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  #1  
Old 11-20-2013, 01:58 PM
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What's the deal with parallel condensers?

Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a parallel flow condenser for my 83 300SD? I ordered one that was supposed to be for a 81-85 300 SD (Spectra) but the connections are different. Also, what is the difference between through flow and parallel flow just looking at them. Is it the one additional tube in the middle that taps into one of the u bends? You can see in the last pic that the small line connection is in the "right" location, while the large connection is at the bottom. I don't want a universal condenser.

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  #2  
Old 11-20-2013, 05:26 PM
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The original condenser on that car is a series flow, where it has one continuous tube from inlet to outlet. The parallel flow has an inlet and outlet header, with many short tubes connecting them. Were it me, I would spend the money on R12 and forget the condenser.
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  #3  
Old 11-20-2013, 05:29 PM
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Parallel Flow Condensers

NOT O.E. (Original Equipment) ,SO fittings are in different Places.
[I.E. Not "Plug + Play"]
You'll have to have a "Custom" set of hoses made up,best place is a Local
Hydraulic shop such as Parker Store.

They PFC s DO provide more heat transfer that translates into MORE
"Angel's Breath" out of the Vents in Your MB.
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  #4  
Old 11-20-2013, 08:47 PM
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I don't believe that is a parallel flow condenser. A parallel flow condenser will be made more like a radiator. A tank on each end connected by multiple tubes. That condenser is a standard serial flow condenser.
Edit: I'm sorry, that is what rscurtis already said.
Paul
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  #5  
Old 11-20-2013, 09:06 PM
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I considered changing the condenser on my '86 420SEL once; I learned there was a parallel-flow condenser for the Diesel 126-series right before the 126 was phased out: Mercedes-Benz genuine part, can't comment on if the fittings are in the same place, but they probably would be.
I admit I have not been able to get more than marginal performance from my car's refrigeration system in the 10 years I have owned it. It had been converted to R126 when I got it.
I think I will have to remove the dash and start from scratch. Perhaps the evaporator is dirty; the air flow seems fine, but it would only get cool, like air outlet temps of 65-68 degrees, at best. I did not buy the condenser because when I turned a water hose on the condenser, it made little to no difference, so I wondered if that was the problem with mine anyway.
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  #6  
Old 11-20-2013, 09:16 PM
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look at this one...
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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!

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  #7  
Old 11-20-2013, 09:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy View Post
I considered changing the condenser on my '86 420SEL once; I learned there was a parallel-flow condenser for the Diesel 126-series right before the 126 was phased out: Mercedes-Benz genuine part, can't comment on if the fittings are in the same place, but they probably would be.
I admit I have not been able to get more than marginal performance from my car's refrigeration system in the 10 years I have owned it. It had been converted to R126 when I got it.
I think I will have to remove the dash and start from scratch. Perhaps the evaporator is dirty; the air flow seems fine, but it would only get cool, like air outlet temps of 65-68 degrees, at best. I did not buy the condenser because when I turned a water hose on the condenser, it made little to no difference, so I wondered if that was the problem with mine anyway.


ALL W126s received the same small tube and fin condenser starting late '84 build for the '85 MY...just like my 10/84 300SD. Compare the '84 MY and earlier versus the '85-91 and you can see how much smaller the tubes are in diameter. This increases surface area vastly to cool the condenser. Fittings are in different spots between the V8s, I6 gas, and Diesel.

NO W126 ever had a parallel flow condenser from the factory.

The performance in my cars is more than adequate when I am in Houston on R12, which is extremely humid and quite hot in the summer also. Even in Houston when my 560 was on 134A it cooled decent around town and far better down the road, but that is to be expected. If you cannot get out of the upper 60s for vent temps on 134A in a V8, you have other issues.

Why people try to save a few dollars by using 134A versus R12 is beyond me. Buying three cans of R134A for ~$40 at Wallymart versus ~$100 for four 12oz cans of R12 on Craigslist to save $60 but reduce cooling in a volatile climate seems like false economy.
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'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
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  #8  
Old 11-21-2013, 11:30 AM
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Your last sentence is excellent advice. Don't step over a dollar to pick up a dime.
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  #9  
Old 11-21-2013, 11:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hit Man X View Post
ALL W126s received the same small tube and fin condenser starting late '84 build for the '85 MY...just like my 10/84 300SD. Compare the '84 MY and earlier versus the '85-91 and you can see how much smaller the tubes are in diameter. This increases surface area vastly to cool the condenser. Fittings are in different spots between the V8s, I6 gas, and Diesel.

NO W126 ever had a parallel flow condenser from the factory.

The performance in my cars is more than adequate when I am in Houston on R12, which is extremely humid and quite hot in the summer also. Even in Houston when my 560 was on 134A it cooled decent around town and far better down the road, but that is to be expected. If you cannot get out of the upper 60s for vent temps on 134A in a V8, you have other issues.

Why people try to save a few dollars by using 134A versus R12 is beyond me. Buying three cans of R134A for ~$40 at Wallymart versus ~$100 for four 12oz cans of R12 on Craigslist to save $60 but reduce cooling in a volatile climate seems like false economy.

84-85 gassers have the better condenser as well. Both of the condensers I have were salvaged from 420SELs. The main difference is the smaller tubes and more parallel runs. The older condenser has something like 12 runs while the upgraded condenser has something like 16 runs. I counted them once but forget the exact numbers. In effect, the surface area is increased in the later condenser. Upgrade the fan as well or your cooling at idle will be poor.
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  #10  
Old 11-21-2013, 09:51 PM
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Someone here also installed a parallel flow condensor in front of the standard condensor and got very good results using R134a. Essentially they were plumbed in series. I tried to find the thread and pics but no luck, so far.
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  #11  
Old 11-21-2013, 09:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SD Blue View Post
Someone here also installed a parallel flow condensor in front of the standard condensor and got very good results using R134a. Essentially they were plumbed in series. I tried to find the thread and pics but no luck, so far.


That would be Whiskeydan

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.
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