Air Con condenser

[Blackbird2007]

The condenser in my '97 SVX has developed a serious leak so the air con won't work any more. Does anyone know of a source of replacement condensers, or have a spare that I can buy. If a spare it would need to have been previously used with R134. I'm in the UK, but would be happy to purchase one from the US for example.
Dave Thomas (previously Blackbir2001)

[Earthworm]

This should be in the SVX Parts Wanted forum. I'd move it for you if I could.

In a pinch you can use an R12 condenser.

R134 condenser: 73020PA021
R12 condenser: 73020PA000

[ensteele]

I moved it.

[alltrac]

I have a brand new aftermarket one. Shipping from the states to the UK would be expensive.

[Blackbird2007]

Thanks gents. I have found aftermarket condensers available in the US, but the suppliers just don't want to know about shipping them to the UK; there don't appear to be any suppliers in Europe. I'm interested in the comments about R12 vs R134. There are some secondhand condensers available for '92 and '93 SVXs, but I am concerned they may have been used with R12. However, a condenser is basically a radiator (I believe) so should have no internal seals which could be affected by different gases. So, does it matter if I find a condenser that was R12, and put it into my car which is R134. Any thoughts?

[svxistentialist]

Hi Dave

How are things?

In the US there is a kit to convert R12 systems to R134A. This kit comprises, so far as I know, the different connectors so that the system can be filled with the newer freon type.

When the gas was changed over in manufacture to R134A, the newer systems had a different size of screw connector so you could not accidentally use the wrong type. This was because the gases were incompatible, and could not be mixed.

I think what happens with the upgraded systems, they evacuate the old gas and replace with new, having changed the connectors. This would imply to me that the condensers will work OK with either gas type.

Why don't you try an independent aircon specialist in the UK? They will probably confirm your R12 condenser is all right to use, just change the connectors.

Joe

[Blackbird2007]

Hi Joe, how's the project going with my old grey machine?
I've fixed the paintwork on the red machine, and sorted out the transmission. Number two son is rapidly becoming an expert on SVXs. He works in a garage in Chester and now has the black JDM 4WS SVX (currently in Le Mans!). The dull paintwork on the red one was sorted by a re-spray, and the transmission lethargy was fixed by simply replacing the ATF.
Given that the a/c condenser does appear to be purely mechanical, I will discuss the situation with him, but it looks like I can just find an old one that works and if necessary change the connectors. Hopefully the air con will then work again.

[Blackbird2007]

Thanks for all the input so far. I have located an R12 condenser in the UK, part number 73020PA000. Does anyone know for certain whether the connectors are the same as the R143 condenser - 73020PA020 or 021?

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by Blackbird2007

Thanks for all the input so far. I have located an R12 condenser in the UK, part number 73020PA000. Does anyone know for certain whether the connectors are the same as the R143 condenser - 73020PA020 or 021?

Dave

I can't say for certain, but what Crzylgsdon is saying above makes sense to me. When I mentioned about changing the connectors, I was of course referring to what he calls the service ports; where you put the gas into the system and where you pressurise it. These are the two screw cap thingys high up on the pipework, and these have different screw thread sizes for the different systems so that you can't mix the gases.

The actual inlet and outlet to the condenser would not have been changed, as this is not an access point. I would expect both condensers [radiators], old type and new type, to be identical in size and in outlets. If you are still unsure, run a tape or tighten a cable tie around the inlet and outlet on the current car. Cut the cable tie, and then run this around the replacement. If it is the same size [as I suspect] it will neither overlap nor leave a gap, but fit close.

Joe

[Blackbird2007]

Gents, my air con is now back and working again. We ended up fitting the condenser from the R12 SVX and it has turned out to be completely compatible with the R134 system. Thanks to everyone for your advice and guidance.

[ensteele]

Thanks for getting back to us with a report.

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by Blackbird2007

Gents, my air con is now back and working again. We ended up fitting the condenser from the R12 SVX and it has turned out to be completely compatible with the R134 system. Thanks to everyone for your advice and guidance.

Nice one Dave, I'm glad it worked, but it should have.

I did not progress with using your Silver '94 for the Project, because of a freak purchase. I bought a '91 Version L for parts [mainly the big brakes] It was generally in such good condition, and had all the gizmos, that I changed plan to put the supercharger on this one. So effectively I will be selling your old one soon.

The Version L operates very well with the blower. I have it running with 6.5 lbs pressure and it drives very well.

Next stage is the bring pressure to 9 lbs. Before we do that we are planning to fit water [or water/methanol mix] injection. It is currently also getting a bigger bore exhaust system.

Joe