that Jag v12 would fit in mine but it is beyond my ability to revive the engine and then make it fit.

Grrrrrr said:

Rimmers are decent quality, fast and excellent service but main dealer prices.

I find Eurocarparts or GSK very competitive and Paddock Spares online. Think Data uses Famous Four?

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ECP for the car and GSK for you? (Glaxo Smith Kline)

kermit_rr said:

ECP for the car and GSK for you? (Glaxo Smith Kline)

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Ment to be GSF German Swedish French but they do all motors now

brianp38dse said:

Ment to be GSF German Swedish French but they do all motors now

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I know i always feel the need for medication when i work on a landy

kermit_rr said:

I know i always feel the need for medication when i work on a landy

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I think we all self medicate

Grrrrrr said:

Rimmers are decent quality, fast and excellent service but main dealer prices.

I find Eurocarparts or GSK very competitive and Paddock Spares online. Think Data uses Famous Four?

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Island 4 x 4 pre Brexit, the import charges are too much to use them now so it's a scan around EU suppliers and stump up the higher prices.