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#1
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'85 300CD: Replace condensor while I'm replacing radiator?
In my 1985 300CD, the radiator is showing seepage (the white powder
stuff) around the top where the crimping is. This car has the original cooling system hoses also. I am planning on replacing all of the cooling system hoses and radiator as soon as it cools down here in Phoenix, Arizona. Also, I am planning to do a complete rebuild of the A/C system (staying with R-12). That is, replace the compressor, receiver/dryer, etc. The flushing and all of that. Will probably put in a rebuilt pushbutton unit from Programa. The A/C system has had a leak(s) for years. No surprise, the car is 25 years old. My question: While I am replacing the failing radiator, should I also replace the condenser? My view: It is 25 yrs. old and why be so careful with an A/C rebuild and at the same time rely on a 25 yr. old condenser to stay good for another 10-20 yrs. I figure (though I am not sure) that replacing the condenser is easier when you’re also replacing the radiator on this vehicle. True or false? Thanks- |
#2
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not really. unless the condenser has ingested water resulting in acid that damages the coils. or the fins are damaged from debris, I'd just flush it well internally, and clean the coils externally with strong detergent designed for condenser cleaning.
the 85 is the best year for the condenser, so unless you are planning on upgrading to a parallel flow and building your own fittings etc, it's best to keep it stock... of course in arizona, you need all the a/c you can get, and black tinted windows to boot... adding a 2nd condenser wouldn't be out of the question!
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#3
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After you have done it once, removing the radiator is a 15-minute job. Having it out is hardly justification for replacing a working condenser.
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#4
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Check the condensor for any signs of damage from errant stones. Usually a good sized oily spot. I had stones take out condensors in other cars.
How is the '85 condensor better than say the '82?
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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 |
#5
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in 85 they made improvements in the surface area of the coils. the SD got MASSIVELY more, but the 123's did get smaller tubes, so more refrigerant is in contact with the surface of the tubing. gives a slightly better condensing action.
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#6
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can a w126 unit be retrofitted to a w123?
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Current Diesels: 1981 240D (73K) 1982 300CD (169k) 1985 190D (169k) 1991 350SD (113k) 1991 350SD (206k) 1991 300D (228k) 1993 300SD (291k) 1993 300D 2.5T (338k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k) Past Diesels: 1983 300D (228K) 1985 300D (233K) |
#7
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I doubt it. lots taller and longer. the fittings should work if you could make it go in the hole. i have a broken one with a rock hole in the thing. I could try and make it go in one of my 123's... when I'm bored with nothing to do... (*quite hectic at the moment...)
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#8
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vs maybe I should come down to NC for a week and pay you to do all sorts of stuff to my car...
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Current Diesels: 1981 240D (73K) 1982 300CD (169k) 1985 190D (169k) 1991 350SD (113k) 1991 350SD (206k) 1991 300D (228k) 1993 300SD (291k) 1993 300D 2.5T (338k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k) Past Diesels: 1983 300D (228K) 1985 300D (233K) |
#9
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you better make an appointment! i have 4 customer cars in various stages of restoration at the moment! (and Thayer's car keeps coming back...)
But I'd be Happy to help when I can!
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#10
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Ok. I'll check the condition of the condenser when I'm replacing the radiator. Thanks for the help-
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