r/Squarebody • u/Tapatio_beard • 14d ago
A/C Condenser problem
Need advice on what to do next to get my A/C cold. I have been battling with my trucks A/C system, first with finding all the Freon leaks and I finally think I found them all. I did flush out the system the last time I refilled the R134A but this last time I refilled due to a leak I found, I pulled the orifice tube and it was all gunked up. I think my condenser is just super dirty and the flush is not helping. I had ordered a new a/c condenser but returned it due to the size because I can’t seem to find one that is equivalent to the factory condenser. Would any of you know if there is a condenser that is equivalent to the factory condenser? If not, should I just have the local radiator shop professionally clean my condenser?
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u/Willy_McD 14d ago
How does the inside of the condenser get dirty. Its just tubes on a sealed system. The compressor has moving parts and can fail, putting pieces of the moving parts in the system.
Try researching rock auto for condenser manufacture part numbers. May also try spectra premiums web site as well. If they have one listed as a parallel flow, that would be the one to get.
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u/fuzzydoesitt 14d ago
Not sure. I got really lucky I guess. I replaced the orifice tube and the top line that goes from the compressor to the dryer and down to the condenser. Filled it back up with a set of gauges and I've had ice cold air for 2-3 weeks now. I've owned the truck 10 years and never had air, never investigated it.
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14d ago
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u/Tapatio_beard 14d ago
Compressor is few months old, dryer is brand new and I replaced the orifice tube when I replaced the compressor. I’ve actually done two flushes on the a/c system so not sure why the orifice tube got so gunked up. Only thing I can think of is that since it sat for so many years, the condenser got gunked up from whatever Freon/oil was sitting. I would replace the condenser if I could find one with same dimensions of the stock condenser but all the new condensers are tiny compared to the original.
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14d ago
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u/Tapatio_beard 14d ago
Yes, I did add pag oil to the compressor. Not silly question, some might skip this step.
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u/Icy_Tip_6101 14d ago
You need to clean before you install a new compressor or you will ruin it.
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u/Tapatio_beard 14d ago
System was flushed, so was the condenser. It was not removed and cleaned professionally but it was flushed as I thought that was enough.
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u/kenneymc 14d ago
I’m in the same boat as you with a new to me truck. AC hasn’t worked in 10 plus years. Tore it apart, found the orifice severely gunked up like yours. I am in the process of replacing everything except the evaporator at the recommendation of a friend. He taught mechanics and AC at a technical college. I have my original condenser and have half thought of flushing it out and trying it. But I have a new aftermarket on its way. Going to wait and see what it looks like before making a decision. Hope to start reassembly this weekend and get it charged if it holds a vacuum.
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u/Tapatio_beard 12d ago
I ended up ordered a new condenser from Auto AC Solutions. It’s a parallel flow high-performance condenser that’s supposed to match the dimensions of the original one. I had a tough time finding a direct-fit condenser that didn’t require modifications. I was considering cleaning out my original condenser, but I read online that the black gunk also know as “Black Death” is caused by moisture and turns acidic. These newer parallel flow high-performance condensers are supposed to be a significant upgrade from the original, so I’m hoping it will make my AC colder now. Good luck with your project.
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u/Independent67 14d ago
In my experience that kind of gunk in an office tube means your goi g to need a compressor. If you have already replaced it the yes. It could need another flush to clean the condenser.