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dart330
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2004
Posts: 472
Location: Houston, TX
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 Posted: Tue May 19, 2020 8:01 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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I rebuilt my entire system with R134A a couple years ago. Included a new parallel flow condenser, receiver/dryer, expansion valve, barrier hoses, and compressor. It works well until your pushing 100 degrees on the TX highways, also have ceramic tinting.
Highly recommend the GoWesty Condensor kit if you go that route, makes mounting very easy and it includes the now needed extension hose.
https://www.gowesty.com/product/air-conditioning/24380/high-efficiency-a-c-condenser-
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 10214
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2020 8:05 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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| Westified wrote: |
| ...What Temps are you guys getting coming out of the evaporator in the rear? |
Using R12... On a hot day in Tucson (+100°) I'll get 40° air coming out of the overhead:
If I aim an IR thermometer into the void and hit the evaporator the number is much lower.
Despite future obsolescence I am tempted to stay with R12. I never had to add any in the 8 years since the system was last charged... I just hope the shop doing the work this time around is as successful. |
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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 2309
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2020 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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| MrTibbs wrote: |
Kourt, what type of improvement did you see w/ the r134? I'm in a similar boat here w/ the Austin weather. I kept the rear evap unit, but did a full referb on the system 2 years ago.
- new hoses
- new condensor
- flushed old evap out, etc...
Things work really well up to about the high 80s, but then the system doesn't keep up.
I also have a NOS expansion valve that I may try in the system in case my original one is no longer up to snuff. |
Keep in mind I'm using a SmallCar front AC system.
When using RedTek, my compressor would run 100% of the time on a 100 degree day, or an 80 degree day. The combined system would never reach the point of cycling the compressor on/off in accordance with its expansion valve feedback system. Vent air temps would be 20 degrees below ambient at best.
When using R134a, the compressor works hard to cool things down and then it starts cycling on/off properly, putting less wear on all parts involved. Vent air temps are 35 degrees below ambient.
I still keep RedTek around for testing and emergencies, but I'm back on the R134 bandwagon.
kourt |
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12161
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2020 11:11 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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Has anyone found a parallel flow evaporator similar in size to the factory rear units?
_________________
Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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Westified
Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2012
Posts: 418
Location: Miami, FL
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| Posted: Tue May 19, 2020 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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I wiil have to check my temps coming out of the vents. One tip is cover your fresh air intake in the front grille if you havent replaced the vent flap seals in the dash. Otherwise you will have hot outside air blowing in your front heater vents. Your AC won't be able to overcome this. I used a heavy duty trash bag over front grille intake vent. This is behind the front grille which you must remove to see the intake vent.
Regarding white wrap on the poptop, removal of that every year will be a chore. You need a heat gun and some adhesive remover. But first you must use high quality wrap or it will come off in little pieces instead of a big sheet.
Regarding the rear evaporator, my shop couldn't find a replacement. I think that is the only part they reused.
_________________
1984 Westy Wolfsburg, owned since 1987. FAS 2.0 NA engine conversion in 2022. |
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khughes
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013
Posts: 878
Location: Phoenix AZ
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| Posted: Wed May 20, 2020 8:10 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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| Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
| Has anyone found a parallel flow evaporator similar in size to the factory rear units? |
I never was able to find one when I rebuilt my A/C. It's a pretty odd size. You can have yours flushed and repaired if it's leaking, if you have a good A/C shop nearby.
_________________
'86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12161
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Wed May 20, 2020 10:29 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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My A/C works fine, but I'd just like to make it as efficient as possible.
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Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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khughes
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013
Posts: 878
Location: Phoenix AZ
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| Posted: Wed May 20, 2020 11:34 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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| Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
| My A/C works fine, but I'd just like to make it as efficient as possible. |
Ah. Yeah mine is fine too, as long as the temp is below 105F, above that and it struggles. When it's 115F+, it is OK as long as I pull from the garage, and don't stop and park anywhere. When it's >140F in the van from sitting in the sun, it really doesn't cut it. So I'm seriously looking at adding a remote condenser this year. Along with the usual laundry list of projects/upgrades sitting on the shelf 
_________________
'86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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tencentlife
Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2006
Posts: 10147
Location: Abiquiu, NM, USA
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| Posted: Thu May 21, 2020 10:22 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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| Westified wrote: |
One tip is cover your fresh air intake in the front grille if you havent replaced the vent flap seals in the dash. Otherwise you will have hot outside air blowing in your front heater vents. Your AC won't be able to overcome this. I used a heavy duty trash bag over front grille intake vent. This is behind the front grille which you must remove to see the intake vent.
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And when you tire of that seasonal chore:
https://intrepidoverland.com/shop/cabin-air-control/
Chatter here:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...p;start=60
_________________
Shop for unique and useful Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/
also available at VanCafe.com!
Please don't PM here, I will not reply.
Experience is death to doctrine. |
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Rhalcorn
Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2022
Posts: 2
Location: Houston
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| Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:39 am Post subject: Re: Using Two AC Condensers in Series |
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Does anyone know who makes these condensers? They are for aftermarket ac on beetles, they are approx 14" and have #8 fittings on both ends. To connect two condensers in series you would have to have #8 fitting on both ends of one condenser and all I have ever seen have a #8 inlet and a #6 outlet. Also you would need a tube and fin type like the ones shown to mount them horizontally as the capillary type can only be mounted vertically or the refrigerant oil will not flow properly. |
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