Replacing A/C Condenser on '97 Tahoe?

[likaroc13]

Any of you guys that have replaced a condenser, what brand did you use for a replacement? I've searched the local parts retailer sites, Rock Auto, Amazon, & a couple other sites. I asked a friend for suggestions on another forum, & he said he tends to stick with ACDelco stuff. From the research I've done so far, I've noticed some folks having issues with orifice tube fitment into the ACDelco 15-6958 condenser. The guy who gave an Amazon review mentions this, saying he spoke directly with Delco who admitted there are some problems with the units that went to Asia for manufacturing. I saw a similar incident mentioned by someone on the Tahoe/Yukon forum. Maybe it's just a hit or miss deal, but I don't know.

I just got word yesterday that the condenser on my '97 Tahoe is leaking at the upper right corner, so I need to replace it. I just don't want to buy a crappy unit that is inferior in quality or fitment. Would like to get this done within the next couple weeks or so, while the grille is removed. Any info/recommendations are greatly appreciated.

[likaroc13]

So out of curiosity I emailed Rock Auto to ask about the ACDelco condenser. I was told they hadn't heard of any issues related to what I mentioned above. He even took time to check the order history on that part #, and they've sold it approximately 50 times. They've only had 1 return where the person did not need the part. He said they haven't had any fitment, defect, or warranty issues though. Guess I'll take my chances with it unless somebody has a better or equivalent condenser suggestion.

[bwood]

I use napa stuff and have had no issues. You may want to run some flat black across it so it doesn't stick out through the grill. Does your truck have rear ac? If so the oriface doesn't go in the condenser, it will go in the liquid line between the condenser and the evaporator.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by bwood

I use napa stuff and have had no issues. You may want to run some flat black across it so it doesn't stick out through the grill. Does your truck have rear ac? If so the oriface doesn't go in the condenser, it will go in the liquid line between the condenser and the evaporator.

Thanks for the input. Not sure what the finish will be, but I'll definitely black it out if needed. No rear A/C, because it's a 2-door Tahoe.

[likaroc13]

Just wanted to update this. I ordered the Delco condenser mentioned above from Rock Auto, & the orifice tube fit with no issues. However, the line fitting from the condenser (aluminum) to the original manifold line (brass) did not mate well & screwed up the fittings. This resulted in the shop paying for a new condenser, & I had to buy a new manifold line. Well, they got a new Delco condenser from a local GM dealer. Guess what? The orifice tube won't fit into the condenser. That's the exact same problem that was mentioned when I researched before ordering the first one from Rock Auto. So, I had to leave the Tahoe with them until another new condenser arrives. Hopefully it won't have the same problem. Just wanted to forewarn anybody that plans to use the same Delco condenser.

Another thing that was pointed out to me by the mechanic & worth mentioning, is the GM dealership's Delco condenser is thicker than the one I had bought from Rock Auto. I'm not sure why considering they're the same part number. The mechanic said I'd like the condenser from the dealership better, because it would have better cooling capacity. That said, while the Rock Auto condenser was temporarily installed, it seemed to be cooling just fine.

[likaroc13]

Well, I finally have air. However, the shop went through 2 more Delco condensers & 6 orifice tubes with no luck. It's basically a crap shoot. They ended up just ordering an aftermarket condenser with the orifice tube already installed from Keystone. I'm told it's actually thicker than the Delco one from the dealer. After the headache, hopefully I don't have to deal with this for a loooong time.