A/C condenser
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2015
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A/C condenser
I have a factory A/C on my 73 F250 and recently installed a new compressor and evaporator coil. I bought a new condenser but it is nowhere as sturdy or built as well as the original. Would it be possible to reuse the original condenser with a new dryer? Or is it not worth the risk.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 12
Yours can be rebuilt. You might be able to get away with the stock size in Kentucky. Here in FL, I need all I can get.
You could call Vintage Air. Measure how much space you have, tell them what you have and they will have the right one for you.
You could call Vintage Air. Measure how much space you have, tell them what you have and they will have the right one for you.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 805
Likes: 145
From: 59701 West Valley Phoenix
The old style tube and fin condensers are much beefier and are available for $120 on eBay. But if you have switched over to r134 with the new compressor then you need to upgrade to a parallel flow condenser as the tube and fin don't fare well with the higher pressures from R134. The advice from all aftermarket air suppliers is your condenser should cover as much of the core of your radiator as possible.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 994
Likes: 313
If the original is not physically damaged Have it flushed and it will be fine. I always opt for original when it comes to condensers and evaporators. New stuff just isn’t made as well and sometimes doesn’t fit as good. Remember to add the appropriate amount of oil. Typically the compressor will come with the amount of oil It normally holds assuming only compressor is being changed but each component also holds a certain amount of oil that must be accounted for. Replace expansion valve also. Lastly I’d run R12 but if going to 134 the hoses and lines should be flushed out as well to remove the old oil. A special flushing agent and flush gun is required.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: NE Texas
Re the flushing, we used 90+% alcohol through the lines and evap, no special fluid or gun. I replaced the dryer, condenser, and compressor. Make sure to run a good vacuum to make sure all the alcohol evaporates out.
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