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