How to replace a/c condenser on '81 C20? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

arveetek · 05-06-2003, 12:32 PM

How do I remove the condenser on my '81? In all my years of wrenching, I've never had to touch a condenser. It looks like I'll need to remove the radiator, is that right? Can I simply undo the radiator and tilt it towards the engine? Will that give me enough room to unbolt the condenser and get it out?

Any help or tips would be much appreciated.

**old Rusty C10** · 05-06-2003, 01:34 PM

as far as i remember, thats all ya had to do after taking the refrigerant out of the system

PHOENIX · 05-06-2003, 04:27 PM

My truck didnt come with factory a/c so Im not real sure.
My truck had a aftermarket a/c system on it that sucked

When I removed the condensor I just took the grille off and disconnected the lines, then pulled the condensor out. Pulling the radiator completely out would be a waste. I dont think you could just tilt it and get the condesor out, but you may be able to. The grille isnt hard to remove and I recommend you go that route to be safe. Hopefully someone else can help with tilting the radiator idea. I tried it when I was going to remove mine, but the condensor was huge. Once again I dont know if that was a stock size condensor. Hope that helps some.

Good Luck!

arveetek · 05-07-2003, 09:44 AM

My condenser is on the inside of the radiator support, between the radiator and the support, so it won't come out the front. Looks like it has to come out from the engine bay side.

gmc7286chevy · 05-07-2003, 10:06 AM

Yep, lean the top of the radiator back and you can get it out. I got mine out that way.

Slonaker · 05-07-2003, 10:18 AM

Like the radiator, it just sits on a couple of rubber pads at the bottom and has a couple of screws holding it in place at the top. You might want to go to the dealer and pick up a couple of the pads before you start. My C10 is 5 years newer, and they look pretty bad.

Slonaker

arveetek · 05-07-2003, 12:32 PM

Thanks guys!

arveetek · 05-09-2003, 10:50 PM

Thanks for the tips guys! I was able to R&R my condenser by simply removing the upper radiator hose, unbolting the radiator mounts, loosening the radiator shroud, and tilting the radiator towards the engine. I didn't lose any coolant except for what was in the top radiator hose.

The rubber condenser mounts were in excellent shape so I was able to reuse them. All in all, it was a very simple job. Another benefit was that I was able to clean the front of the radiator out. I would say that 1/3 of the radiator fins were totally clogged with dirt, bugs, and even a small bird! Should run nice and cool this summer.

05-06-2003, 12:32 PM	#1
arveetek Ultimate Diesel Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 328	How to replace a/c condenser on '81 C20? How do I remove the condenser on my '81? In all my years of wrenching, I've never had to touch a condenser. It looks like I'll need to remove the radiator, is that right? Can I simply undo the radiator and tilt it towards the engine? Will that give me enough room to unbolt the condenser and get it out? Any help or tips would be much appreciated. __________________ Project truck: '81 C/20 converted to 6.2L TURBO DIESEL bored .040", gear drive, 6.5L injectors/pump, custom pistons, custom 4" exhaust, 700R4, 4.10's Daily Driver: '95 K1500 Tahoe, 6.5L TURBO DIESEL, NP241, 4L80E, 3.42's

05-06-2003, 01:34 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	as far as i remember, thats all ya had to do after taking the refrigerant out of the system __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-06-2003, 04:27 PM	#3
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	My truck didnt come with factory a/c so Im not real sure. My truck had a aftermarket a/c system on it that sucked When I removed the condensor I just took the grille off and disconnected the lines, then pulled the condensor out. Pulling the radiator completely out would be a waste. I dont think you could just tilt it and get the condesor out, but you may be able to. The grille isnt hard to remove and I recommend you go that route to be safe. Hopefully someone else can help with tilting the radiator idea. I tried it when I was going to remove mine, but the condensor was huge. Once again I dont know if that was a stock size condensor. Hope that helps some. Good Luck! __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

05-07-2003, 09:44 AM	#4
arveetek Ultimate Diesel Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 328	My condenser is on the inside of the radiator support, between the radiator and the support, so it won't come out the front. Looks like it has to come out from the engine bay side. __________________ Project truck: '81 C/20 converted to 6.2L TURBO DIESEL bored .040", gear drive, 6.5L injectors/pump, custom pistons, custom 4" exhaust, 700R4, 4.10's Daily Driver: '95 K1500 Tahoe, 6.5L TURBO DIESEL, NP241, 4L80E, 3.42's

05-07-2003, 10:18 AM	#6
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Like the radiator, it just sits on a couple of rubber pads at the bottom and has a couple of screws holding it in place at the top. You might want to go to the dealer and pick up a couple of the pads before you start. My C10 is 5 years newer, and they look pretty bad. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

05-07-2003, 10:06 AM	#5
gmc7286chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 66	Yep, lean the top of the radiator back and you can get it out. I got mine out that way.

05-07-2003, 12:32 PM	#7
arveetek Ultimate Diesel Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 328	Thanks guys! __________________ Project truck: '81 C/20 converted to 6.2L TURBO DIESEL bored .040", gear drive, 6.5L injectors/pump, custom pistons, custom 4" exhaust, 700R4, 4.10's Daily Driver: '95 K1500 Tahoe, 6.5L TURBO DIESEL, NP241, 4L80E, 3.42's

05-09-2003, 10:50 PM	#8
arveetek Ultimate Diesel Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 328	Thanks for the tips guys! I was able to R&R my condenser by simply removing the upper radiator hose, unbolting the radiator mounts, loosening the radiator shroud, and tilting the radiator towards the engine. I didn't lose any coolant except for what was in the top radiator hose. The rubber condenser mounts were in excellent shape so I was able to reuse them. All in all, it was a very simple job. Another benefit was that I was able to clean the front of the radiator out. I would say that 1/3 of the radiator fins were totally clogged with dirt, bugs, and even a small bird! Should run nice and cool this summer. __________________ Project truck: '81 C/20 converted to 6.2L TURBO DIESEL bored .040", gear drive, 6.5L injectors/pump, custom pistons, custom 4" exhaust, 700R4, 4.10's Daily Driver: '95 K1500 Tahoe, 6.5L TURBO DIESEL, NP241, 4L80E, 3.42's

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