Source - OEM AC Condenser Replacement -1982 Excella 28'

[xengineer]

I need to replace the OEM AC condenser for the "dash" air conditioning system in my 1982 Excella 28' Motorhome. I am looking for a replacement that is identical to the OEM condenser. All of the "universal" condensers I have considered require re-tubing to the inlet and outlet connections on the replacement condenser.

'Would appreciate any information on source(s) for an OEM replacement condenser.

Thanks,

Fred Hudspeth
Tyler, Tx
Summers: Cooper Landing, Alaska

[Boxite]

This seller says it's guaranteed to fit, w/lifetime warranty, $128 w/free shipping:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pacific-Best...=mtr#vi-ilComp

[bkahler]

Acme Air might have an evaporator that will fit.

The owners name is Richard and I've bought parts from him before without issue.

Brad

[xengineer]

Thanks to the owners who have replied. I have attached pictures of the original condenser. Note the inlet and outlet fittings at the top of the condenser. To avoid "re-piping", I am attempting to find/buy this identical condenser.

I have been advised that the original is not repairable. It has a leak in one of the header tubes at the bottom of the condenser, likely caused by gravel/rock impact. If anyone has attempted to repair damage like this, advise your experience.

'Regards,

Fred Hudspeth
Tyler, TX
Summers: Cooper Landing, Alaska
(motorhome used/stored in Alaska)

[bkahler]

Fred, my mistake. For some reason I had evaporator on my mind

I believe other people have looked for that condenser without success. I don't know if your 82 has a vertical radiator or horizontal radiator. If it's a vertical one the only two options that I'm really aware of as a replacement condenser are the following:

This is a 22"x22" parallel flow condenser that I mounted in front of the vertical radiator installed in a 77 Argosy known as Peanut and I also installed one in my 74 Argosy. It's a tight fit but I managed to get it in there. As a caveat neither of these are in service as of yet.



The other is a 20"x15" parallel flow condenser that Gregg Wallace installed in his 77 Argosy with a vertical radiator. You can find out more about his install here.


Parallel flow condensers are about 30% more efficient than the original style of condenser which helps if you're converting to R134a.

If your radiator is a horizontal one there should be find something like this that will work. It's about the same size as the horizontal radiator condensers and should be even better since it's 30% more efficient.

Brad

[xengineer]

Brad,

Thanks for your comments.

The radiator is vertical. I have found some universal condenser replacements that are approximately the same dimensions as the OEM condenser. All, however, require re-piping to the condenser inlet and outlet connections. I am attempting to avoid having to do that with an exact replacement of the OEM condenser. It is increasingly likely, however, that I will have to settle for a universal replacement.

I intend to use an EPA-approved R12 substitute. My experience is that selected substitutes perform similar to R12 in a system designed for R12 (i.e., pressures, weight of refrigerant charge, cooling characteristics, etc.).

'Regards,

Fred

Fred Hudspeth
Tyler, TX
Summers: Cooper Landing, Alaska

[GWallace]

Fred,
At this time are you in Tyler or AK? I am in Arlington, TX. I still have the vertical condenser that came out of my 1977. I am not sure of its condition. I thought that it may be leaky but found several other places that were definitely leaking after removing the rest of my old system. Let me know.
Gregg

[xengineer]

Gregg,

Thanks for your comments.

'Arrived Tyler from Alaska late PM yesterday... (by air - we store the Airstream and a car at the general aviation airport in Anchorage).

'Talked with the HVAC tech Saturday at the radiator shop I will use in Anchorage to recondition the radiator (it has never been out of the frame). He said "not to worry" about revising "piping" to connect to the inlet and outlet of a universal condenser. So - unless I can find a new (or new-old-stock) OEM condenser, I will replace with a universal condenser. I will have that work done when I return in June.

'Regards,

Fred

Fred Hudspeth
Tyler, TX
Summers: Cooper Landing, Alaska

[Boxite]

As the owner you rightly get to choose how you wish to make the repair... but as it seems that you are having someone else do the work anyway...(not having a personal challenge with tooling, etc.)... my best recommendation is to accept a universal, as it is indeed not a difficult matter for any reputable shop.
(My own experiences in this field stem from several years as a new and retrofit air conditioning installer at Gulf States Toyota. Many such installs involve such minor re-plumbing/fitment issues.)
Good luck with it.

[xengineer]

Thanks for the comment on re-piping...

If I could find an OEM condenser, I would handle the condenser, drier and refrigerant replacement myself. I have preserved the AC system by maintaining pressure high enough on the system to exercise the compressor at least a few times during each Alaska summer for many years- and to keep air out of the system.

I agree - for a technician with the tools and skills, re-piping is not a problem.

'Regards,

Fred

Fred Hudspeth
Tyler, Tx
Summers: Cooper Landing, Alaska