Removing A/C rad?

[sk7ine man]

Would removing the aircon radiator have any detrimental effects of running of the engine? Reason i ask is that mine is quite gunked up and blocked which isnt helping with my cooling problems. Rather than cleaning the fins out i thought it better to completely remove it and aid airflow to the radiator as i only use the car as a weekend toy. I would obviously refit and regas should i ever sell the car? Many thanks

[VPower]

Not all cars have air-con, so it will run without.

But one of the side effects is the fuel cooler.
Loosing that could affect operation in heavy traffic, so I would suggest you consider the fuel pipe circuit if you do remove the air-con.

I cleaned my rad without too much trouble to be honest.
Sprayed with engine cleaner and then just hosed it through.
Hows your oil cooler?

I've also removed my front number plate and fitted a stick on plate on the bonnet.
But that was more to see if it affected the bonnet buffeting, which I think it has helped, than just increase air flow. It look better as well IMHO.

[sk7ine man]

VPower said:

Not all cars have air-con, so it will run without.

But one of the side effects is the fuel cooler.
Loosing that could affect operation in heavy traffic, so I would suggest you consider the fuel pipe circuit if you do remove the air-con.

I cleaned my rad without too much trouble to be honest.
Sprayed with engine cleaner and then just hosed it through.
Hows your oil cooler?

I've also removed my front number plate and fitted a stick on plate on the bonnet.
But that was more to see if it affected the bonnet buffeting, which I think it has helped, than just increase air flow. It look better as well IMHO.

Any pics of your stick on plate?

Also cars without aircon also have no fuel cooler, so couldnt be any worse in heavy traffic then them?

Edited by sk7ine man on Saturday 1st August 18:18

[Ireland]

You'll need to get the gas removed from the system by a professional and have the system sealed to stop dirt and moisture getting into it if you are removing the condenser and using the car with it removed.

The gas is environmentally unfriendly and the system will probably never be right again if you let it get contaminated.

[sk7ine man]

Ireland said:

You'll need to get the gas removed from the system by a professional and have the system sealed to stop dirt and moisture getting into it if you are removing the condenser and using the car with it removed.

The gas is environmentally unfriendly and the system will probably never be right again if you let it get contaminated.

Thanks for that mate. I can get that done at work. What are the fittings at the condensor end? i may make a loop in place of it to stop dirt gettng in.

[Ireland]

sk7ine man said:

Ireland said:

You'll need to get the gas removed from the system by a professional and have the system sealed to stop dirt and moisture getting into it if you are removing the condenser and using the car with it removed.

The gas is environmentally unfriendly and the system will probably never be right again if you let it get contaminated.

Thanks for that mate. I can get that done at work. What are the fittings at the condensor end? i may make a loop in place of it to stop dirt gettng in.

Not sure.

They'll be a vehicle air-con fitting of some descriotion but a hydraulic fitting may be identical.

[sk7ine man]

Is there also a suggested method/way of cleaning the condensor fins? I know you can blow through with an air line from the back through to the front could a pressure washer be used or the whole thing soaked over night in some cleaning agent?

[VPower]

Best photo I have at the moment.

Edited by VPower on Monday 3rd August 21:56 AH THAT'S BETTER

Edited by VPower on Monday 3rd August 21:57

[Ireland]

sk7ine man said:

..... could a pressure washer be used or the whole thing soaked over night in some cleaning agent?

Yes, so long as the water only went where it should go and the chemical didn't damage anything.

Make certain NOTHING gets inside the condenser though.

[sk7ine man]

VPower said:

Best photo I have at the moment.

my eyes....i can hardly see it

[ro_butler]

VPower said:

I cleaned my rad without too much trouble to be honest.
Sprayed with engine cleaner and then just hosed it through.

When you say engine cleaner you mean degreaser, right?

[Far Eastender]

sk7ine man said:

VPower said:

Best photo I have at the moment.

my eyes....i can hardly see it

How about this...

[VPower]

ro_butler said:

VPower said:

I cleaned my rad without too much trouble to be honest.
Sprayed with engine cleaner and then just hosed it through.

When you say engine cleaner you mean degreaser, right?

£ shop Engine cleaner in an aerosol.
But yes a degreasing agent.

Gunk will do, and I think Halfords do their own engine cleaner?

I have access to a steam cleaner at work and with "CAREFUL" use I'm going to clean it again with it, once I've done the poly buses on the front.

[ro_butler]

Great, I will give that a go. Thanks Matey

[sk7ine man]

Thanks for the pics guys, did relocating the number plate significantly reduce running temps?

[VPower]

To be honest in traffic no.

I'm sure once you get moving at speed, it reduces the temp a bit quicker.

However, I do like the look better.

[Ireland]

I take the number plate off mine at track days and it makes a big difference to the tempertures.

I also did it in the south of France when the car was running hot all the time and it helped while moving but was no use in traffic.