1985 300D 123.133
I have been reading the threads regarding parallel condensors, do's, don'ts etc. for 123 cars.
Several discussions mentioned the correct size condensor from ACKits.com (aka Arizona Mobile Air) and condensor fan, but do not give any size for the fan.
I have not measured the stock fan, has anyone upgraded their fan to a larger diameter without extensive modification? And with regards to wiring, are they "bolt on".

The reason for these questions is this. Last year I rebuilt the a/c, hoses, new compressor, drier, expansion valve, correct green "O" rings. The evaporator fittings were bungled by the PO's mechanic and I had a hard time fitting the expansion valve to the fittings. Well there is a leak at the fittings, have tried new "O" rings to no avail. You can see tiny green bubbles (tracer dye)between the evaporator pipe and fitting.
I am going to replace the evaporator, it arrives today. Drier and expansion valve will arrive tomorrow. R12 will be used.

Oh my gosh... that is a huge job to replace the evaporator... it would be worth trying whatever you can to fix that leak in place....
Have you seen the posts about replacing the evaporator ? I think it is listed as about 17 hours in the flat rate manual...
My condolences if you wind up having to do that job....
Do you have the 123 chassis manual which shows how to do this ?

I've seen a parallel conversion using what I believe was an ACK condenser. It allowed using the stock fan. The job required routing new hoses and I would remove the radiator if I were doing the conversion.
If you stick with R12 you can keep the series flow condenser, unless its contaminated or damaged the cost of going to a parallel condenser is not really necessary unless you want absolute coldest performance.
Watch out for cross threaded fittings on the evap!
Whatever you do, do not think of switching to R134A

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

There are high performance fans ... like Spal... which are the same diameter as your stock fan...

if Phil at Fastlane does not have them... try these guys...

CARLISLE AUTO AIR
6411 San Pedro Ave
San Antonio, TX USA
Phone: (210) 377-3377
Fax: (210) 341-2229
info@carlisleautoair.com
www.caawparts.com

The limiting factor is Condensor area....

I would seek a higher speed fan. You will find that a clean new evap will do wonders. I've seen them 75% plugged.


Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E