MG5 A/C Condenser/Radiator Damage

[AndyB87]

Has anyone else noticed any damage to their air con rad from road debris hitting it?

I was under the car the other day wax oiling it, and actually pulled a strip of cooling fins from between the underguard and subframe, that had dislodged from the lowest part of the radiator!

I was pretty surprised to see numerous holes and damage to the cooling fins considering I don't have any road rash on my bumper. Air con still works fine but I imagine I'll be fitting a new condenser in a few years if not sooner and possibly a mesh guard in front of the rad too.

 

[MickeySw]

Any pics?

 

[AndyB87]

Any pics?

Sorry for the late reply mate, I don't seem to get notified to replies. Last pic is the piece I found between the subframe and underguard.

 

[Grahbags]

Having had an A/C condenser fail on a previous car due to stone impact, I now add a mesh to any car I have. Pics of the MG5 and the (Poundland from a few years ago) gutter mesh I used - doubled it up and held it in place with small cable ties. Most cars don't have any sort of protection against stones thrown up by cars in front.

 

[AndyB87]

That's my plan mate, but I'm going to use fine stainless steel mesh (filter type mesh) and mount it on a frame bolted just in front of the condenser.

I'm assuming you've managed to avoid any damage to your condenser having fitted your mesh?

 

[Grahbags]

That's my plan mate, but I'm going to use fine stainless steel mesh (filter type mesh) and mount it on a frame bolted just in front of the condenser.

I'm assuming you've managed to avoid any damage to your condenser having fitted your mesh?

I did try a metal mesh on a previous ICE car but was worried about restricting the airflow too much so went for the gutter mesh doubled up.

I've had the MG5 less than a year and only fitted the gutter mesh as a precaution. Must admit, I don't check the condenser as the mesh has meant I don't really need to any more. Whatever, it has to be an improvement over the original giant gaps inviting impact damage.

 

[AndyB87]

I did try a metal mesh on a previous ICE car but was worried about restricting the airflow too much so went for the gutter mesh doubled up.

I've had the MG5 less than a year and only fitted the gutter mesh as a precaution. Must admit, I don't check the condenser as the mesh has meant I don't really need to any more. Whatever, it has to be an improvement over the original giant gaps inviting impact damage.

I agree mate and you've more than likely saved yourself an expensive condenser replacement in the long run.

 

[bobs2293]

You chaps do know that putting mesh over that is a stupid thing to do. You are now restricting the airflow even more….therefore less cooling.

I’d suggest you leave it as designed. The damage you’ve seen is considered normal for a car that isn’t new.

 

[AndyB87]

What Grahbags has fitted to his bumper will make zero difference to cooling.

By saying "restricting the cooling even more", you're suggesting it's restricted to start with. Bear in mind they fit the condenser in front of the coolant radiator. Air has no issue travelling through small channels.

The average temperature of my coolant recently has been <30°c so I highly doubt fitting mesh in front is going to make much of a difference.