Tech Tips

Use this comprehensive information library whenever you need helpful hints from car repair professionals. Whether you are a professional or a DIY mechanic, you’re sure to find the tips you need to insure a job well done. Click here to go back to the previous page any time during your search.

Air Conditioning

Condenser Comparison

In the interest of improving efficiency, saving weight, and reducing size, many Original Equipment Manufacturers are now using aluminum serpentine and parallel flow condensers that can cause A/C service problems. The old style tube and fin condenser openings measure .36" and the new, flat tube multipass parallel flow style openings measure .040" by .060". The difference is considerable. In the event of a compressor failure, or any failure that causes debris, sludge or foreign material to circulate through the system, the smaller condenser tube designs are very likely to become stopped up. It is often impossible to completely flush contaminates out of condensers with small passages since the multipass design allows the flushing agent to circulate around the blockage. Replacing the condenser becomes the only option. The larger passages in tube and fin styles can normally pass the foreign material through to the orifice tube screen or filter/drier, and remaining debris can be removed in the flushing process.

Diagnosing problems on small flat tube condensers can be difficult due to partial restrictions. Symptoms include poor cooling, high temperature and pressure at the compressor, rapid compressor failure, clutch failure, and compressor noise.

Go back