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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,861
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A/C receiver drier - aftermarket ok??
Ok, I've read about 20 old A/C topics and have a couple questions.
Is there any reason to use the original $120 receiver drier? On ebay I see a bunch (Mercedes, BMW, etc) that look like they would fit fine and they cost $20. It seems like for the price it would be worth trying. After looking at everything needed, I think I could do a full r134a conversion with an upgraded condensor, fan, new lines, new compressor for pretty cheap - maybe $400-500. The other thing I was thinking of trying was upgrading to a parallel flow condensor. Everything I've read seems to indicate that our older (SC) systems are condensor limited. http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Parallel I was thinking that installing a 33% more efficient condensor with a fan might be easier than adding a second condensor. Anyway, that's an option I'm still thinking about. I guess it would be easier enought to fab up one of these for the rear fender like Griffen does but for a lot cheaper. From old posts it seems like people have been successful with a new compressor, new drier, and r134a. |
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08-11-2004, 07:31 AM
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Certified Pre-Owned
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Nanny State
Posts: 3,132
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If you're willing to deviate from the norm anyway I would go ahead with an aftermarket drier. Parker makes one for about $35 that already has a port for a high pressure cutoff switch if you ever want to add one. I think AC Kits has it. You may have to fab up some new short hoses depending on the drier connections. The sight glass in the orignal $120 Behr drier will do you no good with R134 anyway. Biggest issue with these cars is limited condensor real estate, in-efficient compressors, and atiquated as all-get-out ventilation hoses and vents.
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'84 Carrera Coupe |
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08-11-2004, 08:08 AM
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Not Quite Banned
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Ft. Lauderdale
Posts: 1,222
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NAPA makes a drier that is VERY close in configuration. Perhaps Jim Sims will chime in here as I know he has used one.
Good luck.
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Thomas Owen 1972 911T 1972 911S |
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08-11-2004, 08:17 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Dallas
Posts: 3,580
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Did a search and can't find answer to possibly a dumb question. i have a new "generic" r/d for my '88 that is identical to the one I removed. However I forgot to note which is the "in" port and which is the "out" port....I have seen several pics that appear to indicate the port on the side of the r/d is the in port and the one on the top is the out port going on to the evaporator. Neither the old one or the new one has ANY sort of markings to clarify this. Thanks
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Buck '88 Coupe, '87 Cab, '88 535i sold, '19 GLC 300 DD Warren Hall, gone but not forgotten |
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07-18-2015, 01:11 PM
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Banned
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Wet Side
Posts: 5,675
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Quote:
In addition, I have heard that some parallel flow condensers are not as robust as the serpentine ones, and you don't get much more efficiency out. |
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07-18-2015, 01:19 PM
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Banned
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Rockwall, Texas
Posts: 8,559
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Quote:
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07-18-2015, 02:51 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Dallas
Posts: 3,580
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Thanks Ronnie, hoping my AC project approaches your success!
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Buck '88 Coupe, '87 Cab, '88 535i sold, '19 GLC 300 DD Warren Hall, gone but not forgotten |
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07-18-2015, 05:06 PM
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