I have a 1986 Dodge D150. I took it to a good A/C shop and they installed a new dryer, H expansion valve, replaced the A/C hoses, flushed the condenser twice, pulled a vaccum and installed the R134a refrigerant. They checked it for leaks and said it was good.

I cleaned the condenser fins with water from the garden hose. I also straightened about 1 percent of the fins. The problem is that the truck is still not cool enough for me. I am using an A/C thermometer to check the temperature at the vents. It is 60 degrees in traffic on Max Cool. At cruising speed the temp drops into the blue zone on the thermometer, about 48-50 degrees, but it is still warm in the truck.

The A/C shop says that the early Dodge A/C systems were poor. The OEM compressor looks undersized to me. I suspect that the change from R12 to R134a is the culprit. I understand thar R12 was more efficient.

I am proposing several improvements: install a 16" Stal puller electric fan in place of the mechanical fan. Also buy some Prestite tape to cover the expansion valve, dryer and metal fittings of A/C hoses. Also I am getting window tint installed on the side windows, vent windows and rear window. I live in Mobile, AL and it is HOT and HUMID here. 90 degrees and 90% humidity.

Classic Auto Air in Tampa says I should replace the condenser with a new style. This would be a very expensive option.

What am I missing and what else can I do to lower the temp?

Tint on the windows will help a lot. I am also a advocate of the newer style parrallel flow condensors, when doing a retrofit. The electric fan might help at idle, but it should not be necessary. How many blades are on the existing fan, do you have a thermal fan clutch, do you have a fan shroud? Is the outside air/recirculating air door working properly. How about the hot water shutoff valve? Is there any chance you could give me low and high side pressure readings?

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Charrlie_S
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