RX8 XTC

ok i dont get this some how my AC condenser got a HOLE in it and because of that the AC Is DEAD It BLOWS but i can see this thing on the CONDENSER and i think its a HOLE but am not Sure if it is any ways i was toled its not going to be coverd by them if it Dose have a HOLE in thier . i MEAN come on its not my Falt that it was not protected good or the Design of the AIRDUM was too big it SHoulde of hade some Protection to Stop rocks and things from flying in thier and damging Stuff. this is Geting me MAD !!

here is a pic to show you what am talking about !

Parmer8

I'm sure it would probably be covered if it failed due to manufacturing defects, but more than likely it was caused by a projectile...rock. If you have to eat the cost, go ahead and get an upgraded condenser (better). I saw someone upgraded it in one of the thread.
It's a good thing that I placed wire mesh in front of the air dam. I've seen rocks and other stuff stuck to it already.

Dookie_Rx-8

you could always complain directly to Mazda see what they say......this is why i put my cheap mesh grill to protect it works pretty good.

SpinninAgain!

Ouch! You aren't the first RX-8 owner to lose their AC condensor to a stone. Mazda has refused warranty coverage before and they will do so again. The warranty is against manufacturing defects, not design defects. Yes, it sucks, but that's the way it is.

This is why so many forum members have installed DIY screens to protect their AC condensor and oil coolers. I installed them the first rain-free weekend after I bought the car. Forget the ricey mods, protect your baby first.

Sorry for your loss, it's about an $800 repair IIRC. Now get thee to the DIY forum so it doesn't happen again. AC and oil cooler screens will cost you about $15 in supplies (Home Depot) and 3 hours of work/fun.

G8rboy

Agreed- either buy some screens from DLS or build your own... while I am concerned about the AC condenser, I'm a lot more worried about the oil coolers taking a hit and losing oil. I made some that were cheezy from raw material at the hardware store, and then bought some nice ones from DLS and they look and work great.

Charles R. Hill

iTrader: (7)

His full-coverage auto insurance may cover the damage.

CRH

GotZoom

My eyes hurt.

Nubo

RX8 XTC - sure looks like you've got a hole. The refrigerant system has oil in it and it the dark area is probably from that leaking out. If the oil leaked out you know the refrigerant is gone too.

Mazda needs to get a clue. Don't leave big empty holes in the front of the car in front of sensitive components.

Definitely check out the DIY so it doesn't happen again.

Nubo

BTW, this is for the people whose eyes watered up before finishing the OP.

OK! I dont get this. Somehow my AC condenser got a hole in it and because of that the AC Is dead. The fan blows but doesn't cool. I can see something on the condenser and I think it's a hole. I'm not sure. In any case I was told it's not going to be covered by Mazda if it is a hole.

I mean -- come on! It's not my fault that it was not well protected or if the design of the air dam was faulty. There should be some protection to stop rocks and things from flying in there and damaging stuff. This is getting me MAD !!

original text:

GotZoom

Long Live Nubo!

RevTo9K

...and if you get any grief from your insurance company, ask them if they'll cover a windshield damaged by a rock. Then ask them at what altitude your coverage stops.

Worked for me when a rock hit the condenser on my Type R.

bureau13

Agreed, this is an insurance issue not a warranty issue. That said, $800 seems like a ridiculous price for a condenser...does that include labor?

I got the Racing Beat screen that goes over it in order to avoid this scenario, but any of the similar grills by DLS, or the DIY projects along this line should work just as well.

jds

G8rboy

Windshields are covered because they are a safety component of the car. Having a rock hit your AC is no different than a rock breaking your foglight or chipping your paint... it sucks, but not an insurance item unless you feel like spending the deductable on it. For an AC condenser, the deductable is definitely worth it.

snap-on

This was a fun thread to read..

That is all.

RevTo9K

Yeah, but comprehensive coverage even covers cosmetic stuff (pricey parking lot scrapes, etc.). I've never had to argue that the damage made the vehicle unsafe. That is, as you point out, if you'll pay the deductible.

Which brings up another point... a $0 deductible for comprehensive only cost me a couple dollars every six months (State Farm). It's not nearly expensive as reducing your collision deductible. I was fully reimbursed for the condenser on my R.

Nubo

Many owners including myself put a grille over the opening to practically eliminate the chance of these "accidents". It's a simple and cost-effective solution. I think it is truly a design defect to leave the condenser unprotected when the solution is so trivial.

RX8 XTC

i guse i got no choice but to get a New one now !! this is Pathetic !!

brillo

I noticed my A/C went out today, I'm in the same boat as you, looks like a rock smacked mine pretty good also.

I'm going to write a letter to Mazda one this one.

Shoafb

Does anyone sell these screens? I don't feel like making one.

Thanks

G8rboy

I got mine from Dennis at DLS Customs, who is a forum member here:

https://www.rx8club.com/dls-customs-closed-89/product-information-description-photos-46526/

Great kit and great instructions...

Tigster

makes me glad I got the racing beat ac condensor and oil screen. Makes 80 bucks seem like a deal.

Nubo

I think Hymee (member) was one of the first (if not the first) to start making them.

rotarygod

Just so you guys don't think that only the RX-8's are prone to damage, I looked in the front grille of my little Civic today at my a/c condenser. While I don't have any large gaping holes in it, a very large percentage of the fins are bent together which has closed off alot of airflow through it. I have progressively noticed that the a/c is getting weaker and now I know why. Time to get in there with some very fine needlenose pliers. I've had to do this to RX-7 oil coolers before. It isn't a factory defect or design error on Mazda's part. It is just a hazard of driving.

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

Agree 100%.

While the situation sucks, it's not a warranty issue. Most all cars built have the rad and A/C condensor in a very forward and easily hit position. No letter to Mazda or complaining to the dealer will change that it's not covered under warranty

Just be thankful you don't have a $2000 intercooler up front, replace the AC condensor and then get the protective screens for them.

Only other thing I could think of is to try and source out a shop that is able to repair the condensor and get it fixed there (if possible). Would be cheaper then a brand new replacement.

rXter

Maybe not warrenty folks, but this is crap design. Surely the designers know the 'hazards of driving'. Put some protection in the design.