Air Conditioning Condenser - front-mounted condenser for the air conditioning refrigerant circuit, specified for 3.0L AJ20D6 diesel, 3.0L AJ20P6 petrol and 5.0L AJ133 V8 petrol applications. The condenser is carried at the front face of the cooling pack, ahead of the engine radiator, in the direct ram air path. High-pressure refrigerant vapour leaving the compressor discharge line enters the condenser, gives up its heat to the airflow passing through the fin pack, and leaves as a high-pressure liquid which then passes to the receiver/drier and on to the expansion device at the evaporator. Because it occupies the leading position in the cooling stack, the aluminium core is exposed to stone impact and road salt. Bent or corroded fins, a blocked face or a leaking core all reduce heat rejection, which shows first as poor cooling at idle and in slow traffic, and as raised head pressure at the compressor. The refrigerant circuit must be evacuated and recharged after replacement, and the receiver/drier renewed whenever the system has been open to atmosphere.
