[Xnotch]

Hi, I just wanted to know what is mounted right before my radiator? It’s metal, roughly the same size & looks exactly like a radiator core. I just need to know what it’s called. I’m not near my car.

 

[Cepega]

Nothing? The crimps you see are part of the radiator.

 

[Dr. Acula]

There’s a condenser up there too for the ac.

what’s the issue?

 

[mtts60]

The 'radiator in front of the radiator' is the condenser for the air conditioning system.

 

[Xnotch]

There’s a condenser up there too for the ac.

what’s the issue?

Okay, appreciate it! A metal line connecting to it broke off just enough for it to leak. Most of it is still intact. Was suggested to use jbweld steel putty. Not sure yet.

 

[mtts60]

Was suggested to use jbweld steel putty. Not sure yet.

Well, the thing is made of aluminum.

Replace the entire condenser. If it's like most Honda's, the fins are all smashed up anyhow. This means a trip to a local a/c shop; unless you have the gauge set and a refrigerant recovery machine, it's not a DIY job.

And, depending on how long that line has been broken off, the system could be contaminated with bits of aluminum, dust, etc. That makes it a more expensive repair.

 

[ltfa182]

Is it a line attaching to the condenser or is the line a part of the condenser? If its a part of the condenser, then I second mtts60. Replace the condenser and get it recharged. While you may need an AC Kit, based on what you're saying I feel like you will just need to replace the condenser. Not an official diagnosis lol.

 

[KW2004Accord]

Do you have AC in the car (blows cold ?).

 

[Dr. Acula]

Okay, appreciate it! A metal line connecting to it broke off just enough for it to leak. Most of it is still intact. Was suggested to use jbweld steel putty. Not sure yet.

so if my memory is correct there is ALSO a small loop of line running from the passenger side near the bottom and returning from whence it came for cooling the power steering fluid. Is the line that’s broken threaded into the condenser or does it just make a long cooling loop in front of it?

if it is the loop in front you don’t need to replace the condenser just the loop

 

[Xnotch]

Well, the thing is made of aluminum.

Replace the entire condenser. If it's like most Honda's, the fins are all smashed up anyhow. This means a trip to a local a/c shop; unless you have the gauge set and a refrigerant recovery machine, it's not a DIY job.

And, depending on how long that line has been broken off, the system could be contaminated with bits of aluminum, dust, etc. That makes it a more expensive repair.

Okay, sounds good! Could I just get the ac system purged at a shop then take my car home to replace the line and condenser myself?

so if my memory is correct there is ALSO a small loop of line running from the passenger side near the bottom and returning from whence it came for cooling the power steering fluid. Is the line that’s broken threaded into the condenser or does it just make a long cooling loop in front of it?

if it is the loop in front you don’t need to replace the condenser just the loop

You’re exactly right. My condenser is in good shape. It’s just that line that I need to replace rather than the whole condenser. Appreciate all the help!

 

[Cepega]

There may not be anything I the system since the line is damaged. Check low and high pressure lines.

 

[greg1c]

That aluminium strip is the crimp on the top of the radiator, the top and bottom tanks are plastic. The top and bottom tanks have a large thick O-ring and the crimp holds it all together.

The condenser is mounted in front of the radiator.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

 

[Dr. Acula]

You’re exactly right. My condenser is in good shape. It’s just that line that I need to replace rather than the whole condenser. Appreciate all the help!

Good news everyone! Credit goes to @ltfa182 for jogging my memory

also, should be #18 on this website pending year double check me though. It looks stupid expensive from Honda parts now… I’d shop around maybe even junkyard

P.S. Lines (V6) - 2004 Honda Accord 2 Door EX (V6) KA 5AT

Shop in the parts listing - 2004 Honda Accord 2 Door EX (V6) KA 5AT P.S. Lines (V6). Discounted prices and Hassle-Free Return on genuine Honda parts.

www.hondapartsnow.com

 

[Cepega]

That #18 is a power steering line. Not an AC line.

Can you make your own out of a brake line and some flared on fittings or just flared on ends looks like should be on it to prevent hose from slipping off.

 

[Dr. Acula]

That #18 is a power steering line. Not an AC line.

yes, from OPs comment it appears the ps line that’s hooked on the front of the condenser is what’s leaking not the ac

You’re exactly right. My condenser is in good shape. It’s just that line that I need to replace rather than the whole condenser. Appreciate all the help!

exactly! Op definitely did not confirm the line mentioned in my above post was the one leaking and not the condenser

 

[Cepega]

yes, from OPs comment it appears the ps line that’s hooked on the front of the condenser is what’s leaking not the ac

Welcome to 100% online diagnostics, where any guess is the right guess. I love these kinds of troubleshooting games, tell me what's broken by looking at generic picture from the other end of the car.

 

[mtts60]

Okay, sounds good! Could I just get the ac system purged at a shop then take my car home to replace the line and condenser myself?

No. The order of the job is:

1. Evacuate (drain) the a/c system. This requires a shop, unless you have the gauges and recovery equipment.
2. Remove existing condenser, install new one.
3. Recharge the a/c system. This requires the same equipment in step 1.

So, it is not usually a DIY job.

This, of course, is true only if it's the a/c system that is the problem. Others are suggesting it is something else completely unrelated to the a/c system.

 

[Cepega]

This, of course, is true only if it's the a/c system that is the problem. Others are suggesting it is something else completely unrelated to the a/c system.

That's the thing, we don't know for sure as to what exactly OP is referring to. Provided picture is completely unrelated to the issue described and we get confusing and contradictory info as to what the actual issue is.

 

[Dr. Acula]

Nothin but hip shots across the board hahahaha it is kinda fun though and there is still good info in the thread

 

[Xnotch]

That's the thing, we don't know for sure as to what exactly OP is referring to. Provided picture is completely unrelated to the issue described and we get confusing and contradictory info as to what the actual issue is.

You guys have been on the money the whole time. I did a bad job sourcing an image in the beginning lol That was a rookie move on me but my quick description got the ball rolling. It’s in fact the ac condenser I’m speaking of and it is one of the hoses that leaked at the connection on the condenser itself, not the end that goes to the compressor. I’m situating slight front end damaged. The line I believe already went bad at that connection but took some nudges to fully expose itself. That’s when freon bursted out. I’ve left it since then, looking to see if I know someone with equipment to help me evacuate the system where the car sits.

No. The order of the job is:

1. Evacuate (drain) the a/c system. This requires a shop, unless you have the gauges and recovery equipment.
2. Remove existing condenser, install new one.
3. Recharge the a/c system. This requires the same equipment in step 1.

So, it is not usually a DIY job.

This, of course, is true only if it's the a/c system that is the problem. Others are suggesting it is something else completely unrelated to the a/c system.

So after getting it evacuated I can’t drive it home? I’m close the to the shop. After replacing condenser, I plan to go back to get it vacuum then recharged.