A couple years ago, my condenser was punctured. I installed a new one, replaced the o-rings when I did it. The A/C worked fine for about a year and suddenly stopped working, green circle from PAG oil on the front of the condenser. I replaced it again, this time I also replaced the drier and the restrictor (orifice-tube), along with the o-rings. Same thing happened, about a half year later green circle on the condneser, no A/C pressure. Once again I replaced it shortly before winter. A week ago I tried to use the A/C, no pressure, green circle in the condenser, its not even summer yet.

Sometimes when I was waiting for a replacement, the A/C lines were exposed because they were not connected to a condenser while the car was in use, so it definitely picked up a lot of contaminates, but each time I go to have it filled, it is ALSO evacuated.

Each time there is a failure, it seems to be sudden, the A/C doesnt slowly get warmer, just one day the compressor doesnt come on, I see the green oil and there is no pressure at all.

The compressor makes a groaning noise and has for quite some time, ever since I can remember, it also puts a great load on the engine, but I figured thats because its a 4-cylinder with little power until you boost. When I replaced the restrictor, it was fairly clogged with dirt and small contaminates. The A/C blows nice and cold when everything is working.

Each time the condenser is replaced under a 1-year warrantee but at the beginning I have had to pay to get it evacuated and refilled each time, the last time I had it done the shop covered both, fortunately.

Im wondering whether there is something other than a poorly made condenser that could cause this to happen or if it only can be the condenser...

Any input is great, thanks.