I've got a 92 F-350 7.3 with a dead A/C compressor. I'm going to be replacing the entire system because the compressor shot it's guts into everything. I'll be using Duracool 12a to recharge it which is a huge improvement but I want to see if I can gain a little more cooling.

I've been researching things about the AC system and one thing I came across is the fact that R-134a is less efficient than R-12 (we all know that part) and vehicles made after R-134a was implemented have larger condensers to allow more surface area for heat dissipation so the AC will actually work.

My truck being a 92 has R-12 sized equipment so I'm figuring an upgrade is in order so I can get maximum cooling.

Question is: Has anyone here put a condenser from a newer model in their truck? Is there any difference at all? If so will it fit without an issue?

What else can I do to make it ice cold? Is there a company that makes better designed condensers or other better parts to make it more efficient?

Sorry for the long post. I'm just trying to get my stuff straight before buying something I'm disappointed with. I want to do this once and be done.

 

F150 went 134A in 1994 so without a doubt the 1994-1996/1997 F250-350 should go right in place, later models IDK. If you really want to oversize it go to Red Dot with your measurements and see what they offer.

 

 

^ computer duster aka r152a ftw. Running that in my 91 and soon to be running in my 89.

 

I have R134(r12 system) in my 89 F250, it throws ice cubes at me! You MUST NOT over charge R134 in a R12 system. Use something like 3/4'ths of the called for R12 charge and you will be good.

 

Well that sent me to Google! Fortunately, I suppose, my 1994 is R134 and I think I'll live with that. Interesting read though.

 

I've seen that computer duster video before lol. It's crossed my mind to try it.

I'm mainly concerned about the fittings matching up. I'm sure my local auto parts store has none in stock so I'd have to order it to see what was on it. I don't want to buy it from them because a later model condenser is cheaper online. Cheaper than the current one I have in fact.

The Duracool 12a should only take right at 1 lb. to fill the system.

My 92 Shop manual specifies 2.75 lb of R12. With Duracool I'll only need 35% of the original R12 charge. It's pretty awesome stuff.

 

I score brand new cans of unopened R12 on E-bay when I work on older R12 equipped vehicles. It works great and the price has dropped back to the reasonable range.

While I am a fan of drop-in R12 alternatives that are DOT legal it does not make sense when I can still get the real stuff relatively easy.

 

I have no idea why the OP is going to drop the in DuraCool 12a, when its illegal. Why go the effort of a larger condenser, if you aren't going to use r134a?

DuraCool is also highly flammable and not to mention that if you take it to an AC shop, their recovery machines aren't designed to recover it AND you may not find them friendly. Not to mention if you sell the truck, then there's a whole nother can of worms.

Either find r12 or upgrade to the larger condenser for r134a.

 

Duracool is not illegal and is less flammable than r134a. I wanted to add extra surface area to dissipate more heat and make it run even cooler.

I'm not concerned about flammability anyway, there will be like 16 ounces of the stuff in the system. That's hardly enough to blow my truck off the frame rails as some believe...

I've read tons of posts on the stuff and anyone who is a seasoned ac professional will tell you it's a great idea. Not only does it cool better but it's so much less stress on the compressor that you almost can't notice a loss in power when you turn the ac on.

 

An elecrric fan would be a good upgrade.

 

Might put a fan on the condenser but I've got quite a bit of fan on it as it is a 7.3 idi and it has a monstrosity of a fan. On a hot day after driving an hour I can put my hand in the middle of the radiator and it's cool to the touch.

I'm waiting to sell either my old tires or this beautiful smooth tailgate I acquired so I can buy the AC parts.