I have switched my 1984 V8 v-belt pulley engine over to the March serpentine setup. The original A/C system has been discharged (but still attached) for years. The serpentine setup required that I use the Sanden 7176 style compressor which requires the R-134a refrigerant. I am changing the Accumulator/Drier per their instructions... what other items should I change out? Is there a difference in components for the R-134a vs R12 original refrigerant?

I would like to change out the original condenser (GM 3048118) but having difficulty finding anything as it has been discontinued. I looked at the '89 gen3 condensers but the measurements online but they seem different. Width @ 1.04" (mine is 2.25"), Height @ 15.87" (mine 16.75"), Length are the same @ 26.58".

Any help from you AC guys would be very welcome.

 

Advanced Search this forum for my userID and the phrase "orifice tube".

 

sofakingdom ~
Is this the thread you mention:
"Don't use the "right" orifice tube for your car. The orange/red Frod one has a better orifice size for R-134A in a GM R-12 system. The "right" one for your car is a major mismatch. Get the one for about a 96 Crown Vic, that application should get you what you need."
Thanks for the reply.

Still got to find a condenser so I can install the radiator once and for all.

 

I've typed up how to do a conversion at least a dozen times. Some run quite long and in detail, answering subsequent questions about it. Every one of them includes the phrase "orifice tube" including that one. I'm tired of re-typing it for everybody that comes in and asks the same question but doesn't bother to see if it's already been answered. IMO that subject should be a sticky.

Why are you wanting to change the condenser? Unless something puts a hole in it or it gets ate up with salt, they hardly ever "go bad". It's just a bunch of tubing, not much there to "go bad" in the first place.

 

I appreciate your comments and will review your older posts. You are right the moderator should create a sticky with valid info on A/C as it does appear to be a popular question.

As for the reason I was changing the condenser... just reviewing some of the comments and internet chatter it sounded like the "parallel flow" style was best suited for the R-134a refrigerant. Living in Phoenix, AZ I was trying to ensure that my efforts allowed me to comfortably use the AC. If this is not valid then I will just have the unit cleaned, do you have a recommendation? I have already straightened the damaged fins and it should once again allow air flow to the radiator. I just need to select the condenser of choice so I can finally install the radiator and fab the electric fans so I can continue with my semi-complete refurb of my '84 TA. Thanks again for your info.

 

82 - 84 I think used a different condenser fitting sizes.

The newer models from I think 85 up had larger fitting sizes, 88 up had a different evaporator that puts the orifice tube higher up vs along the frame rail.

So I believe technically, you can use your old condenser if you are using your original evap / pipe from evap to condenser. I'm not sure if the serp hoses will fit onto the 82 - 84 condenser fitting though....that's where you might need to get a newer condenser and if you do that you may also need to replace the condenser to evap pipe as that might not fit the 82 - 84 evap......or you can change the pipe to the newer 88 up one but then you;ll have to change the evaporator etc... its going to be a matter of trial and fit I think.

 

 

You can probably reuse your old condenser. Just flush it out real good with a solvent, like acetone or lacquer thinner. Flush out any remaining original pieces as well. You'll have to change the low and high side charging points to the R-134A style. I got a kit from Classic Auto air, I think it was a stage 2 kit and then bought a new spectre condenser because I didn't know the condition of my original(AC was not working when I bought the car) Installed it in about a day and it blows freakin cold!