Design Flaw? Cut In Half from Factory! CHEVROLET Tahoe 5.3 Freon Leak

[@RainmanRaysRepairs]

Cut Condenser Video: Customer States...WAIT, look at this! Can't make this stuff up! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5-rhJtrj755o7s

[@mitchfleming274]

I imagine that cutting that factory core allows it to flex more.

[@keithdonaldson3945]

Maybe not happy, but installing that guarantees a repeat customer, soon.

[@terrynations2243]

Ray, I have done three of these and I removed the upper core support on all of them. It’s actually fairly easy there is 3 10mm bolts on each end that you have to remove from under the top rail.

[@hestheMaster]

Best part is the end of the day and Lauren standing there in a Wonder Woman pose! Then she does stuff for you so you both can go home. Go ahead and have yourself a great day Ray.

[@timanderson9466]

What amazes me is your patience. I work on my own car but have never dug as deep as you do in these repairs. Do you have a swear version of you videos?😡

[@brucegarrett7232]

Like Clint Eastwood " Every Man Must Know His Limitations". Encouragement and guidance is always a teachable moment.

[@Regiom-vp8ju]

I can’t imagine, all that work; and that was just to take off the condenser! I am not a grease monkey, just enjoy watching skilled mechanics wrenching away!

[@oldschool1993]

SHEEESH- get yourself a couple bungie cords to hold that radiator back. I figured your one handed skills were developed in your teen years.

[@bengtabelsson9727]

A safety issue: I shorted a battery lead with my wedding ring. Only a minor burn, but could have been worse. Since then, no rings and no wristwatch when doing mechanical things. A reminder to Wife Unit, no need to dicover that by herself.

[@jima3129]

Damned good point. Eric O wears a wedding ring also. I tried to warn him too. I joined the USAF in 1964, And was in a mechanical field. They showed us a gruesome safety movie of guys that suffered accidents by wearing loose clothing, ties, rings, watchbands, necklaces etc around rotating equipment and batteries where unintentional short circuits could occur. Three guys watching the movie ended up puking their guts out. And even knowing this, I was working on my motorcycle on base, and managed to short my stainless watchband from the positive terminal to the frame. I have never worn anything conductive or loose ever since, as my wrist was burned really bad. Doesn't it piss you off when you know you are doing something wrong and you do it anyway? It usually happens when you are in a hurry, or tired, or both. 😢

[@aderi31415]

She bought him a non-metallic ring to wear while working. I think it's just silicone. It should tear before degloving his finger.

[@trevparker1461]

Definitely agree about wearing of rings, better to remove the ring from your finger before the finger gets removed in a mishap.

[@Stubby0266]

It was always recommended to remove rings while working on aircraft, especially helicopters. Fall off, grab onto something, lose grip, ring catches, peel off the skin and muscle on the way down.

[@Railrider765]

Seen transport semi driver for J. Deere pull his ring finger off his hand from wedding band. 🤦

[@goldfishhhification]

I completed rear pad & rotor replacement on my car. Keeping things clean is important - so, as I used a can of brake clean, it ran out and I threw it across the garage and screamed ANOTHER.... Wife came out and wondered what was wrong with me. I just smiled.

[@ianriggs]

Nice lol

[@billytheearthworm573]

☝️🤪 ...well, just goes to show, there's a thin line between objective instruction, and subjective observation in your mind 😵‍💫

[@queensapphire7717]

Yeah, I find myself doing the Ray “Nyah !” All the time when exerting myself for something.

[@hba1copqr699]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ericmutnan6358]

The leak in that weld between the condenser and filter dryer are super common with these era of GMs.

[@xxxxxx_1300]

Yes it is ,real common

[@blaqlabspodcast5816]

Happens with 90s era Ford trucks also

[@Straight_White_Fatherly_Figure]

Mine (2013) appears to be leaking at the driver side top corner of the radiator. I didnt feel like pulling my headlights and stuff out to see exactly where, but i see coolant draining from that area.. Edit: actually similar to this video, just a little closer to the metal bar that crosses the top of the radiator 😅

[@ferrumignis]

Pretty obvious design fault, the condenser is going to run hotter than the drier so there will be plenty of stress on those welds.

[@xxxxxx_1300]

@@ferrumignis true but it's a bad design on those condensers they should have a recall on them majority of those trucks leak in that same spot

[@Jsatransp]

Mine is a suburban and I did a lot of sweating putting it in but for a female I was very proud of myself. Great video. I learn a lot from you. Your my favorite. Great job. .

[@weekendwarriorweldingdiypr4604]

I love how Eric O did a bolt removal video with welding lessons yesterday.

[@shadetreemech290]

Yeah, I saw that.

[@donsisco852]

@@willydavid … or was it?

[@forgetfulme1719]

@@donsisco852 trying to teach Ray, like so many welders did before, but he would never learn. Now he paid the price but viewership covers the $.

[@MickayG]

I love watching Ray work and the joy he has doing the work... but every time he pulls out the welder or the soldering iron, it becomes hard to watch for me. And I don't get it, for a skilled and honest mechanic, I just can't understand why after watching him for some years now and seeing his shoddy welds and soldering, him even admitting he's not that proficient and getting all the flak from his audience... has never taken the time to polish his welding and soldering a little and become an even more skilled mechanic. And it doesn't even take much time, there's day courses that will teach the basics which will instantly improve his skills.

[@craigquann]

With what time? The guy is working every day on everyone's busted ass cars (and some of them are extensive repairs) while filming. Good welding takes lots of time and talent (it's as much an art as it is a trade). I'm like Ray... I can make it stick, but I'll never ever be a welder. I know my limits, and there's no point putting that much time into it.

[@markharlow1660]

Hi Ray,I'm 63 but my wife still says that I'm 6 yrs old! Never grow up it's boring!😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤️

[@cetate93]

I worked in the parts department for a GM dealership as a delivery driver. Yes they all look like that out of the box.

[@scottmarshall3963]

Whenever I have to re-use fasteners, it's more like "as soon as I get that nut tightened down, I'll find the new stud that came with the new condenser unit"!

[@nonyabiz2777]

Nice to have your best buddy to work with. My wife is my favorite work buddy. Unless she says “IM GOING TO CLEAN THE HOUSE TODAY” or any other task means we men will be doing work we didn’t want to do but it’s worth it. Nice work bravo team Rainman Rays.

[@edgeofvamp]

Always a Win when you don't have to burp a cooling system.

[@Pili209]

I'm in Cali and when I get off work at 3am I'm always looking forward to watching your videos before I go to bed. I've learned so much from you. Thank you Ray.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

I've changed my share of radiators, and condensers over the years, and one thing that helped was to tape cardboard to them for protection during installation. you can get a lots tougher with it without damage.

[@shadetreemech290]

Yeah, I've done that.

[@peted5217]

Good Suggestion!

[@keithdonaldson3945]

Good one. I remember doing that long ago. I installed an ac unit (window frame building unit) by myself a few years back and forgot said tech. Lost control of it in massive overhung load moment and flattened a few fins.

[@forgetfulme1719]

never taken anyone's pro advice. If he held the vacuum last time longer, would have discovered system leaking, instead of quick charge and go and get the dough.

[@jcadult101]

Bike shops have plenty of boxes and they're double wall. Use them for creepers, drip collection, radiator protection and silhouette targets.

[@randyfitz8310]

38:23 like I asked earlier: are we seeing Ray tired at the end of the work week (it’s not like you to lose parts)?

[@joshdoupe5902]

That radiator support does come out 3 10mm bolts on each side that run from bottom to top. Takes an extra 10 minutes to get them all loose then you have miles of room to get the condenser out. Not to mention the retaining clips for the atf cooler lines

[@jasonf87]

For those interested, at 24:00 the song is Rockwell - In a dream my love. That was a nice throwback Ray!

[@russellstyles5381]

Well, combining the transmission cooler and A/C condenser reduces the chance of mixing oil and water more than putting it in the radiator.

[@JaredJanhsen]

When I was the IT guy swapping parts and doing RMAs, I always tossed in a little packet of Swedish Fish with my returns. Never had anyone object to an RMA request :) I do miss the suppliers that tossed in a handful of candy.

[@stevelang3171]

when i buy slotcar parts from Slotcar Corner, i always get some Dum-Dums! (and it's mot just me- they give 'em to everybody.)

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Ray I thought I saw a little bag fall back into the box, that might have been your seals.😮

[@malgoren]

Ray, Did you remember to top up the transmission fluid? You will be low by whatever the quantity is in the transmission cooler, and whatever leaked out of the lines. Other than that, great video.

[@wilbilt]

The O-rings were included with the new condenser. I saw them in a baggie in the bottom of the box as Ray tossed it away. Look at about 23:58 in the video.

[@Sharpete]

Wow. Ray put something away… the master kit box! If I wasn’t laying down, I would have fallen 😂😂😂

[@joevk6274]

I discovered that they make a special set of pliers for all those plastic rivet-like retainers, and they are amazing. I bought two pairs and left one at work for everyone to use.

[@jad43701]

Yea, I have seen those at Harbor Freight. Would buy a set, but since I rarely work on anymore, they would just be sitting in a drawer gathering dust.

[@chipdayton1625]

I'll say it again. You need to get an electrician in there to fix the panel and run new circuits around your shop.

[@loudelvis610]

I'm no electrician but I know sketchy when I see it and the wiring in this building is sketchy....I was wondering the wisdom of showing any of it on video...seems like just asking for code compliance to come over for a peek

[@imagseer]

Maybe there's a local commercial electrician who could use some KZbin exposure and/or a skill swop? Could be fun.

[@chipdayton1625]

@@imagseer That's what I was thinking.

[@garyreed2144]

@@loudelvis610 better hope DeSantis doesn’t watch KZbin!

[@v0rtical]

I think Ray's just trolling us... he's waiting to unveil the power strip electrical fire feature of his channel. Soon there will be a new video called "DANGER! Shop Burns!!!" and "the algorithm" will eat it up 😂 It won't be complete until the fire extinguisher trigger subscribe button is introduced. Love your videos Ray. I've learned a lot from you and wish you the best.

[@StrengthAndConditioning61]

Whispers to Troy "I'm watching you" as he walks by lol 😂

[@jadesluv]

I always pressurize the A/C system with nitrogen or air and check to see if it holds pressure before vacuuming because just doing a vacuum can suck cracks closed and seals close and show no leaks.

[@jamesarnold6059]

I'm literally 1/2 way thru this same job on my own vehicle & what you said is correct: It's not that terrible once you realize it's terrible & accept it... I think it you said it something like that

[@Jamzor1st]

Ray, I just wanted to comment on your statement about that upper radiator bracket. I have done 3 of these condenser styles in the past month, there are 6 10mm screws on the underside of that bracket, 3 on each side. Used a ratcheting wrench and was able to lift that bar out of the way. Takes about an hour total at this point for full R&R. Hope this helps in the future!! Love your videos, keep doing you! Edit: on passenger side, just gotta remove the airbox and the plate beneath it.

[@sbinc.9275]

I've done my fair share this way as well. I usually snatch the bumper cover off, both headlights, and the bolts are relatively easy to get to. Takes about 20 minutes. Makes getting the condenser out so much easier. Also helps with getting to the transmission lines to get them clipped back in.

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

@@sbinc.9275 If this was my car I would get out the sawsall.

[@earlp3361]

Had a similar issue with my 2014 and was told it isn't in the recall. They wanted $1700 to replace the condenser. I spent $360 and replaced the radiator and condenser myself. Btw those airbox holes ccrack all the time. I fixed mine with a washer under the head of a coarse threaded screw.

[@AlicesWondereland]

I was taken back at 23:25. Ray, your German is flawless.

[@andyrbush]

That seems to be a classic design fault with the condenser. Two tubes rigidly connected at two separate locations, and the clear potential for differential expansion due to different temperatures. It is almost guaranteed to fracture one of the connections. And it does fail.

[@joechandler8398]

That was the only major repair I had to make on the 2015 GMC Sierra I owned. I bought an aftermarket condenser to avoid getting another faulty one from GM. Plus the aftermarket one came with a lifetime guarantee.

[@colchronic]

Love that upper core support how it's just welded in place instead of actually using screws like everybody else GM engineering at its finest

[@jhh8688]

Ray im a line mech as yourself im 61 stand 6.3 300lbs now my hands twice your size lol i dreamed of smaller hands all my life !!!

[@gihonda127]

I changed mine in my 07, and I just ended up taking the bumper off as it allowed for more access to the bolts that are hard to reach. I'm sure it's different with a customers veh, but for my own POV, I just remove all that I can to gain access to that component. Good work though.

[@RenegadesGarage]

Rainman Ray's Repairs.. Awesome job and video bro. Thanks for sharing it.

[@r8nable]

Like your channel man! I just wanted to point out that freon was banned globally in 1989 due to it's catastrophic effect on the ozone layer.

[@barrystark3811]

My understanding is that the ozone layer damage story is as overblown as is global warming. The story as I heard it was that real reason was that Dow's patent on R12A was running out so the transition to Dow's new patented R134A was necessary. Wink wink

[@orion1a]

Forgive my ignorance, but if the weld cracked is it possible to weld some more metal into the crack to fill the leak and I would assume that it would be cheaper for the customer and one less item for the trash heap? I know the perfect answer is to replace the item. But is there no why to fix instead of replace?

[@crowttubebot3075]

Driver's side upper condenser is the first place I look for a leak on these trucks. Been a very common failure point for years. The change to 1234 refrigerant didn't change that. Easy money for me, bad luck for the owner, unfortunately.

[@jessebbutanda586]

Nice to see the unit wife, helping out a bit, and learning a little about the vehicle parts. Awesome

[@Todestelzer]

40:14 you can try baking soda and superglue. Works surprisingly well. Or a kit with a special powder.

[@austin002]

Crazy my 2015 Silverado has the leak in the same spot, but I know they are notorious for going out around those years

[@donaldscott7279]

Ray is great always trying to save the customer money

[@Shododaan]

Oh yeah I was definitely gonna REEE if you didn't replace those O-rings =) One tip that might help that I learned from my dad - cut out part of the cardboard box the radiator/condenser came in and zip tie it to the radiator like you would with an oil pan gasket. Great video as always.

[@BlueT521]

Ray shout out for your wife She seems to be really nice person love seeing u guys together and helping you with things even the easy simple things To me when ur wife try’s or even helps u show she cares about you Tell your wife from us all she lovely nice lady and we appreciate everything she does for you

[@victorsantamaria100]

However it is, that you managed to put those seals one handed is beyond me! Again... You're amazing... Or like the youngun's say... The goat!

[@peterhendriks6596]

When you vacuum everything from the AC before the repair you will catch the oil and dye as well. With the next recharge does that then also get injected into the lines as it is in your tank that caught everything?

[@danielanderson7855]

Funny thing is that there is a A/C condenser recall for GM K2XX trucks for the 2014-2015 model year. Why condenser fails exactly like that... Told my dad to even wait a few years so he had less A/C issues, but even then the 6l80e torque converter only lasted 30k miles lol. Meanwhile my 50k GmMT400 Tahoe I got from my grandma still runs like a dream even with my Delphi HT6 compressor recalled. Yeah I had to throw new spider injectors on but I got the Standard MPFI upgrade. I get 14-16 city and pushing 22 on the highway with a lifted 4wd truck on 33s lol. Better than my moms new 2021 z71 tahoe which is optioned up the same as my 00' obs Z71.

[@lokigames5091]

Ray sharpieit on the can. " Dont Forget" and you'll never forget . Lol , always enjoy watching🤘🤘

[@peterwilliams4795]

On some of your sayings I'd swear you were born in Australia cause my Dad used the same saying " close but no cigar" he also used the saying when asked about something he would say it's a "wigwam for a gooses bridle" please have a good day Peter from Australia

[@stevenhayward2640]

That upper frame rail does come out. 2 bolts on the bottom side on each side then the middle bolt in the front. An absolute pain in the ass to get out but it's removable.

[@geraldharkness8830]

so satisfying watching you work ray,,an the added bonus of the wife unit!

[@brandonburgener6945]

I hope you are thriving like it appears in your OOHTOOBS. You have come so far and I am so glad your dreams seem to be coming through. Keep up the good work and keep us all entertained

[@vtxdaryl]

What is your recommendation on replacing the transmission fluid in a 2019 Honda Odyssey with 60 thousand miles on it? Do you have to drop the transmission pan and what should the approximate cost be? Great job by the way.

[@philiprowe2147]

All I could think was, why not pull the radiator? If like most cars they haven't changed the coolant it would be overdue anyway.

[@NiklasNordin]

Actually, the massflow sensor works by measuring two temperatures through two resistors. One resistor is just measured as is and one has a constant current set through it that heats it. The passing air cools of the heated resistor in proportion to the mass air flow. So if you know the actual temperature (the unheated resistor) you can calculate the air flow. Quite easy actually.

[@JourneyMN]

Congratulations on the 500k subs Ray! Been here since 100k plan on staying until I’m gone.

[@DeltaGammaKilo]

Should use one of those gimbling "knob" style ratches for those really tight spaces. Save your fingees.

[@durstondarden8765]

I wish I had had a partner like you to work with when I was still working as a mechanic.. I would love to have been working with my roommate, but we kind of took different paths.. unfortunately

[@kevincurry4735]

Happy Monday Ray. A/C repair going on and then the Macarena broke out. Hey Raaaaayyyyy that condenser came out aaay!

[@kevincurry4735]

Ray is semi ambidextrous.

[@gasselectric]

Thanks for the tip on seals. If I were doing this at home I would be upset that there was no seals.

[@joegfjh]

Just did one of those last week in a Suburban, going to be added to "the list" of first things to check 😂

[@JoeVanDyke4240]

Funny you mentioned the OLD Condenser videos... That is where I started watching you, as I was trying to Diag an A/C system.

[@David-yh5po]

Is there a recall on this?

[@workfone6912]

23:38 As 90s dance hits blast away in the background 😈

[@mikehartmann5187]

I used OAC components to retrofit a/c into my Jeep TJ. I just got done, and the car goes to a shop tomorrow to get evacuated and charged (Sorry, Ray, not in FLA). We’ll see if I was a successful installer or not.

[@danielhylton4675]

shout out to wife unit cameo .....WAASSSSUPPP~! 😁👋👋

[@robertpimpo4698]

Seen that issue alot and repaired 6 or 7 jobs ok not super bad nice job ray

[@davidzajano1983]

Oh NNOooo!! Hard to press the LIKE button when Ray installed the windshield washer fluid cap on sideways. Next thing we know he'll be putting 710 caps on the oil fill aperture.

[@jcadult101]

Did I miss topping off the trans fluid? Some would be lost with the open lines and removal of the cooler, no?

[@keithvaughan6042]

I thinks good sir that you have a hard core fan base now. The narrative is excellent as usual The lesson was informative. Thank you Ray for this episode. -SALUTE- 😊

[@stevo4649]

thankyou Ray a very enjoyable extended upload,,have yourself a happy and safe week,,👍👍

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

Then the bartender says to the pirate, "Okay, Mac, what's that lump in your trousers?" And the pirate mutters, "Hyar" and thumps towards the bar on his pegleg. The pirate pulls his waistband forward and the bartender peers over the bar and down into the pirate's trousers. "What the hell? You've got a steering wheel in there!" "Hyar, and it's drivin' me nuts." Nice Wera flexible nutdriver you got there, Ray! I sent you a set of Wiha nutdrivers a few months ago, having seen you spend so much time slopping around with slothead screwdrivers. Well, now it looks like you really have found quality nutdriver religion! EDIT: Huzzah! Now I see one of the Wiha nutdriver set at 37:13 mark. Glad they could be of some use.

[@MoneyMarcMes]

I love my Cheverolet Silverado and hope to get a Tahoe soon! Love the interior of the Tahoe.

[@johnchambers12]

Nice job training your assistant. It is funny how you called your hood light a drop light.

[@wmarkwitherspoon]

I have not found a bad video for as long as I have been watching your channel...

[@1verstapp]

up to your usual standard, Ray. and thanks for the handedness explanation. and Lauren is always nice to see.

[@Polypeckerhead]

I would like to know if the parts ordered are all aftermarket compared to OEM ( for any vehicle not just this one). Does any customer insist on OEM? Are the OEM parts any better during this day and age?

[@MrBeltaine]

I didnt see the squigly wire retainer clips go back on when the trans lines were reattached.

[@robertschimschack3753]

First off let me say I work at the Lockport Gm plant that made that condenser. It’s not a flaw , Delphi designed it that way , the temp difference between the two units (condenser and transmission cooler) the cut was made to allow the core to “ flex”. Yes that core was a nightmare Delphi not Gm designed it , Gm had to redesign it after a year or so because the coupler to RD tank was failing a lot . That core did have design flaws but the cut wasn’t on of them

[@jima3129]

If it failed on a regular basis, it's a flaw. Obviously the designer missed something. If a house you sold to a person falls down, you can't blame the framing subcontractor. As they say down south " That dog don't hunt"

[@marlonhoward5629]

That piece across the top is removable. The bolts are located on the underside. 3 on each side. Or at least it was on my Silverado of the sam year.

[@Beretta96Dan]

Thanks, Ray, for the video! I always enjoy them all!

[@whitebass16]

This should have been a recall. I did mine about 2yrs ago myself in about 1.5hrs.. not fun, but that was during covid and parts were scarce everywhere. Dealerships were charging $1200 to replace that defective condenser.

[@dublindave5795]

The o rings were are in a plastic bag that fell into the box when you pulled the condenser out at the 24 min mark

[@jfarm_1311]

Sadly Gm never seemed to actually fix known part failures points near as frequent as the aftermarket

[@TheMaster1]

It's coming close to the time it will need a new radiator. The tank on the drivers side will develop a crack and start leaking. My 2006 Sierra did it, it's a common issue.

[@85lebaront2]

Almost as muck fun as R&R ing the radiator in my 1994 Taurus LX with the 3.8L 90° V6. the transmission cooler lines came in from the front at a 45° angle.

[@garyreed2144]

I noticed before you don’t clean debris off radiator when replacing the A/C condenser, why?

[@jerrymalone8370]

I love Ray's optimism and his great attitude. Makes my day.

[@lnknprkfn]

at 3:26 unless thats a yellow petcock to drain the coolant from the radiator their appears to be a puddle of UV dye at the bottom xD

[@bobby9195]

Good morning Mr Ray hope y'all have a wonderful day 😁

[@michaellicitra7632]

Do you add oil to the system when replacing components and how do you decide how much?

[@joefrazier5361]

you are still the best one handed mechanic I know

[@cass71291]

FREESTYLE playing in the background 🔊🔊👊🏼😎(Old School)

[@aliasfred]

Aluma weld sticks WILL repair aluminum a/c lines, if you can get at them. Only requires propane torch and clean aluminum. Also works well on aluminum radiators.