ksu-chewie

iTrader: (14)

Today I was working on getting some stuff done on my FD and I took notice of my a/c condenser & radiator. Since I've had my FD I've never seen the low temps that others say the get.
For the record, I am running a koyo radiator and have lowered the fan temps a bit on my PFC to help when temps start getting above 90*. The previous owner did have it converted to 134a, I'm not quite sure what that means to the rest of my A/C parts. I am running the stock waterpump and thermostat. I've removed the AST and blocked the ast lines at the radiator and thermostat housing. Last spring I drained & filled the coolant with new. I didn't use the flush kit additive to help remove junk that might be stuck on the inside, but am considering doing that this year.
When I was looking at my condenser this morning I saw some areas where the fins had been bent, so I can see that airflow in some spots has limited airflow to the radiator. In other spots were trapped bugs, rock pebbles, you name it. The entire condenser was not blocked, but I would estimate about 25% blockage. I am wondering if this is one of the causes of my higher temps, and if so to what degree.
So now I might be over thinking things or just have wishful hoping that if I replace the condenser my temps will be lower. I could tr0y the cheaper route and see if a radiator shop could repair the fins & clean it out. Obviously I could just pull the a/c condenser and see what my coolant temps do, but I have to have A/C. My A/C does work pretty well, so I'm not sure if that tells me my condenser is flowing well enough.

Has anyone else gone through this? What are your thoughts? Do I have something worth looking into or am I just grasping at straws to lower my temps? Or am I just paranoid about my coolant temps and I worry too much about everything.

Thanks guys!

JM1FD

iTrader: (1)

It would be good to straighten the fins, and get as much crud out of them as possible...if not for the coolant temps, then for the sake of the A/C itself. You can get a fin comb and straighten them yourself...or just use a screwdriver. It will be a pain in the ***.

I don't think it'll do much for your coolant temps. If the air can't go through the condenser, it will just go around it.

ksu-chewie

iTrader: (14)

I have a fin comb sized from 8 to 14 and I couldnt seem to find one that fit right.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

I haven't seen condensor problems cause that much of a cooling problem before. What are your temps generally running?

Big one that helps is blocking airflow around the radiator. This stuff -

http://www.drillspot.com/products/56...r_sealant_tape

Does a killer job of it. Expands HUGE to fill the space.

Biggie is the fans running like they should. Also, make sure your thermostat is healthy.

Dale

ksu-chewie

iTrader: (14)

If the outside temp is 80* or higher my coolant temps will be around 93, just from highway cruising. If I get into boost it's higher. When it's 90* or higher outside my coolant temps are about 100-102.

The sides of my rad were blocked pretty well, not perfectly though. Maybe some new foam would be helpful.

Both fans run like they're supposed to. My thermostat was brand new last spring from Ray.

mofo_aka

iTrader: (4)

I wonder if i need to replace my condensor also.. i bought my car with a maaco paint job.. and they completely oversprayed the whole condensor with red and clear coat... will that effect the cooling?? same goes with my oil cooler.... stupid maaco..