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Condenser replacement

my condenser is toasted from my accident. i thoughti remember readin somethin about someone puttin in a R-134a condenser and it working better. i have to replace it so i might as well do it right.  how do you reconnect the lines. do i need new ones. can i get them for some other application? what car should i get the condenser from? how much are we talkin?
1986 Cougar LS

Condenser replacement

Reply #1
There is not a diffrents in the R134 condesor than the R12. On a car with a engine driven fan the R134 convetions usual works fine. Just refill the system with the same amount of refrifrant asit had wioth R12. They say to only put 80% of the R134in it. But the lower levels dosen't  carry enough oil thought the system.

 Hope this helps.




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E.T. 10.28 @ 136.5 MPH 1/4 mile: List of Mods; 351 EFI, AFR heads,AOD,Rousch 13in frt brakes,11in rear brakes, AirRide Tech air ride system, Sub frame connetors,2400 RPM stall, 3.50,BBK shorties,T62PT Turbos  air to air intercooled, Home built kit.
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Condenser replacement

Reply #2
You can pick up a Ready Aire condenser at Advance Auto for ~$120. It is a piccolo type, which is more efficient than the stock condenser (3/8" tube-fin).
Quote from: 5.8fastcat
They say to only put 80% of the R134in it. But the lower levels dosen't carry enough oil thought the system.

What do you mean?

Condenser replacement

Reply #3
I'v never recharged a 134a conversion with more than 75%-85% of what it called for with R12. Never had a problem, and they cool far better...

Condenser replacement

Reply #4
i thought that the r134a condensers had more fins and cooled better and i want to get it as cheap as possible maybe used. i dont have too much extra money. and i dout i will have ac this summer unless i win  the powerball ha
1986 Cougar LS

Condenser replacement

Reply #5
R-134a condensers are normally piccolo flow or parallel flow. R-12 condensers are normally tube-fin. Unless you find a Ready Aire condenser in a JY car, you won't be upgrading your condenser.

Condenser replacement

Reply #6
didnt know thanks do you think that buying ready air wouuld make i differance?

how do you reconnect the line or sould i get newones an aren't thy aluminium?
1986 Cougar LS

Condenser replacement

Reply #7
Will make a difference? Yes. How much? No clue...worth the cost? I can't tell you.

The condenser is a direct drop-in, so you just hook up your old lines.

Condenser replacement

Reply #8
I'm I the only person who still has an 80's T-bird/Cougar with functioning R-12 A/C that hasn't had to be fixed? I should shut up now before it springs a leak.......
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.