Double A/C - Do I need a 2nd condenser?

[dermali]

Hello,


I am in the Philippines and I have a 1981 BJ60 with front a/c and the regular roof.

During the summer time (which is here from March to May and for this year a little bit late) the single a/c has a lot to do, not only because of temperatures of 90-100° F (nothing compared to some deserts in the U.S, I know) but due to the high humidity.

Ok, enough explained...

So I found a very competent a/c shop who will install it but they told me I will need a second condenser to compensate the second evaporator?
We will use aftermarket parts:
blower/evaporator unit = $ 80,-
hoses: around 2x 10ft = $ 90,- ($ 4.50 per ft)
2x T-piece: costs won't kill me
They won't use a 2nd expansion valve but it is shown in the repair manual!?
This information with the 2nd condenser is a little bit confusing for me.
There is not enough space for the 2nd condenser although I have the "small" 3B engine.
What do you think?

The repair manual shows only one condenser but two expansion valves for the double a/c.


Thanks,
Thomas

 

[vipergrhd]

Condenser

Thomas, I would get a second opinion if possible before you spend all that $$$. I don't think it would make it any better having 2 condensers,yes you do need 2 evaporators and 2 expansion valve for a dual system to work but a condenser just doesn't work,the only way it would work is you have 2 of everything like having 2 complete a/c system in one car i have seen this done on limousines since they are running such a long line to the rear of the car.I don't know which part of the country your from but if your in manila i'm sure there is a lot of place to choose from.good luck on your search kababayan.


John

 

[dermali]

The correct term is "dual" a/c, not "double"...


John,


thanks for telling me this.
It is the shop who installs it who tells me I need 2 condensers and it was also the retail shop where I buy the a/c parts.
I was also asking the Land Cruiser community in Europe, buschtaxi.org and they told me: one condeners is fine.
Only thing is: in Europe they don't prioritize a/c as much as in the U.S. (yet) and especially not on 30 year old cars.

To find something on the internet seems also difficult, no site is handling this topic (so far).


Regards,
Thomas


PS: I live in Cagayan de Oro City and the name of the shop is "Freon" (yes, really just this)

 

[Coolstream]

Hi,
One large condenser should be enough. What refrigerant will you be using? If it's R134a, I'd recommend a parallel-flow condenser as it's more efficient than the serpentine design that Toyota used in the 60 series. Another consideration with R134a is that using a hose clamp in place of a crimp connection will lead to leaks. R12 will lessen but not eliminate these concerns. You will need two expansion valves as each evaporator unit needs it's own in order to function correctly. You might also consider an additional electric fan in front of the condenser if it doesn't already have one.
Hope this helps,
Rex

 

[dermali]

Hello Rex from Coolstream,


I know your company has a very high repution here on iH8mud and probably in the U.S. at all and you are real experts in a/c systems.

So I will take your answer as the final solution:
My favorit is one bigger condenser instead of one additional one.
And a big auxiliary fan of course!

Since I am here in the Philippines I assume that I still have the old R12 ("Freon") refrigerant and not R134a.
I know the systems can be converted.

I know they offer "laminated" and "serpentine" condensers,
same witth the evaporators, laminated is always the higher quality.

Sorry, that I won't be your customer but it is just too complicated to ship from the U.S. and the a/c stuff is really cheap here.


Regards,
Thomas

 

[Red Rattler]

I've got the VX high roof cruiser that has front and rear air con. It only runs one condenser for both and for the fridge. Seemed to work ok before the build.

 

[dermali]

So you have three evaporators!?
2x a/c and 1x fridge, this is amazing because my thought was also in the far futute to have a fridge...

 

[Red Rattler]

Yep, I have three. https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/523629-red-rattlers-replacement.html you can see them here.

 

[dermali]

Your rear a/c is literally a "cool" construction.

 

[Red Rattler]

All of it is standard Toyota equipment for that cruiser.

 

[Elbert]

the other trucks (GM) with rear a/c in the us market like the suburban and yukon xl only run one condensor.