Sticks and radiators don't mix, need help

[ras_sto_99]

Okay so I was being an idiot and wound up getting a stick throug the front of my car. So I figured it would be an easy fix, I looked at the damage and saw that the hole is going through the front cooling panel but not into the second one. What is the front cooling panel for? Is it a part of the radiator or is it for something else? Its a 04 WRX too. Any help would be great. Thanks

[williaty]

At least on my RS, the front panel is the AC radiator and the back panel is the actual engine cooling radiator

[CJM]

williaty is correct. The front panel is the AC Condenser. Also refered to as a heat exchanger or radiator.

[ras_sto_99]

Thanks for the help, I found one on the internet but its for a 02-03, the parts are the same for the 04s right?

[ras_sto_99]

So i bought the new parts, is there anything special I need to know about replacing the condenser?

[williaty]

There's a long tube somewhere in the AC system that contains a compound that pulls moisture out of the AC system. Since your AC system has, effectively, been open to the elements for a while now, you'll have to replace that cylinder before you recharge the AC system.

[409industries]

A/C condensor taking the stick is much better than your radiator. You should be happy about that. good luck with the repairs.

[u3b3rg33k]

you should evacuate the system, and then recharge it.

[ras_sto_99]

Thanks guys, I'm glad I just broke the two parts I did, it could have been a lot worse. I think the stick got both the condenser and the radiator, unless coolant goes through the condenser too. The first indication of something wrong was my temp gauge spiking and the coolant smell, but I have new parts on the way so I should be up and running by the weekend.

[saturn]

PS don't evacuate the system in a small garage ;)

[CJM]

If you are also leaking coolant, then you probably also punctured the radiator. Check the coolant level in the radiator, if it doesn't hold coolant, then you'll need to check and possibly replace that as well.

[u3b3rg33k]

R134A and coolant don't smell the same ;) If you became aware of the problem because of the smell of coolant, I'd say do more than check the level, i'd pressure test the radiator before i'd trust it again.

[CJM]

If the radiator was also puctured, top off the radiator and run the engine. If it has in fact been punctured, then it will leak and when rechecked will have less coolant inside.

[ras_sto_99]

Yeah it definately got the radiator too but just enough that I can only drive for a little while, but my new one should be here today so I can finally get this done and try to avoid small branches in the future. haha