Hey Ry, you don't have to disconnect the hoses to drop the rad - there's
plenty of length there - but you can if you want to.

On Fri, May 14, 2010 at 7:07 AM, Ry <rylincoln@gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
> >
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX 'The Grey Van'
1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Suby 'Dixie'

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27