Vintage Air--Mechanical or Electric Fan

[corvettejim1968]

Originally Posted by kberger

I'm hoping it will solve my problem by keeping the condenser cooler, reducing the head pressure of the compressor. If the clutch, fan and electric condenser fan I ordered don't fix it, I plan on calling VA.

I was told by an A/C technician the R-134 system works best at 80% charged. It keeps the pressure down too.

[markeb01]

I'm running the VA knee freezer with a Champion aluminum 3 core radiator and a dual Spal electric fan. I have the sensor set to turn the fan on at 185 and the engine normally runs at 175 so the fan rarely comes on unless the ambient is in the 90's.

I did have a screeching Old Air system many years ago that screeched so loud I gave up on it. Many years later I was advised it was likely a bent shaft on the compressor motor itself making the screeching noise.

[AcampoDave]

I cured my airflow problems by sealing the gap between the condenser and the radiator. I also improved the seal of the radiator to the core support. This forced my clutch fan to draw more air thru the condeser as other routes were closed. Worked like a charm. No more short cycling in town.

[kberger]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

I cured my airflow problems by sealing the gap between the condenser and the radiator. I also improved the seal of the radiator to the core support. This forced my clutch fan to draw more air thru the condeser as other routes were closed. Worked like a charm. No more short cycling in town.

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[kberger]

Originally Posted by kberger

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What did you seal the gap with?
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[AcampoDave]

I sealed it underneath with a piece of aluminum flashing bolted to the existing holes in the core support. Next, I sealed the top of the radiator with some rear window gasket that I had laying around. And lastly, I blocked off just a couple of tubes on the radiator which weren't already covered by the condenser. The motor is a 283 and the radiator is more than adequate so it doesn't miss the extra 2 or 3 tubes I blocked off. (right hand side in the pic)
Edit: My A/C Is a Vintage Air "Sure Fit Kit" and the radiator came from Engineered Cooling Products

[kberger]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

I sealed it underneath with a piece of aluminum flashing bolted to the existing holes in the core support. Next, I sealed the top of the radiator with some rear window gasket that I had laying around. And lastly, I blocked off just a couple of tubes on the radiator which weren't already covered by the condenser. The motor is a 283 and the radiator is more than adequate so it doesn't miss the extra 2 or 3 tubes I blocked off. (right hand side in the pic)
Edit: My A/C Is a Vintage Air "Sure Fit Kit" and the radiator came from Engineered Cooling Products

Thanks, I think I'll try that!

[AcampoDave]

Glad to help., I guess I should clarify that the 2 or 3 tubes on the right are not technically blocked from ALL air flow. They are only blocked from DIRECT airflow because the flashing just seals between the side of the condenser and the core support. Therefore, the air is still free to pass thru the entire radiator surface but only after first passing thru the condenser. Also the lower flashing is technically bolted to the front frame cross member.... but you know what I mean anyhow. Good luck!