Condenser pressure test

[JavaG66]

After many years of riding around hot & sweaty, I am now considering re-installing the A/C on my '86 Ranger. The only thing I am not replacing (yet) is the original condenser. I want to pressure check it and flush it out before I start putting everything else back in place. How much pressure should I put on the condenser to get an idea of its condition? It is a tube and fin style; I am considering putting in a newer generic 134a condenser, but then I will have to modify some of the refrigerant lines. Thanks for your input!

 

[MAKG]

The pressure relief valve is set to 450 PSI, so that's what you should pressure test to. Though in operation, it won't be under that much pressure unless the orifice tube gets blocked.

You shouldn't need to modify any refrigerant lines for an R-134a conversion, even with a condenser change.

 

[JavaG66]

Thanks for the info; that's what I need to know to begin checking it out.