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)