Hello,

My 85 300D has no charge in it right now, and is still set up for R12.

Whether in the end all I go for an R12 fill or an R134a retrofit (which at this momebt Id likely prefer because of cost and self-servicability), it seems that a new parallel condensor is the smart way to go.

Now, given that the system is 22 years old, still has the original compressor (which works when jumpering the low-p switch), and likely the original oil fill, it seems to me that when the system is worked on, the whole thing will need a solvent flush, etc. prior to closing up and charging.

Given that the parallel flow condensors do not easily flush out, and given that I do not know much about AC work, my question is this:

in the interest of getting what I want, saving a few bucks, and learning about my car, could I purchase the new condensor and install it prior to having the system worked on professionally?

My concern is regarding them working on it by doing the flush, etc. Id hate to have a new condensor ruined by installing it prior to having the system flushed and prepped for r12 or 134.

So, in all, is it smart for me to buy and install a new parallel condensor prior to having the pros go over my system, flush it, determine their reccomendations for r12 vs 134a, etc, or should I just wait until they hav e the car, and get them to install this new condensor after doing other work?

I am not aware enough of the actual order of steps generally taken to know what to do off the top f my head.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading my long post!

Best,

JMH

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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)

I'm actually interested in more information about this too, since I am about to totally rework my AC system

__________________
1985 MB 300D/T

Fell off the WVO bandwagon when people started trying to charge $2.50 a gallon for dirty vegetable oil.

I'm a little confused what you mean by parallel condensor. My 85 has a straight through... it goes pass. to driver in the front, then pass. to driver in the rear, then to the front again. I just modified mine to make it parallel paths for I'm using if for my intercooler's radiator.

OR, do you have a newer type of condensor?

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1985 300D Mango Green with 16" Pentas, Vogtland springs, Euros/ clear corners, 234k, lots to come soon....

no, the parallel condensor is a different style of condensor from the OE tube-fin design. I would need to buy a universal/generic and utilize it in a retrofit.

Its all in how the flow is divided and contacted with fins for heat transfer.

JMH

__________________
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)

If you install a parallel flow condenser, you'll flush only the evaporator. You won't need to flush the condenser because it's brand, spanking new!!

I'd definitely consider keeping R-12, or, if cost is the issue, consider one of the hydrocarbon refrigerants, which cool as well as R-12 at a fraction of the cost.

FWIW, my system is completely stock with R-12. I just drove from WA state to CO through some 105F temperatures and it cools just fine. Using R-134a with the stock system was not even close to the same performance.