A/C condenser location.

[Wilboro]

Hi guys I'm about to mount up a new a/c condenser in my 300tdi defender and I'm wondering about locating it in front of the rad/intercooler.

Originally it was an aftermarket install and was centrally located blocking some of the intercooler and some of the rad. Wondering if this is this is the best option.
The total rad surround size is 29.5"x17", the rad is about 21" of that width. The new condenser is 19.5x14" so I could centrally locate it or put it directly in front of the rad leaving the intercooler exposed.

There's no additional front fan, at least not yet....

Thoughts?

 

[Wilboro]

Hmm may have answered my own question. If I end up adding fan I'm going to want it to be central so it will fit.

 

[javelinadave]

It goes infront of everything.

 

[CDN38]

Yup.. front and centre... you'll need an AC specific grill/frame as the AC version sits slightly forward of the wings.

 

[Wilboro]

Yup.. front and centre... you'll need an AC specific grill/frame as the AC version sits slightly forward of the wings.

Perfect thanks for the verification.
The set-up mine came with actually fits behind the standard grill frame, again it's an aftermarket set-up so perhaps lower profile than oem. Hopefully the replacement condenser tucks in there just a well.

 

[RDavisinVA]

I think you are not taking into consideration that the location of the condenser is restricted to how much movement the points of connectivity the refrigerant hoses allow, not your calculations with a tape measure-er.

 

[Wilboro]

I think you are not taking into consideration that the location of the condenser is restricted to how much movement the points of connectivity the refrigerant hoses allow, not your calculations with a tape measure-er.

I suppose moving it too the left might have caused some issues with the bends on the lines. However the holes in the wing they pass through are fairly oversize and the lines have a fair bit of play length wise, so there is wiggle room. The size of the connector may have fouled on the wing though if it went fully left.

Anyway I'm going to locate it centrally as it was originally so I don't anticipate too much trouble. Famous last words.....

 

[RDavisinVA]

I suppose moving it too the left might have caused some issues with the bends on the lines. However the holes in the wing they pass through are fairly oversize and the lines have a fair bit of play length wise, so there is wiggle room.

Anyway Im going to locate it centrally as it was originally so I don't anticipate too much trouble. Famous last words.....

It is best to keep it in front of the radiator and not in front of the intercooler if you can position it that way.

Also, 2 fans one pushing and one pulling will provide much colder air.
I was able to fit our AC condenser without the extended front "nose" panel.

 

[Wilboro]

It is best to keep it in front of the radiator and not in front of the intercooler if you can position it that way.

That was my original thought, but since I don't have a bump out a/c surround if I find I need to add a fan it would have to fit between the slam panel support arms and not having it centered might be tricky. Some fettling is in order to see what will work.

Here's the original set-up as I got it. Some pretty flimsy mounting brackets if you ask me.

 

[Wilboro]

It is best to keep it in front of the radiator and not in front of the intercooler if you can position it that way.

Also, 2 fans one pushing and one pulling will provide much colder air.
I was able to fit out AC condenser without the extended front "nose" panel.

That set-up looks pretty good. Looks like you've removed one of the support arms?

 

[RDavisinVA]

That set-up looks pretty good. Looks like you've removed one of the support arms?

Yes.

 

[Wilboro]

Another question about the a/c if you'll indulge me.

The new condenser seems to have some positive charge in it. Went to take one of the caps off and it started to hiss a bit. I know the dryer should be left capped until your ready to charge the system, but I assume the condenser can be opened? Perhaps this is just to keep it clean when transported? Or do I need to leave this capped until the last minute as well?

 

[RDavisinVA]

The system is interconnected, so opening the condenser hose opens the dryer to the atmosphere.

 

[Wilboro]

The system is interconnected, so opening the condenser hose opens the dryer to the atmosphere.

Sorry perhaps I wasn't clear there. So currently the system open, but I have a brand new dryer and condenser. Both are capped from the factory. The dryer I won't uncap and connect to the open system until I'm ready to charge it. The condenser I was panning to connect the hoses now. When I went to uncap the factory plugs on the new condenser I got a hiss as if positively charged. So I guess I'm wondering why it would be charged with something. Are they trying to keep air out of it, like you would with the dryer? Will I mess it up if it's left open for some time exposed to normal air?

 

[RDavisinVA]

No. The hissing is not relevant.
When you evacuate the system with a vacuum pump, it will clear out all the air.

 

[Wilboro]

Just thought I would wrap this up with some final install pics. Went off center and if/when I decide to install a fan I think I'll be able to fit something between the slam panel arms.

 

[rocky]

I've seen pusher fans in front of everything so it's possible.

 

[RDavisinVA]

Just thought I would wrap this up with some final install pics. Went off center and if/when I decide to install a fan I think I'll be able to fit something between the slam panel arms.

That is actually the optimal condenser location.
Your AC will not work very well without a pusher fan.
As a test run it at idle for a while and note the pressures and temp coming out of the vents.
Next, install a pusher fan with a good amount of air flow and note the difference.

 

[4RF RDS]

Will as already stated you pretty much have to install a pusher fan in front (if you want cool air at lower speeds or on hot days). We can chat more at the upcoming club AGM or give me a call. You can definitely fit a fan in there.

 

[Wilboro]

Will as already stated you pretty much have to install a pusher fan in front (if you want cool air at lower speeds or on hot days). We can chat more at the upcoming club AGM or give me a call. You can definitely fit a fan in there.

I'm sure it will be added to the "to do" list, it's just not on the "must do" to get the truck on the road list.