Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Hi,

As it's cools here in NE (and started snowing today) it seemed like a good time to repair/upgrade my AC system. I'm planning to use a Spectra 7-3231 condenser with a new Four Seasons 55452 hose assembly. I wanted to use a Four Season condenser but couldn't find it available anywhere, not sure if it's been discontinued. But, the above mentioned parts should be the right fitment.

Problem I'm running into is that the upper hose connection (the vapor connection) for the condenser doesn't seem to fit. The tube part of the hose - with the captive o-ring - should fit snugly into the inlet fitting on the condenser and would then be secured by the screw collar. The new hose is a perfect fit on the inlet fitting of the old condenser and I can slide it in/out easily by hand. It seems just a hair too big for the inlet on the new condenser. I haven't wanted to try and force it obviously. I'm attaching an image to illustrate; the screw collar (green) fits new and old condenser perfectly, but the connector with the o-ring (red) fits the old one but doesn't seem to fit the new one.

Has anyone else run into this problem before and, if so, what's the solution? Is the connection supposed to be that tight and I just need to force them together by tightening the screw collar or is one of the parts incorrect?

Any help or guidance is appreciated!

Thanks,

John


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...fadf063a8.jpeg

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Well, I figured out that the issue was there was some solder that had dripped into the intake fitting - probably during manufacture - that meant the line wouldn't connect properly.

The condenser was sent back to Spectra for a replacement under warranty.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...c134b06d9.jpeg

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Now - the interesting thing about the replacement is that it is no longer a 6mm design but a Parallel Flow condenser! I checked that the fittings were correct (they were) and even called Spectra to confirm that the 7-3231 had changed from 6mm to Parallel Flow. They confirmed this is a running change they made earlier this year. The original 6mm condenser was ordered in March or 2019 and the replacement they sent has a date of 9/19 on it.

This new condenser dropped in just fine and did align properly with the upper and lower radiator/condenser mounts. It was a slightly tight fit as the new condenser has squared off 'ears' as mounting tabs instead of the rounded edge on the OEM and previous design - but it wasn't difficult to get it in. The connectors are now welded to the support instead of screwed on, so they can't be adjusted. The liquid line (at least in my 1984 TA) is now a bit short, so I'll have to unbend that slightly to get it to connect properly.

Thought people on here would be interested to know about the change. I would caution - if you were looking for a drop-in Parallel Flow condenser - that I'm sure a lot of places still have the old design in stock. I bet if I ordered another from Amazon I would still get the 6mm design and I only got this one as it was a warranty replacement from the manufacturer.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...313931ad9.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...cf6c2e7d2.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...25edf77a1.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...d32357e34.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...4195822b2.jpeg

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Thanks for this info. Has anyone else purchased recently and received a parallel flow unit?

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Ordered one from Amazon today. I'll see if it's a parallel flow unit. If not, I'll be sending it back.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

I ordered a Spectre 7-3231 Condenser on Amazon and received it yesterday. It is a parallel flow.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

I ordered one today from Autozone... 84 bucks plus their 20% off coupon code, plus free shipping.. Should be here tomorrow. Glad I didn't drop the $280 +$30 shipping on the classic air condenser.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

That is great to hear! Appreciate you updating us. I am going to order one as well.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Received my Spectra Premium 7-3231 from Amazon. Can now confirm that it is a parallel flow as can be seen in this picture. Vertical tube on each side. Looks to be well made and should be much more efficient for R134 conversion. The mounting tabs at the top and the bottom are different than my stock unit, but I have not yet tried to fit it in my car to confirm fitment.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...447a24b601.jpg

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Confirmed here as well. I received my 7-3231 about a week ago and it's parallel flow. $75 on Amazon.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

How are these working using the oem rubber isolators? I have the parallel flow Spectra and the OEM side by side and the mounting area is way different. Also, are you guys running a strip of foam attached to the front of the Spectra? The tube there is rounded while the OEM is flat.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

For me, it was a tight fit but the OEM rubber isolators are working for me. I went ahead and added some foam rubber strips as the ones on the factory condenser I replaced were disintegrating. So far so good. After almost 2 month, no issues to report. AC temps average 34F degrees but lowest I've seen it go was 18F degrees.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...1792b6e128.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...1b6595a120.jpg

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

I may grind down the square edges on mine to better fit the isolators. New condenser and radiator going in tonight (hopefully).

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

I haven't decided what to do with those tabs sticking up.. The lower ones don't seem to be as much an issue as the tops.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

I rounded off the square end of the tabs and it fit ok. I only did the corners as the overall height was correct for a tight fit. I was also able to reuse my old foam with some Gorrila double sided mounting tape.

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

I did a similiar approach but cut into the two top rubber mounts instead. Just cut a couple grooves with a dremel disc so the tabs had a bit more clearance. Really should have just cut one in each but at first I thought I was going to remove some rubber. This worked fine though and holds really tight.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...8459a9b6ec.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...a517273207.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...bdc5a58985.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...313c2199d4.jpg

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

I just received my Spectra condenser today from Amazon. It is a parallel flow and seems to fit fine with the rubber mounts without any trimming. Mounting up radiator and electric fans, likely squeeze some more insulation between body and condenser to improve the seal.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...ac38256d10.jpg
Condensor and Sanden 4864 for hopefully big AC improvement!

Re: Spectra 7-3231 Condenser correct hose fit?
 

Nice! I'm about a weekend away from being able to fire mine up and charge the air..