AC problems
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 6
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AC problems
I’ve got a 77 stingray, the AC system has been updated. I have e fans on the radiator and even added a small fan on the condenser. My mechanic has the car running @225 degrees, because of the fuel injection system on the car. The high side pressure gets up to 400. He put a switch to manually turn on the fans, which helps, but I’m still not comfortable. Should I turn the temp sensor down? Or is there something else I can do to make this system work better? Thank you in advance
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Leland , North Carolina
The condenser for R-12 performs poorly when switching over to 134. It's been a long time since I converted one but done a few back in the day.. Contemplating what I'm going to do on my 80. I do remember changing the condenser on a few of these cars and getting 38* or so out of the the vent vs about 48* with original condeser from what I recall.
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I have a 77 , also upgraded air-con. With a trienary switch to kick on my electric fans when pressure rises. Pretty much only happens when not moving. I run a parallel flow condenser, and with fuel injection there is absolutely no reason to be running your engine that bloody Hot!
with EFI it should run perfectly at 160 degrees although this wouldn't be the best for reducing condensation from the engine. Most of us run a 180 thermostat. My EFI 77 runs right on 190, 90 percent of the time. My twin electric fans kick on at 195 and I can watch the temp drop on the guage. Slowly, but it goes down. Then the fans shut down. No fan in front of the condenser. Shouldn't need one with proper fans behind the rad.
trienary switch is a much, much better set-up than a manual switch.
I ran a thread on here a couple years ago. "73-E77 air-con upgrade ". Do a Google search on it. Filled with information.
But ask WHY do you need your engine running so hot. Never heard such nonsense.
I live in Tropical Queensland, Australia. I know hot weather.
with EFI it should run perfectly at 160 degrees although this wouldn't be the best for reducing condensation from the engine. Most of us run a 180 thermostat. My EFI 77 runs right on 190, 90 percent of the time. My twin electric fans kick on at 195 and I can watch the temp drop on the guage. Slowly, but it goes down. Then the fans shut down. No fan in front of the condenser. Shouldn't need one with proper fans behind the rad.
trienary switch is a much, much better set-up than a manual switch.
I ran a thread on here a couple years ago. "73-E77 air-con upgrade ". Do a Google search on it. Filled with information.
But ask WHY do you need your engine running so hot. Never heard such nonsense.
I live in Tropical Queensland, Australia. I know hot weather.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
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Thank you very much, I agree on the engine temperature. However the mechanic swears by it. Like if I had an aluminum block LS or something. Mine is a 3rd gen 350 with an edelbrock efi. Gonna turn down that temperature and ask him about that condenser. Didn’t think of that on. Thank you all for the great advice.
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Perhaps that mechanic swears by running your engine right on the edge. But most would not.
just like going to a doctor, sometimes its a good idea to get a second opinion.
just like going to a doctor, sometimes its a good idea to get a second opinion.
