parallel condenser

[LJ851]

no:D,is too hot to be wrenching in this texas heat. Couple weeks ago I develop heat stroke while changing brake pads on a 350z.:(

waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles.


Sounds like a race is on. Remember to get detailed before and after readings fellas so i can decide if its worth it to get one.

[Huff]

I don't know if this will help , but friend of mine who was a factory tech at the dealer back in the e30 days toldo me to slightly under charge the system when you use r134 so it will blow cold . i think it maybe have to do with the head pressures , iirc.

I know the rule is/ can be 75% of what the r12 weight is suppoed to be, however I've seen where that is too low and cause lines to freeze over So, I'm curious if that is even true.. I've gone pound for pound really and just watched the dryer window. I've had great results so far.. However, I think that a few kilograms less is the right mix..

[redsubdivisions]

R12 is the only gas you can utilize the drier sight glass for. Do NOT use it for R134. You absolutely must fill by weight on the R134 (it took me only 2 lbs, whereas R12 calls for 2.5 lbs). I have access to an a/c machine where I work and I can monitor the head pressures while it's charging and that also helps in diagnosing the problem. If you overcharge, you'll wear out the compressor and cause it to prematurely fail. If you undercharge it, it's going to blow at subpar performance.

[immajackuup]

i just put two and a half can of freon that are 12ounce each.

[clydesdale]

That is the same condenser I put in. How much did you guys pay. I know I overpaid at $175, but how bad? Also, my lines did not line up perfect. I had to bend one of the condenser fittings, just a touch. But, on fan setting 2, I was nice and cool with 42 degree air blowing at me today.

[immajackuup]

That is the same condenser I put in. How much did you guys pay. I know I overpaid at $175, but how bad? Also, my lines did not line up perfect. I had to bend one of the condenser fittings, just a touch. But, on fan setting 2, I was nice and cool with 42 degree air blowing at me today.

chuck said is a direct fit beside the two tab so i'm not sure are they the same as yours.

paid 110 for condenser.

[redsubdivisions]

$104.04 to my door. I ordered it Friday, arrived today (Wednesday).

[immajackuup]

$104.04 to my door. I ordered it Friday, arrived today (Wednesday).

are going to do a wirte up??

[redsubdivisions]

I will if I get around to pushing my turbo coupe out of my garage. I'm currently at work until 6 EST, plus I have to vacuum my system down so I don't piss freon in my garage.

[deansbimmer]

Subscribing. I bought a serpentine condenser from rockauto and have been sorely disappointed. After installing it my head pressures went up 30-40 psi and I can't get my vent temps below 60 degrees (ambient hi 90's). Considering a PF swap, pending your results :)

[redsubdivisions]

deansbimmer, I would imagine it would improve efficiency over the stock tube and fin design. I'm really curious as to why it would be worse. You might have to replace the compressor. I know that when I replaced mine, the prior symptoms were low pressure on high side and high pressure on low side. After I changed it, it helped out a LOT. Or it could be something else, I don't know.

Because I am having a bug on making this cooling system absolutely perfect, I replaced the following:

-Drier (that's a given)
-Expansion valve (R134 compliant)
-Compressor (it was already on its way out)
-O-rings wherever I replaced parts at

I also pulled the evaporator and washed it out and got a ton of gunk out of it, so I'm sure that helped as well.

When I do this writeup, it will be basically only for the condenser replacement and what to get. There is a guy on the E30tech forums that did this, but this was before they made drop-in condensers for our bricks. He custom fabbed his own lines and whatnot and he has had success. Not to mention I would love the idea of 38F in 100F weather with 100% humidity.

[e30 gangsta]

^ being a miami local i cannot wait for your write up and your results.

[deansbimmer]

deansbimmer, I would imagine it would improve efficiency over the stock tube and fin design. I'm really curious as to why it would be worse. You might have to replace the compressor. I know that when I replaced mine, the prior symptoms were low pressure on high side and high pressure on low side. After I changed it, it helped out a LOT. Or it could be something else, I don't know.

I too had figured it would be an improvement. I have as close to a new system as possible. Rebuilt compressor, new hoses, seals, expansion valve, drier, pressure switches, flushed/vac'd, etc. I'm just not getting the performance I want. Granted, we are talking 100+ degree ambient temperatures. I just feel I can/should be able to get a system that will deliver 40 degree vent temps. I'm considering installing a larger PF condenser and making the appropriate lines. The only reason I wouldn't do this is because I'm tired of having the front of the car apart messing with A/C.

So...Im interested in seeing the results.

[LJ851]

I too had figured it would be an improvement. I have as close to a new system as possible. Rebuilt compressor, new hoses, seals, expansion valve, drier, pressure switches, flushed/vac'd, etc. I'm just not getting the performance I want. Granted, we are talking 100+ degree ambient temperatures. I just feel I can/should be able to get a system that will deliver 40 degree vent temps. I'm considering installing a larger PF condenser and making the appropriate lines. The only reason I wouldn't do this is because I'm tired of having the front of the car apart messing with A/C.

So...Im interested in seeing the results.

You know, the evap. on our cars is just as lousy as the cond. and is probably the next step to getting the E30 a/c system to work in extreme conditions.

[immajackuup]

You know, the evap. on our cars is just as lousy as the cond. and is probably the next step to getting the E30 a/c system to work in extreme conditions.

the evap is small as my old 2000 civic.