Remove condenser if not using currently?

[douce48]

I'm installing a new radiator in a 72' GMC K2500.

It has factory air but the a/c will need some work before operational.
Should I remove the condenser in front of the radiator for better air flow until I get the a/c running?

I was also thinking of tack welding the 4 mounting nuts on the backside so if I want to reinstall the condenser, it would be easier since the condenser mounting nuts are sandwiched between the radiator and the radiator support.

Thoughts on both?

P.S. I'm finally able to post! It took a while

Thanks Bill

[Accelo]

Leave it installed. It will be there when you need it, connected and clean.

[leftybass209]

I'm running an unused condenser on the front of a 3 row aluminum rad and it isn't a problem. Got over 106 here during the summer.

If the truck is in proper working condition, it should be able to pull air through both condenser and radiator while idle in traffic with the c9mpressor putting a load on the engine. If it has any overheating issues, the condenser would be the very last place I'd look.

[truckster]

Leave it. You don't want crap getting into the lines.

Just make sure the fins are clean. It won't affect airflow.

[PbFut]

If the AC, particularly the compressor is dead than the condenser will need a good cleaning or better yet, replacement down the road. Tacking is a good idea for future, but it's not too hard to tip the radiator for access. All that to say leaving it as is is probably fine. It also gives you some idea of performance of the cooling system, at least with the AC turned off anyway.

[douce48]

Great insight and exactly the info I was looking for.

I'm going to leave the condenser installed, valid points.
I cleaned the fins and straightening any fins that needed it.

I removed the four condenser fasteners, cleaned, lubed and reinstalled them for ease of "possible" future removal. If needed, I can tip the radiator forward (as stated) to remove them.

Thanks again for the responses!

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by Accelo

Leave it installed. It will be there when you need it, connected and clean.

Agree. There is nothing I hate worse at a car show than an a/c vehicle with open hoses/ports etc.-or worse with the evaporator pipes sawn off. If you don't want a/c take it all the way off. Left open or half done just screams "I don't care" to me and the junk that is getting in there is making it so the open parts will have to be replaced to ever work again. Sorry. Rant over.