Condenser doesn't work

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by 71skylark3504v, Jul 19, 2010.

  1. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    My condenser refuses to transfer heat. I just acid washed it and if you spray it with a hose, high side pressures go WAY down, like 50 psi. What gives!!!!:af::af:

    AIR FLOW IS NOT THE ISSUE

    Condenser outlet is also very hot if you don't cool the condenser with water.
     
  2. swampedge

    swampedge Well-Known Member

    If putting water on it makes it work right then I would say you insufficient air flow across the condenser. Shroud in place? Clutch working properly?
    Jim
     
  3. IDOXLR8

    IDOXLR8 Senior Member

    Okay, long post, work with me.:blast:

    After talking to you on your problem, you need to look at the pressures to start. Seeing high numbers on high and low could be many reasons.

    Condenser malfunction or over charge
    1) Check to see the correct amount of refrigerant.
    2) Condition of the radaitor, condenser as far as clean path of air flow, correctly working fan clutch, condition inside the radaitor, condenser, as far as restrictions of flow, receiver dryer should be replaced.
    Expansion Valve Stuck Open

    1) Run A/C for a few minutes then spray refrigerant on the capillary bulb and note the low side pressure, it should drop in to a vacuum (if not a stuck open valve or incorrect bulb mounting is indicated) The capillary bulb mounting the the evaporator pipe is very important and must be insulated from the out side temeratures to work correctly.

    Air In System

    1) This is a problem with the shade tree tects. Air is the system will cause high head pressures on high and low side.
    2) Check compressor for contamination and correct oil level.
    3) Evacuation of the system to a 28.9 pound vacuum and a good receiver dryer and a correct amount of refrigerant is real important!!

    Run with this information for now, AL:beer
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2010
  4. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    New condenser is on the way. I'll go from there.:TU:
     
  5. swampedge

    swampedge Well-Known Member

    Where did you end up? Are you chill'n yet?
     
  6. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    New condenser works a smidge better but my pressures are still way high and I still only have 60* air.:af:
     
  7. swampedge

    swampedge Well-Known Member

    Did you put a new receiver dryer on? What did the orifice look like? Sounds like you may need to do a tear down on the system and really inspect it.
     
  8. ap1672

    ap1672 Silver Level contributor

    Is this a 134 retro, or do you have a stash of r-12 you used?
     
  9. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    134. Only thing that is not new is the evaporator, muffler, and a couple hoses.

    Pressures are 330/55, engine at speed. Plenty of airflow.
     
  10. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Just out of curiosity, how much 134 did you put in?
     
  11. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    48ozs. 4 12oz cans.
     
  12. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Sounds about right. Maybe even just on the low side.


    R134A conversions dont work as well on cars with mechanical fans. Most of the time you need to install an electric fan.
     
  13. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    Air flow is not the issue here.:Smarty:
     
  14. swampedge

    swampedge Well-Known Member

    By any chance is your muffler also a filter? I've seen those guys get stopped up before.
     
  15. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!


    I'm not sure.
     
  16. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    I was under the impression that you are supposed to use less 134a compared to R12. :Do No:

    Did you check it periodically when charging the system to see if it blew cold and then warmed back up?

    I had charged my convertible a couple years ago, and was having problems making it work right. I took it to my AC guy and he about sh!t a brick when he saw how much I put it.
     
  17. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Your absolutely correct Adam. The rule of thumb is 85% less R134. A Skylark takes 3.75 lbs, so 3.25 lbs of R134. The high side pressures are going to be much higher with 134 than with 12. 134 conversions generally speaking arent as efficient.
     
  18. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    Well I am using a condenser with double the fins per inch of stock and it doesn't hardly cool any better.
     
  19. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    This is why I hate AC in older cars. Just put the windows down.:puzzled:
     
  20. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    It's too hot for that here in Bama.
     

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