The air conditioning condenser performs pretty much the same function as an engine radiator.  The condenser cools the refrigerant (or freon) in the auto AC system. Typically, the A/C condenser should be flushed to remove any debris. The flushing of the system will remove contaminated compressor oil and debris scattered throughout the system.

In more current vehicle applications using high efficiency condensers, you should understand that they may not be able to be flushed. Why? The passages are simply too small and much of the debris gets lodged into the tube openings. In short, it’s just impossible to remove all the debris from these condensers designs. The photo on the left shows a ‘cut away’ cross section of a typical high efficiency A/C condenser. You can see for yourself that the tube openings are extremely small.

Depending on the actual design of the A/C condenser, it may have to be replaced. If it can be flushed, it’s best to use approved flushing agents that evaporate quickly and do not leave any residue in the A/C system. The ability to flush a condenser has to be considered on a case by case basis.