How to Identify a Chevrolet Truck Air Conditioning Condenser
- 1). Raise the hood of the truck. The condenser is located directly in front of the radiator--a high pressure hose goes from the condenser to the compressor, and a small, liquid-line leaves the condenser and goes through a metering valve or tube on to the evaporator.
- 2). Follow the large hose leaving the compressor to a round, aluminum tank mounted against the firewall. This tank is a filter-dryer that conditions the refrigerant as it leaves the evaporator and travels back to the compressor. The steps, in order are: The compressor pumps to the condenser, from the condenser refrigerant flows to the metering device, then into the evaporator, where cooling occurs, and finally back to the compressor.
- 3). Inspect the condenser. Since it is located in front of the radiator, it is subject to a great deal of abuse, especially on a truck. Look for rock dings in the aluminum fins. Dark, oily spots on the condenser almost always indicate a leak. Clean the condenser with high pressure water.
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