2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Wrapping A/C line

[JRS]

Has anyone tried insulating the freon line from the orifice (front grill) back to the firewall? Part of mine on my '97 travels right by the turbo before it enters the firewall. I figured it would probably be worth the trouble at least at this point in the line. (lot of radiant heat coming off the turbo)



I did install a fan (from Summit Racing) on the condenser coil up front. It made quite a bit of difference while sitting at lights idling. (I had already checked my idle speed and replaced the viscous fan coupling)

 

[WPeschel]

Has anyone tried insulating the freon line from the orifice (front grill) back to the firewall? Part of mine on my '97 travels right by the turbo before it enters the firewall. I figured it would probably be worth the trouble at least at this point in the line. (lot of radiant heat coming off the turbo)



I did install a fan (from Summit Racing) on the condenser coil up front. It made quite a bit of difference while sitting at lights idling. (I had already checked my idle speed and replaced the viscous fan coupling)

Could you give me the part number from summit you used??? My ac stops blowing cold at adle as well... I put a new fan clutch on and no difference. . I will be taking my intercooler off and cleaning it thoroughly and condensor as well. . I will also be taking that line off and cleaning it I was told there was a orfice tube in there with a screen or something like that, that will get clogged up over the years and needs to be cleaned... Good luck keep us posted on this. . I thought I was the only one with this problem... While cruising down the road the ac will blow as cold as 42 degrees...

 

[JRS]

Unfortunately, I broke my cardinal rule of not making more than one change at a time. Immediately after I installed the fan I moved the idle on the engine back where it should be. (they slip in idle speed over the years) I don't know which made a bigger difference. Below is the fan info.



I believe this was it:

Perma-Cool 19128 - Perma-Cool Standard Electric Fans - summitracing.com



I know it was a Perma-Cool, but don't remember the exact part number. It's not a big fan, but will move about 800 cfm. Perhaps putting two side by side is an option? On my '97, the left two mounting ears matched up to two existing condensor coil supports. (you want to install the fan in the top left corner of the condsr. coil because that's where the hotest gas enters first) I had to take a Dremel tool to the supports, but not much. The top right ear I mounted to the cross brace in front of the radiator. (with some aluminum strap) I made a "soft" mount, ie the bolt is threaded through some rubber in the cross brace so that when the condsr coil moves in and out, the fan moves with it. I also applied some thin closed cell foam (Lowes or Home Depot) to the mounting flange of the fan. Without the foam it seemed to leak some air around the flange. Make sure the foam is not too thick, because it's a tight fit between the back of the grill and the front of the fan. If you purchase this fan, remember to turn the blade over before you mount it. I had an extra Bosch auto realy and mounted it next to the passenger battery. I used the power wire to the a/c clutch as my signal source for the relay.



I wish I could give you an apples to apples comparison vs. last year, but this year for Houston has been rather dry for us. it's a lot easier on A/C vs. the 76° dewpoint and 90% humidity we normally have. So far this year, I have not seen my idle a/c center vent (with recirc on) temp. rise above 45°F. I'll wait until August to celebrate.





I finished insulating the rest of the freon line from immediately downstream of the orifice back. I had insulated the section immediately over the top of the turbo several years ago. (in front of the firewall) So now the whole line is insulated. My insulation seam is at the 6:00 position, so any condensate can run out and isn't trapped in the insulation. I have not driven the truck to check to see if this made any difference.



PM me if you want a photo of the fan mounted in the truck.

 

[WPeschel]

PM me if you want a photo of the fan mounted in the truck.

You have a PM

 

[LHastings]

What did you use to insulate the line with?

 

[MMeier]

You have a PM

Post the pics here for all to see!

 

[JRS]

I purchased a roll of thin closed cell foam with an aluminum foil backing. I don't remember the width (maybe an inch?), but using cable ties I was able to lay it length wise on the freon line and wrap the ends around. The edges almost touch, leaving a small gap, which I positioned at the 6:00 position, I think this will let any moisture build up drop down and not be trapped in the inuslation. I used foam with aluminum backing to help block radiant heat from the exhaust manifold/turbo. I noticed that the first 12" of insulation downstream of the orifice still sweats, telling me I probably need another layer on that 12" or so.



Both the fan and the freon line insulation seemed to help, however I have been working out of town in a hot dry climate and haven't had to push it hard like I normally do at home. (high dew point/high humidity/high temperature)

 

[WPeschel]

Post the pics here for all to see!

I plan on it. . the fans are on back order...