AC condenser w/oil cooler

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udidwht

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 3, 2018
Posts
357
Location
HB, CA. - Renton-Highlands, WA. - Fujieda Japan
Noticed after my trip to Vancouver BC that down low on the passenger side of the AC condenser/oil cooler seems to be leaking. The fins were wicking oil upwards about 1.5-2in. Ran my finger across the lower side and sure enough engine oil. Did just over 400 miles with no oil needing to be added. I'm certain it was these damn rough roads. Not decided whether I'll tackle this job myself or have a shop hit it. This is a 1994 P-30 chassis with 454 TBI w/4L80E

Where can I get the dual unit?

As for the AC it works and is cold. Has since I bought the RV in Sept 2014. Don't use it often though.


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There's a line from AC compressor at top drivers sides that connects then straight down from it at bottom there are (2) oil cooler lines that connect on a separate row on the same cooler. They both go into engine near oil filter.

I'm out of town but will get some pics of it and upload them. Some of the manuals refer to it as AC condenser (w\oil cooler). Best description of mine (1994) is the following...


Appendix 2-4 page 2-15

https://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/P30-Chassis-Manual.pdf
 
Someone looking for a line for this type of cooler was just asking a couple of months ago. I will make an attempt to find it and see if it will help your situation.

Personally, I would be inclined to install an oil cooler separate from the A/C condenser and remake/reroute the lines to it, and just cap off the leaking oil cooler.

However, have you looked on Rock Auto?

Charles
 
Someone looking for a line for this type of cooler was just asking a couple of months ago. I will make an attempt to find it and see if it will help your situation.

Personally, I would be inclined to install an oil cooler separate from the A/C condenser and remake/reroute the lines to it, and just cap off the leaking oil cooler.

However, have you looked on Rock Auto?

Charles
That was the first place I looked and it was a no go. I was also leaning at installing an oil cooler separate. But was also seriously considering removing the large condenser/oil cooler unit and discarding it altogether and capping the ac off entirely. The AC works but is really useless given it cools your knee only lol! Appreciate the help.

So it's either I'll go with re-route of the lines and new oil cooler or...pull the whole thing out and cap off the AC and install new cooler. Any suggestions on what size oil cooler? And one that will install with the current lines?
 
As for the fitting sizes I was told. Anyone confirm this? Also anyone have a recommendation at to a stand alone cooler (ease of install is referred). Should I put a fan on it?

Drier fitting - 18mm female

Discharge fitting - 20mm male o-ring

Oil cooler - standard workhorse block fitting
 
Oil cooler connector changed I think 3 times over the Workhorse years, I know the one on my 2002 coach is different from a 1998 coach.
 
Oil cooler connector changed I think 3 times over the Workhorse years, I know the one on my 2002 coach is different from a 1998 coach.
Much appreciated. I figure this was not going to be a walk in the park (figuring fitting size). Really not in the mood to be buying and returning item/s due to size issue.

Anyone know the size of the fittings for items (5 & 6) in appendix 2-4 page 2-15 The size of the fittings on the condenser/oil cooler end not the engine end.

 
Anyone know the size of the fittings (thread size)? I was able to free the lines at (1st pic) the lower condenser-oil cooler using 7/8 on hard line and 3/4 on the condenser side. Need the size of the hard line fitting end. The fittings are the same in each pic. The hard line side is female and the condenser side male. According to the schematic for the condenser it shows 3/4-16 ufn male.
 

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Complete with exception of filling the AC...

The new OEM one is slightly different though in (2) aspects...

1. My old one the AC drier bottle attaches on both the front and back side edge of the the condenser. The new one only has (2) holes for the bracket on the front.

2. There are no holes (2) on the passenger side edge of condenser for the coolant overflow bottle bracket.

20220825_184123[1].jpg
I also ran a ~2.25 in piece of bicycle inner tube along the bottom bracket that the condenser sits in. I also added added (3) 3.5in strips along the top (left-mid-right) edges where it bolts against frame. This will reduce shock/vibration.
 
While the condenser/oil cooler was out I clean the radiator...(Before & After shots)
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For cleaning the radiator I had to use the elbow grease route. The RV storage has no water access. I used 'ZEP HD Citrus degreaser' and a water bottle (several actually) of distilled water to spray clean. Sprayed the cleaner on and agitated with soft synthetic 2.5in wide paint brush working in the cleaner. Then spray with water to wash away the grime, dirt, silt, dogwood, bug etc...

For future cleaning I'll snake a 'Radiator Genie' up from the back under the shroud to clean out.
 

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Complete!

AC is charged (3) 12oz cans. Also had to adjust the air gap on the compressor (Sanden). Gap measured .9mm spec is (.4mm - .8mm) It would squeal/chirp (slip) when engaging before fully engaging and spinning.

There were (2) shims underneath. Removed the larger of the (2) and reinstalled the clutch. Air gap is now .4XXmm. Runs beautiful and no more chirp/squeal after haven run a bit and turning off-on and/or cycling.
 
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