I know that the typical suggestion for those who want to retrofit to 134a is to get a parallel flow condenser in order to help cool the refrigerant more efficiently. My question is whether such a condenser could also help the cooling capacity of an otherwise stock system (w/ R12).

Living in South Texas, I need all the help I can get!!!!

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT

well, sortof...
the R12 refrigerant can use all the help it can get to remove heat from the cycle, but a parallel flow condenser has one drawback, there is little room for liquid storage. the fact that a reciever dryer is part of the system helps, so it SHOULD improve the situation. the problem I can envision is this: R12 needs compression, heat removal, and flow velocity to function properly. compression and heat removal are fine with a PFcondenser, but velocity is massively reduced. I think it should improve both efficiency and cooling capability to move up to the PF, but velocity may be deminished enough to cause a reduction in capacity.
before going to that expense, I'd remove the existing coil, flush it free of residue, and chemically clean the fins and tube surface to get maximum from it.
if this doesn't help, only then would I consider a PF
if your sig pic is your car, at least you have a light color paint on the car. I'd get ALL the windows professionally tinted the max you are allowed, and do what is allowed on the front as well.

Thanks,

The reason I am planing to replace is that the fins are pretty damaged in front - no leaks though. Of course I will be flushing every part of the system I retain.
It is the car in my sig, and we do plan to tint.....Just wanted to maximize my cooling capcity while I have the system apart.

I welcome other thoughts on the points vstech brought up....

__________________

Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT

I can't compare a serpentine condenser to a parallel flow condenser but I can compare R12 to R134A with a PFC. I installed a PFC on my SD. I started with r134a in it and I wasn't too happy with the temps so I switched it to R12. The vents temps were only marginally better with r12. Something like a degree or two difference.

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

There is such a thing as a "fin comb" I saw one at Lowe's.

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

Hmmm I certainly don't get the results you guys are reporting. my 82SD with 134 and CLEAN condenser puts out 30ish air easily out to 95F temps. clean is the operative word. that coil must be washed and it's a good idea to put it through an acid wash with condenser cleaner. get that thing sparkling. fins straight are important too. the aux fan needs to function and be mounted correctly.

I replaced my condenser with a parallel flow over four years ago. The capacity is indeed smaller but I think it's been working great so far. I originally installed Freeze 12 and work fine with it. But then I put in R12 shortly there after and it has been great. My only regret is pulling the evaporator out to give it a good cleaning. I feel the air flow from the vents is restricted somewhat and a good cleaning of 27 years of crap should open it up a lot.

Here some pics as installed 4 years ago.








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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

May I know the size of the PF Condenser you are using? What I have in the car right now is a 14"x22" PF Condenser. It cooled the car pretty well in the beginning. I was getting <40F on a hot 90F+ day with R134A. The compressor developed a knock recently which i think was caused by the higher pressure but i cant confirm it as i did not check with the gauges yet. I dont know if a bigger PF condenser will help with lowering the pressure. Im plannng to switch to R12.

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'85 300D Cal 280,000 miles
'14 GLK 350 60000 miles