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07-27-2017, 12:47 AM | #1 |
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Cooling AC condenser at idle
What are you guys using to cool the AC condenser at idle when running electric fans. I can put another fan in front of condenser and wire it in but only have room for a small 10" fan so it would only cool the center
Any input would be appreciated Thanks Steve
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
07-27-2017, 01:09 PM | #2 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
You typically don't have a separate fan or anything for the A/C condenser. The condenser is intended to be close enough to the radiator that the fans pull air through both the radiator and the condenser. I'm not sure on the spacing, but I believe it's around a half inch or less. Also, your electric fan should have a shroud around it for maximum cooling, instead of just open all the way around the fan.
here's an example of the fan/shroud setup I'll be running in my 71.
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07-27-2017, 10:03 PM | #3 | |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
Quote:
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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07-28-2017, 12:11 AM | #4 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
Google "ac trinary switch". It sounds like maybe you don't have one. It turns on the cooling fans based on the pressure in the AC system and, without it, you'll likely split one of the soft lines.
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07-28-2017, 01:11 AM | #5 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
Another option is to have one of the fans turn on when the ac comes on regardless of engine temp. Many more modern vehicles do this, turning on one of the dual fans or in the case of a single two speed fan turning the fan on to low. They do this to get some airflow through the condenser at all times, limiting heat soak and keeping the air coming out of the vents cool. Then, if and when engine temp gets hotter the second fan turns on or kicks the single two speed fan into high.
I wouldn't bother with a 3rd pusher fan if you already have a dual fan setup with a shroud. Instead install a trinary switch or wire up a fan to come on with the ac. Also try to make sure the condenser has a decent seal around the edges to the radiator. This way air being pulled through the radiator goes through the condenser instead of sneaking in between the condenser and radiator. |
07-28-2017, 10:48 AM | #6 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
yep, what they said! Trinary switch is a must. As for 195-205 temps, that's nothing to worry about. Since at least the 90's engines have been designed to run about 210 all the time. Older engines can do it too, but I've been told by the older generation hot rodders that it's ideal to be between 185-200 for normal operating temps on older engines. I don't worry about the temps until they creep up above 225.
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07-28-2017, 12:26 PM | #7 | |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
Quote:
I guess my ? Is - Is this to much
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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07-28-2017, 01:25 PM | #8 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
I think it's too much. There's no need to add a third fan. I get what you're saying about not wanting to cool your engine temp below 195, but the stock thermostat is 190* and no amount of airflow is going to make it run cooler than that.
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07-28-2017, 10:59 PM | #9 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
I have a trinary switch which engages both fans when the pressure in the system triggers the switch. I have considered wiring one fan to the switch and the second fan to run when the compressor engages, but I haven't done anything with it to date. Mine seems to work fine at idle, but it could always be better.
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07-30-2017, 01:10 PM | #10 | |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
Quote:
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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07-30-2017, 01:34 PM | #11 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
I put a slim 12" fan between the radiator and AC condenser. This was more to help with cooling at idle, but of course benefits the AC as well. I wired mine to a temp sender for coolant, not the AC.
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07-30-2017, 07:44 PM | #12 |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
The ECM sends a ground to the fan relay to turn the fan on, so you just ground one side of the trinary switch and wire the other to the ground for the fan relay that way either ground will turn the relay on. You may get a check engine light though because the ECM sees the relay grounded but it didn't command it. You can have the error reporting for it turned off in the tune though.
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07-31-2017, 09:55 AM | #13 | |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
Quote:
Thanks again Steve
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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08-06-2017, 09:36 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Cooling AC condenser at idle
Quote:
Thanks for the input
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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