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A/C condenser question.


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I’m replacing every component in my A/C and changing over to R134a. I read somewhere that a cross-flow condenser works better than the original serpentine version. Is that true? I found a 1994 condenser that sure looks like it will fit my ‘84. Can anyone shed light on this?

Thanks,

Mark

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I put this kit in from Rock Auto - FOUR SEASONS TSN0322, with some orings from this kit - FOUR SEASONS 26721 and I replaced the condenser with OEM replacement (cant find the model or where I ordered it from though). Used 134a. That was 3 or so years ago and still works great. Was 31c (88F) here the other day and kept me plenty cool.

Important to not leave the drier exposed to atmosphere any longer then nessesary. Even after its installed, get the system under vacuum as soon as possible.

The cooling capacity is great temperature wise, I wish I had more wind speed though the vents. I've replaced the blower and cleaned a lot of stuff from the blower housing. I may have buildup on the evaporator though restricting air flow, I have not looked into it yet. Reason - it works as it is, lol.

I spent roughly $800 CAD getting the a/c going in my truck....and worth every penny!

Sorry I was not able to answer your question, just wanted to add a bit of info from my a/c update.

 

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I put this kit in from Rock Auto - FOUR SEASONS TSN0322, with some orings from this kit - FOUR SEASONS 26721 and I replaced the condenser with OEM replacement (cant find the model or where I ordered it from though). Used 134a. That was 3 or so years ago and still works great. Was 31c (88F) here the other day and kept me plenty cool.

Important to not leave the drier exposed to atmosphere any longer then nessesary. Even after its installed, get the system under vacuum as soon as possible.

The cooling capacity is great temperature wise, I wish I had more wind speed though the vents. I've replaced the blower and cleaned a lot of stuff from the blower housing. I may have buildup on the evaporator though restricting air flow, I have not looked into it yet. Reason - it works as it is, lol.

I spent roughly $800 CAD getting the a/c going in my truck....and worth every penny!

Sorry I was not able to answer your question, just wanted to add a bit of info from my a/c update.

 

On the wind speed through the vents, some of us have modified the wiring to include a relay in the high speed circuit. If you look at the wiring (Documentation/Electrical/EVTM/1985 EVTM/AC-Heater) you'll see that the blower motor is powered by an orange wire, but then the ground side is run through the resistor pack and then back to the switch in the dash before going to ground. One relay can't handle 4 speeds, but it is only High where you really want the maximum flow of air. So we put a relay by the blower motor and have it go to ground right there. It helps.

1985-etm-page146.thumb.jpg.defe9917baace1a74039fa7c3f370623.jpg

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On the wind speed through the vents, some of us have modified the wiring to include a relay in the high speed circuit. If you look at the wiring (Documentation/Electrical/EVTM/1985 EVTM/AC-Heater) you'll see that the blower motor is powered by an orange wire, but then the ground side is run through the resistor pack and then back to the switch in the dash before going to ground. One relay can't handle 4 speeds, but it is only High where you really want the maximum flow of air. So we put a relay by the blower motor and have it go to ground right there. It helps.

That's great to know. I was wondering if there was a way to get beyond wheeze on the high setting.

Mark

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I put this kit in from Rock Auto - FOUR SEASONS TSN0322, with some orings from this kit - FOUR SEASONS 26721 and I replaced the condenser with OEM replacement (cant find the model or where I ordered it from though). Used 134a. That was 3 or so years ago and still works great. Was 31c (88F) here the other day and kept me plenty cool.

Important to not leave the drier exposed to atmosphere any longer then nessesary. Even after its installed, get the system under vacuum as soon as possible.

The cooling capacity is great temperature wise, I wish I had more wind speed though the vents. I've replaced the blower and cleaned a lot of stuff from the blower housing. I may have buildup on the evaporator though restricting air flow, I have not looked into it yet. Reason - it works as it is, lol.

I spent roughly $800 CAD getting the a/c going in my truck....and worth every penny!

Sorry I was not able to answer your question, just wanted to add a bit of info from my a/c update.

 

I'm replacing every component for about what you paid, I think. Everything is four seasons except the evaporator. The condenser I ordered was cancelled for lack of stock and so I'm looking at other options. I read somewhere that the cross-flow condenser will work better than the original serpent style in the '84 -- especially with R134a.

Gary mentioned the later condenser has different lines. I would consider dealing with that if it would get me better A/C performance. I'd be surprised if it really makes a difference.

Mark

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I put this kit in from Rock Auto - FOUR SEASONS TSN0322, with some orings from this kit - FOUR SEASONS 26721 and I replaced the condenser with OEM replacement (cant find the model or where I ordered it from though). Used 134a. That was 3 or so years ago and still works great. Was 31c (88F) here the other day and kept me plenty cool.

Important to not leave the drier exposed to atmosphere any longer then nessesary. Even after its installed, get the system under vacuum as soon as possible.

The cooling capacity is great temperature wise, I wish I had more wind speed though the vents. I've replaced the blower and cleaned a lot of stuff from the blower housing. I may have buildup on the evaporator though restricting air flow, I have not looked into it yet. Reason - it works as it is, lol.

I spent roughly $800 CAD getting the a/c going in my truck....and worth every penny!

Sorry I was not able to answer your question, just wanted to add a bit of info from my a/c update.

 

That reminds me, some years ago after the truck sat for a while I took it out and as long as the fan was on high everything was fine, but on the lower settings the cab filled with smoke and smelled like burning leaves! The resistor coils get hot enough to ignite (or at least smolder) leaves. I suppose if the leaves fully ignited the truck could've burnt to the ground. Who knew?

Mark

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That reminds me, some years ago after the truck sat for a while I took it out and as long as the fan was on high everything was fine, but on the lower settings the cab filled with smoke and smelled like burning leaves! The resistor coils get hot enough to ignite (or at least smolder) leaves. I suppose if the leaves fully ignited the truck could've burnt to the ground. Who knew?

Mark

Yes, that has happened to a whole lot of us. Pull the blower motor and reach in and clean out the housing. And, if you want, pull the resistor pack as it is then easier to clean.

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Yes, that has happened to a whole lot of us. Pull the blower motor and reach in and clean out the housing. And, if you want, pull the resistor pack as it is then easier to clean.

Been there done that! Now that I know what's going on I just run the fan on a lower speed until the smoke clears before I turn it off. Crude but effective.

Mark

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Been there done that! Now that I know what's going on I just run the fan on a lower speed until the smoke clears before I turn it off. Crude but effective.

Mark

I second the high speed blower relay mod. Was driving today with it on high and the kids in the backseat were complaining about the breeze. :nabble_smiley_good:

I will be interested if you find a condenser. I tried and never could find a direct fit that didn't require either enlarging the opening on the core support or tilting the bottom of the condenser out towards the grill. Ended up cleaning and keeping the stock one but wouldn't mind having a newer spare in case.

Gary - did you not have to tilt yours?

Just some advice but think about who you are ordering from and their return policy just in case it doesn't match the photos or description and doesn't fit like stated.

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