08-07-2009, 01:13 PM
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#61 (permalink)
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Moderate your Moderation.
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Pasta - '96 Volkswagen Passat TDi 90 day: 45.22 mpg (US)
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So what about adding sheet metal fins to the hot side? To help cool it better?
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08-07-2009, 03:18 PM
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#62 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Christ
So what about adding sheet metal fins to the hot side? To help cool it better?
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That would definitely work, but that's essentially what the condenser is, a set of tubes with aluminum fins stuck to them to increase surface area a hundredfold.
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08-07-2009, 06:01 PM
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#63 (permalink)
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Renaissance Man
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Great idea. I don't use A/C that much but I might do this anyway, probably only cost a few bucks for the insulation, right?
My dad has a '95 Escort wagon with the 1.9 and a stick. I guarantee you he is not getting anywhere near 40 mpg!
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08-07-2009, 10:03 PM
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#64 (permalink)
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Moderate your Moderation.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gascort
That would definitely work, but that's essentially what the condenser is, a set of tubes with aluminum fins stuck to them to increase surface area a hundredfold.
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Couldn't hurt, though?
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08-08-2009, 01:42 AM
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#65 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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agreed, but it would be much harder than insulating the cold (low pressure) side.
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08-08-2009, 01:53 AM
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#66 (permalink)
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Moderate your Moderation.
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Location: Troy, Pa.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gascort
agreed, but it would be much harder than insulating the cold (low pressure) side.
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Oh, I never suggest "in lieu of", rather "in companionship with."
IOW - Insulate the cold side as much as possible, then put fins on the hot side, as good measure, with some aluminum/tin scraps and bits of solder.
Frankly, a full-on Redo of the A/C system is probably in order on most cars, placing the bulk of the cold side lines inside the car so that they stay at the ambient temp of the inside of the vehicle, meaning that the system gets more efficient the longer it's on, by keeping the lines cold lines colder, thus cycling the pump less.
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08-08-2009, 08:53 AM
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#67 (permalink)
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Losing the MISinformation
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gascort
...doing even better - haven't used enough fuel since the Kammback to reflect in my logs, but I don't think I've had a tank average under 44.4 mpg since installing it.
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Kammback, you say??? I remember us talking about that at the "Meet in the Heat" in KC. Do you have a thread, or pics somewhere???
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The brake pedal is my enemy. The brake pedal is my enemy. The brake pedal...
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08-08-2009, 11:44 PM
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#69 (permalink)
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Losing the MISinformation
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COOL!!!! I like the "Scientific Method" bit...
I've been so busy with Drury University that I haven't been on here for a month or better. Just turned in the last Final paper yesterday...
I'm hoping to do some catching up!
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The brake pedal is my enemy. The brake pedal is my enemy. The brake pedal...
Last edited by Intrigued; 08-09-2009 at 12:39 AM..
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08-18-2009, 01:55 PM
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#70 (permalink)
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College Student
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Over 44mpg is impressive. I'd like to get something above 35. Fortunately I hardly ever run my car at school so it's not as important. Adding sheet metal sounds interesting... a little overkill for me though.
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