97 dodge b3500 van. 5.9

I'm trying to increase my A/C cooling capabilities. I haven't tested or replaced the fan clutch yet.
Altho my engine DOES NOT overheat. The fan seems to be pulling enough air to cool the radiator even on hotter days with a/c on. I have seen a tremendous improvement on engine Temps. It has not reached over 200 degrees F despite being loaded with flooring and tools. So it seems fine in that regard.

I've come to a conclusion that I'm not getting adequate airflow through the condenser in front. The condenser fins are clean and system holds pressure. No leaks. Slightly high - high port pressures but I expect that on hot days.

I plan on buying new condenser and fan clutch to be safe. BUT..... Would it be a terrible idea to install a dual electric fan setup in front of the condenser to help push air from the front end, while keeping the clutch Fan on back end?

From my understanding, the more heat that is removed from the high side lines equates to a colder evaporation on the low side, right? Am I being unrealist to expect 38-43 degree Temps from vents on a 90 degree humid day? I am currently getting about 20 degree difference from ambient Temps, out of the vents while traveling 40+mph. 90° high humidity.
70° vent Temps doesn't seem maximized

Idling is where it struggles and under preforms the most. 10° difference max.

New evap core, ac drier. Sight glass looks foamy at idle. Might have a pro shop drain it and properly recharge it for peace of mind. My other concern is the rear ac. I haven't messed with anything back there and frankly I am afraid to do so because I can't find any info on them. I assume both evap cores and both low/high side ports flow on a single loop?

sorry bout the long read, and thank you if you've made it this far.

Just really trying to maximize cooling because last summer was miserable. 105° Temps in midwest.
Terrible ac preformance in stop/go traffic. Subpar while driving 65+

 

What are the low and high side readings on the manifold gauges, along with the center vent air temperature (on Max AC, high fan) when having the higher vent temperatures at idle?

 

90 degree day high humidity I get about 45-50 low side, 250-275 high side at idle. Vent Temps are around 75° while idling. Noticeably cooler than the outside air, but not cold enough to cool the cabin.

 

Those readings indicate either the system is overcharged, or there is some blockage in the condenser. Your goal at idle is around 25 to 35 PSI on the low side, and 170 to 220 PSI on the high side, which will yield about 54°F at the center vent with an outside ambient temperature of 90°F.

 

It also wouldn't hurt to check the evaporator and see if airflow is blocked to it by debris and such.

 

When I changed the blower fan on mine, the amount of debris on the evap core was surprising. Nice little 1/2 in think mat of various shredded vegetation.

 

Oh yea, the old one I took out was covered with it gunk well. Since then it's been totally replaced for good measure.

Does anyone know where to find information on these dual ac systems? I have an evap core & heater core at the rear end as well. Altho it only blows ambient temp air, slightly cool at best. And does not blow heat.

I'd like to see a demonstration on servicing this rear end system.

 

Also, what your guys thoughts on upgrading to a parallel flow condenser? I assume the one I have is stock which is a tube & fin design. Will a parallel flow model yield cooler Temps?

 

If your rear unit doesn't put out any heat then the coolant flow isn't getting to it. could it have been disconnected by a previous owner?

 

No mention on the expansion valve. May be partially clogged causing your high pressure problem and poor performance. I had a similar problem with the rear AC in a Tahoe and replacing the expansion valve fixed it. Just throwing that out at you.