Am resurrecting AC system following Black Death (compressor failure.) While doing so, am taking some system-related side trips along the way. This is one of them.
Idea - improve rear fender condenser’s performance. I’ve got no complaint with prior condenser with Spal fan. AC with that config delivered 33dF at vent / 50dF delta. This design-build is based on premise that air ahead of rear wheel is cooler than air behind (where my fender condenser sits.) 911 here is ’80 SC with ’85 3.2. Right next to condenser is engine’s catalytic. Fender area’s hot enough so that placing a hand on fender under operating conditions = torture. Am into this project to see if a greater delta can be achieved by supplying condenser cooler air.
Build - air-bucket addition to one side of condenser. Source air from just ahead of torsion mount and duct it to bucket. Put blower somewhere along the way.
PS – This build was started under “Black Death” thread. It being off-topic under that thread… decided it being more appropriate to put this build on its own. Will pick up "BD" thread when this build is done.
Serpentine condenser that was in system was cleaned after system’s “death.” Did so under assumption serp would return to service. When considering reinstall of cleaned unit… changed my mind about doing so---wasn’t worth the risk. In its place is this new 12x14” parallel flow unit.
4” duct is planned.
4” positioned above wheel.
Intake.
New condenser fitted to existing hose. Not working. Hose in this config occupies same space as tire. Adding more hose via splice is option but prefer to reconfig ports on condenser.
Sheet aluminum. Attempted 730dF then 350dF welding media on this material. Is not as easy for me as it appears on YouTube. Rather than delay progress while I learn to weld thin sheet… am getting on with bonding seams with epoxy gel.
Plumber’s Putty---epoxy putty. Pushed in hard and dragged slightly, stuff adheres well to this aluminum. Cures rock hard. Whether this media is suitable in a vibrating & flexing environment is questionable. Since it’s “dressing,” doesn’t matter if it fails structurally. Am applying it here mainly to see how it installs, adheres, and finishes. Will check durability downstream.
Right side putty in pic has been sanded. Left side is raw.
Planned port positions.