Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 09:07:55 -0500
Reply-To: Ry <rylincoln@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ry <rylincoln@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: A/C work question
In-Reply-To: <20100513170613.4047U.365532.imail@eastrmwml32>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Thanks guys. Seems I'll be dropping the radiator at same time as condenser
and replacing the two coolant hoses to it since I have them on hand. Seems
the best time to do it is now.
cheers,
-Ry
http://www.google.com/profiles/rylincoln
On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 4:06 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> Thanks Keith
>
> ---- Keith Hughes <keithahughes@q.com> wrote:
> > On 5/13/2010 1:13 PM, mcneely4@cox.net wrote:
> > > ---- Keith Hughes<keithahughes@Q.COM> wrote:
> > > but you'd be miles
> > >
> > >> ahead if you replaced the stock condenser with a newer cross-flow
> > >> style. The stock condensers are really inadequate for use with 134-A
> if
> > >> you live anywhere hot (like here in Phoenix AZ). You can get
> conversion
> > >> fittings/hoses and a new condenser for about the price of a new OEM
> unit.
> > >>
> > > Keith, please tell us more about the "cross-flow" style condensor, such
> as where to get it, and exactly how it is better than the original. I live
> and travel in hot places, and I am converting my camper AC system to 134-A,
> along with searching out a leak and hopefully repairing it. If I need a new
> condenser, perhaps I should get one of these.
> > >
> > > Thanks, David McNeely
> > >
> > David,
> >
> > The cross-flow styles are a combination series-parallel design that use
> > higher surface area to internal volume tubes like the radiators do.
> > They have multiple tubes paralleled together that dump into a common
> > manifold that then does through a second set of paralleled tubes before
> > exiting. The number of parallel/series modules depends on the size of
> > the unit. In addition to the higher surface area, the flow rate in the
> > tubes is significantly lower (multiple paths instead of one serpentine
> > tube) allowing more residence time and greater heat transfer. They are
> > typically made out of aluminum, and the biggest downside is that the
> > tubes are quite small, and they cannot be effectively cleaned. The unit
> > I used was under $100, so if it clogs, replacement won't break the bank.
> >
> > I got all my stuff from Arizona Mobile Air (www.ackits.com) since
> > they're here in Phoenix, but there are a number of places on the web you
> > can find similar units. Search for universal cross-flow condenser and
> > you should find quite a variety. If you go that route, source out the
> > largest you can find that'll fit, 'cause you'll need all the surface
> > area you can get when you switch refrigerants. You might consider
> > getting two 17W x 12H units (IIRC, the stock is 17W x 19H), and stacking
> > them in series. You'll need a short connector hose fabricated, but that
> > configuration will give you about the maximum size you can fit. I was
> > never able to find a single unit that was the right size. I used a 17W
> > x 15H unit which was the same surface area as the old one (I had the
> > early split condenser - smaller than what you have), and the R-134A
> > performance is slightly better than it was with R-12 and the old
> > condenser. Next time I get ambitious, I'm changing out to the dual setup
> > to increase capacity. I'd hate to see what the performance would have
> > been with the old condenser.
> >
> > Keith Hughes
> > '86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)
>
> --
> David McNeely
>
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