are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

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350matt
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are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by 350matt »

as the title says chaps

they are the cheapest at 57 quid but do they actually fit OK ? as the sizes seem to vary a fair bit too
Thermotec is 580 x 296 x 16 also gaurenteed for 2 years apparently ?

Delphi one is £98 & 550 x 320 x 16
Mahle is £166 & 566 x 313 x 18

your thoughts ?
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by AndyBrad »

no idea but following.
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by warpc0il »

The Mazda OEM A/C radiator (condenser) is F151-61-480 @ £388.92 + VAT dealer retail.

The Thermotec price is like comparing a Toyosport catback to the oem exhaust, so it might be a bargain, though I fully understand you asking the question.

I've not had any experience with that brand and don't recall it being mentioned on here before, certainly the site search doesn't find anything outside of this thread.

Personally, if I was having to replace mine then I'd been looking at good used oem from a trusted trader, rather than bargain basement new - but that's just me.

The matrix can be impact damaged, which should be visually obvious, and it's easy enough to pressure test.
Unlike the coolant radiator matrix, the a/c is very unlikely to get blocked be debris in circulation, so "a good one" should be exactly that.
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350matt
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by 350matt »

So measuring up my OEM matrix its 600 x 320 and 16 deep
so its looks like the cheapest rad is the closest ? and I take your point Dave but rads do suffer from external corrosion and are under a fair bit of pressure so I'd rather go with new to be honest
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by AndyBrad »

Im still in the boat of not having air con.

After replacing my compressor it over pressurises the outlet. Ive been told that this will either be the condenser or the valve. So the thing is the condenser has a desiccant to dry the gas in it. When you buy them new they are sealed apparently where as one off a car could have been sat there for ages. Im not convinced thats a good idea? are they any pitfalls?
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by 350matt »

Dessicant material in the dryer does lose its effectivness over time - some guides say to replace every 3 years ( but who does that)
now the AC will still 'work' but it won't be as cold as it could be plus you dont' have the protection of no water vapour removal within the system

so on balance a new condensor (which includes the dryer on our cars) is the best bet
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by AndyBrad »

so go for the cheap new one?
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by 350matt »

I guess so
I'll take the plunge and report back
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by AndyBrad »

good lad :)
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by 350matt »

So update time
bought the cheap Thermotec rad through autodoc
and it shows up about 10 days later ( cheers Boris :roll: )
well packed and protected and even painted and fitted with proper plugs and pressurised ?

fit is 100% spot on, everything lines up and just slots on
just had it regassed ( £80) and the AC is very cold - just in time for winter!

so far a thumbs up from me
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by AndyBrad »

right have you got a link? ill get one ordered.
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by 350matt »

Here you go chap
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/thermotec/14081543

discounts change all the time - its often cheaper to order it on a Friday for some bizarre reason
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by AndyBrad »

ordered, thanks
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Re: are Thermotec AC rads any good ?

Post by rotatopotato »

Nice one. There's a reman'd oem compressor on ebay, so I'm thinking I'll get that and one of these condensers and have a go at fixing the AC myself as it all looks pretty straightforward to fit and mine is already empty of gas.

Cheers for taking one for the team 👍