Regularly check for debris between aircon condenser and radiator

[aspire_helen]

This likely applies to any car with aircon, where the condenser radiator is positioned immediately in front of the engine coolant radiator. Ive just replaced the radiator on my 2001 C5 due to a leak. OK, its 21 years old, but I was annoyed by the cause of the leak. Leaves and other detritus had collected, and been compressed to some degree by the fan, into the lower front corners of the coolant radiator. Under this (probably permanently damp) cover, the aluminium crimp had corroded and expanded, pushing the plastic end cover away from the rubber seal. Otherwise, the water channels and cooling fins were uncorroded and in good condition. Thankfully, the adjacent face of the aircon condenser seems OK, but it too could be at risk.

The gap between the two radiators is not readily visible. However, on my Citroen C5 at least, it can be checked by unclipping the coolant radiator clips at the top, and angling the radiator rearwards on its lower rubber supports, without disconnecting anything. Any debris can be brushed or vacuumed out. Worth doing every few years.

[MattBLancs]

Interesting failure and hypothesis sounds very plausible. My 406 Coupe's radiator was also surprisingly obstructed with crud (which had made its way through the condenser fins as described) not failed as yet.


Wondering on the merits of a gentle pressure washing (through the radiator grille) would clean the pair out (and / or obliterate the delicate fins????) I suspect that the build up of crud being salt rich from winter gritting of the roads also contributes to the failure.

[MattBLancs]

P.s. if it's definitely the original one that's lasted 21 years then it's done very well indeed!

My previous 306 (no Aircon) was in need of a new rad by I guess 16 years old from memory = the whole bottom half of it was pretty much dissolved/crumbling away when I came to remove it!

I don't think my 406 Coupe was on its original one when I got it (about ten years old at the time)

[Jay-Bruce]

The crimped radiator really is a bad design, I've not long had to replace the intercooler on my BMW as it had started parting at the seams, at twenty one years old, you really cannot complain about the radiator/condensor above.

[Sloppysod]

Worth doing every few years

Thanks for the heads up, definitely worth a look if nothing else.
I use a cold weather sheild between November and April, even thoughi live in a 'mild' climate (Wales), not only does it help keep the engine at the right temperature, but also cuts down on road salt ingress. However, I am a bit disappointed with the one for the X7 as it only covers 80% of the grille, probably due to the auto Air con, but the Mk1 C5 covers the whole width of the lower grille.

[aspire_helen]

To be clear, the debris had not come through the condenser...it included whole leaves. It had come through large gaps around the sides of the radiators, primarily I believe around the coolant radiator because it was through those large gaps that I swept it back out again!

[MattBLancs]

To be clear, the debris had not come through the condenser...it included whole leaves. It had come through large gaps around the sides of the radiators, primarily I believe around the coolant radiator because it was through those large gaps that I swept it back out again!

Ah, that's interesting. I'm surprised there are such large gaps, the positive pressure flow of air in through the grille must bypass the radiator to a large extent via those gaps (i.e. why go through the small gaps in the rad fins, just flow around it instead) surprised that works - in fact has me wondering if something is missing (more dissolving foam!?) Will try to have a look at mine when I get chance, see if I have similar gaps

[MattBLancs]

Worth doing every few years

Thanks for the heads up, definitely worth a look if nothing else.
I use a cold weather sheild between November and April, even thoughi live in a 'mild' climate (Wales), not only does it help keep the engine at the right temperature, but also cuts down on road salt ingress. However, I am a bit disappointed with the one for the X7 as it only covers 80% of the grille, probably due to the auto Air con, but the Mk1 C5 covers the whole width of the lower grille.

That's interesting too! In fact have found your discussion on it here:
viewtopic.php?t=53638

For X7, part number:
7429G7


Puts me in mind of the "ecomodders" who love a bit of grille blocking:
https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread. ... 13768.html

https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sxsrf=APwXEdffmQLuyuzEMD16H63tUXW0bXyTZA:1687236978725&q=ecomodder+grille+block&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj27JLGh9H_AhWDq6QKHY-oDigQ0pQJegQIChAB&biw=412&bih=804&dpr=1.75#imgrc=pBsvLOYwjd_h2M

[MattBLancs]

Here's a better example from Ecomodder:

https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/show-off-your-grille-block-33021-5.html