Brett Proctor
Well-known member
Found this on Classic auto Air
But modern parallel flow condensers use a vertical manifold or a large tube on the ends that receive the refrigerant from the compressor and distributes it across the core in smaller tubes dissected by heat exchanging fins. The refrigerant and oil pass through the condenser returning to the vehicle to absorb more heat and then to the compressor to lubricate and cool it.
Because of this design of multi-flow condensers illustrates why you cannot you lay down parallel flow condenser flat or parallel to the ground. The oil within the system is heavier and thicker than refrigerant gas the gas separates leaving the oil trapped in the condenser. The refrigerant continues this cycle depositing the oil in the compressor and ultimately starving the compressor of lubrication.
Compessors can survive a slightly angled mounting but totally parallel a/c condensers coupled with high ambient temperatures and high usage hours will contribute to premature compressor failure.
But modern parallel flow condensers use a vertical manifold or a large tube on the ends that receive the refrigerant from the compressor and distributes it across the core in smaller tubes dissected by heat exchanging fins. The refrigerant and oil pass through the condenser returning to the vehicle to absorb more heat and then to the compressor to lubricate and cool it.
Because of this design of multi-flow condensers illustrates why you cannot you lay down parallel flow condenser flat or parallel to the ground. The oil within the system is heavier and thicker than refrigerant gas the gas separates leaving the oil trapped in the condenser. The refrigerant continues this cycle depositing the oil in the compressor and ultimately starving the compressor of lubrication.
Compessors can survive a slightly angled mounting but totally parallel a/c condensers coupled with high ambient temperatures and high usage hours will contribute to premature compressor failure.
