Can I re-use my condensor and evaporator?

He is correct if you leave the components out in the elements for some time. If they were stores with caps on them, it's OK.

He is stating this because critters, dirt and corrosion all could assist in deteriorating the inside of the components.

I would recommend replacing all fo the hoses if the system has been apart for some time (more than a few weeks).
One thing you could do to save the evap and condensor is to install them and draw down the system with a vacuum pump. If that vacuum holds overnight, then go, else you need to find the leak.

They can be reused, especially the condenser and evaporator. In fact the condenser and evaporator should be flushed/cleaned when the system is apart for service anyway. The only component you should not reuse on an air conditioning system after being exposed is the receiver drier as this contains dessicant and it will continue to draw moisture out of the air making it useless in the car. Also if you are doing a r134 conversion I would strongly recommend getting new hoses designed for use with r134a as these hoses have a barrier layer which helps prevent the smaller r134a molecule from permeating through the hose. Also make sure you get a receiver drier and orings which are compatible with the oil being used in your r134a compressor. It sounds to me like the mustang shop wanted to sell you some of his excess a/c inventory.

Dan

dm289 Is correct as long as the componets are in good cond. and flushed they will be just fine.

We service a lot of A/C's on ag equipment every year and this is not uncommon to have an open system revitalized with a good flushing and recharge.

I would have to look at the parts;
If the AC tech is going to guarantee the system and stand behind his work, he should recommend replacing the items. If a dessicant bag has ruptured previously, and the dessicant is thruout the system, it's very tough to get all the dessicant out. Dessicant and corrosion will plug an expansion valve and ruin a compressor.

While I would try to clean and re-use the componets, a professional who considers time as money would go the sure fix route.

When I do the conversion to the Sanden compressor and R134, I will receive new hoses with this kit. Are the hoses a big culprit in the problems with R-134 conversion since the evaporator and condensor can be hot tanked??

Thanks again for the advice!!!

Ron

I had this old Falcon for my teenage daughter to drive. It had an underdash a/c. Not wanting to spend much money on it, I took the condenser and evaporator out, hosed them inside and out with a garden hose. I then baked both items in the sun laying them on concrete for an afternoon (was 100+ degrees and dry). I remounted them, charged the a/c and checked it out. It worked fine for three years before needing any more work. Theres no reason you can't use them if they're clean and dry.

Hoses are easily flushed, I use lacquer thinner. Pour some in, slosh it around, pour it out....If the solvent isn't clean coming out, repeat....
Use an air hose on one opening, hold your thumb over the other, when the pressure gets high, "pop" your thumb off the fitting.... This will help dislodge loose metal, dessicant, dirt, insects, etc... Be sure to get ALL the mineral based oil out of the system before converting to R-134A.
I have the CAA Sanden conversion, you'll love it!

Sounds like good advice. One place I will differ is in recommending you chunk the old condensor. NPD sells new replacements which are higher capacity but look and fit as original. Many people converting to R134 (and me) have found that it doesn't cool as well as they expected. The combination of the Sanden compressor and a bigger condensor can make a world of difference. You could compare the different condensors by thinking of them as a 4 row radiator compared to your old stock 2 row. I believe the newer condensors are termed "six pass" as opposed to stock "3 pass".