Replacing Aircon condenser

What sort of job is it to replace the condenser on my P38? I expect to have to take the front panel off and from what I can see it is just there in front. I cannot see the connections though. Are they a specialised fitting or can I remove and replace the pipes myself?
I was told the condenser is leaking and it doesn't hold gas in the system for more than 2 days. I have sourced a new replacement for less than £100.
I was quoted £379 to replace it. That just sounds a bit expensive to me!
I realise that will include regassing but that was £49 when I went to KwikFit initially. When it leaked, they refunded the full price!
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Fitting a new condensor is fairly straight forward. Take off slam panel and grille and all should be fairly obvious. Be sure to fit new O rings, you should get them with the new condensor. You will then have to go to a garage that can evacuate the system and re oil and gas it for you.

You will need to remove the electric fans as well which is a bit fiddley. Otherwise a piece of cake.

Remove the grille. Remove the four bolts securing the slam panel and swing it out of the way. Unplug the leads to the fan motors and remove the motor assembly. Remove the two bolts securing the condenser at the top, one each side. Slacken and remove the two aircon hoses at the condenser. Remove the two bolts securing the condenser at the bottom, one each side,these are accesible with a socket and extension through the lower grille slats. Lift the condenser out.
Whilst it is out, it's a good chance to blast the crud from out of the radiator fins and oil coolers at the same time.
Reassembly is the reverse, remembering to fit the new "O" rings onto the hose ends.

Forgot to say..around 30-45 minutes work.

...........and get it evacuated and regassed by someone who knows what they are doing. There is a hint there.
Don't just buy a DIY tin like those who fitted my new one did (under warranty otherwise I'd have done it myself too).

Thank you for all your replies. Just as I had hoped!!
I will be doing the job in the next 3 weeks or so. If I have any problems I know where to come back to!!
I will be using Kwikfit to regas the system. I don't nomally approve of such places but they were very helpful last visit AND they refunded me in full when the gas leaked out!!
Thanks once again for the helpful replies.

Sparkystu said:

Thank you for all your replies. Just as I had hoped!!
I will be doing the job in the next 3 weeks or so. If I have any problems I know where to come back to!!
I will be using Kwikfit to regas the system. I don't nomally approve of such places but they were very helpful last visit AND they refunded me in full when the gas leaked out!!
Thanks once again for the helpful replies.

Click to expand...

I believe they have been advertising a aircon leak check and regas for around that amount. Sounds like they omitted the leak check and just did a regas, no wonder they refunded your money. Would not take a pram there for a service never mind a vehicle. The leak would have been pretty obvious IF they had bothered to do a check. Con merchants.

....like I said in my previous about a hint, which has been somewhat elaborated on above, go to someone who can operate the AC machine i.e. evacuate the gas (if any left and whatever dribbles of oil and UV dye come out) have it held on vacuum for about half an hour then key in the correct amount of gas, 20-40ml oil and 5ml dye. Ensure you get the right amount of gas in as the P38s vary from model to model believe it or not.

Done but not quite the walk in the park envisioned. Main issue is getting the feeder pipes disconnected from old condenser. A complete pig to do. 19mm not able to get a good grip as I suspect the condenser had been replaced before and some eejit has rounded the thing.

Got there eventually but for next one I think I will buy new hose (£47).

KwikFit did regas for £29 and it seems to have worked. Time will tell