Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

1988240DL on Mon May 14, 2012 12:06 AM

Year: 1988
Make: Volvo
Model: 240
Engine Size: 2.3
Refrigerant Type: r12

I have a 1988 Volvo 240 DL and rebuilding the AC system with all new parts. I wanted to know if there is room to install an aftermarket AC Fan in front anterior to the condensor? I heard there is no room to install a fan behind the condensor in between the radiator and condensor? My car never came with an axillary fan as some 240 volvos do. I can put a stock factory axillary fan from 91 volvo and fits perfect, but the fan would behind the radiator and the airflow of the fan would have to go through the radiator to get the condensor.

Will a stock axillary fan really be sufficient enough? Or should I try to install an aftermarket fan in front anterior to the condenser. Also by installing a aftermarket fan in front of the condensor will that matter since it will be blocking some air flow to condensor when the car moves. Any help or suggestions would be gladly appreciated.

JJM on Mon May 14, 2012 11:37 PM

You are correct that a pusher fan can actually cause more harm than good because:

a). the assembly in and of itself can block airflow, and

b). if the pusher fan is not up to the task, it can actually cause more harm than good by restricting airflow.

If you're looking to make modifications for improved cooling performance, forget the pusher fans and go with a bigger and better condenser, a serpentine or better yet parallel flow type and you won't regret it. More condenser is how engineers managed to get sub-par refrigerants to perform like the ones that supposedly blew holes in the ozone layer.

Pusher fans are usually installed on retrofits when it's discovered performance is not up to par. You're sticking with R-12, so you should be fine.

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com

James89dx on Tue May 15, 2012 8:17 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: 1988240DL
I have a 1988 Volvo 240 DL and rebuilding the AC system with all new parts. I wanted to know if there is room to install an aftermarket AC Fan in front anterior to the condensor? I heard there is no room to install a fan behind the condensor in between the radiator and condensor? My car never came with an axillary fan as some 240 volvos do. I can put a stock factory axillary fan from 91 volvo and fits perfect, but the fan would behind the radiator and the airflow of the fan would have to go through the radiator to get the condensor.



Will a stock axillary fan really be sufficient enough? Or should I try to install an aftermarket fan in front anterior to the condenser. Also by installing a aftermarket fan in front of the condensor will that matter since it will be blocking some air flow to condensor when the car moves. Any help or suggestions would be gladly appreciated.

I just recently had good success installing pusher fans in front of my Civic condenser. I posted quite a bit about it including pictures in this thread:

http://autoacforum.com/messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=23479

JJM on Sat May 19, 2012 2:35 PM

In a Civic, you don't have a lot of choices on condenser sizing, so a pusher fan is the only edge you can really get. But all things being equal, better off with more condenser than a pusher fan.

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com