Radiator and A/C

[Idealconcepts]

Ok, I have an 89 Toyota Pick up (V6, 5Spd 4WD) with approximately 183,xxx miles on it. I just got an aftermarket a/c installed and noticed the temp gauge in the truck would move to the half way point(and hasn’t gone above this yet) if I sat with the truck running and the a/c off for about 15 or more mins. Normally (before a/c was installed and now if the truck is moving/not sitting still for more than 15 mins) the reading on temp gauge would be at a little above ¼. They installed the a/c condenser in-front of the radiator and I have one large fan for the radiator only. I am assuming the reason this is happening is because the a/c condenser is sitting in-front of the radiator and causing less air to flow through the radiator when the truck is not moving and when the truck does move the gauge returns to normal because air is circulating through the radiator again. Everything else works perfectly normal. What I am worried is when summer comes around and it starts to hit the 90’s and low 100’s and I run the a/c my truck will overheat especially if I am sitting in traffic or parked with the truck running and the a/c on. I haven’t contacted the A/C shop that installed the unit yet because I want to get some information and do some research before I do. I do have a 2 year warranty on the a/c unit and it was installed about 3 weeks ago. I talked to a service guy at a Toyota dealership about this and hey said that if I have one large fan this might be how my truck will operate but the place I had the a/c installed could add a fan for the a/c condenser to hopefully correct the issue with the fluctuating temp. Any thoughts on this or information regarding what I am experiencing before I contact the place that installed the a/c? I am also going to contact one or two more Toyota dealerships about this also. Thanks in advance.

[Idealconcepts]

I'm keeping a closer eye on my temp gauge now and noticed this morning it was moving up slightly while I was at stop light, with the a/c off, it wasn't very much just enough for me to barely notice. Any out there with some suggestions, information, comments, before I contact the shop that installed the unit?

[qsd-dan]

One thing you might consider is replacing your radiator if it is original. The radiator could be partially plugged, which wouldn't show up under normal circumstances. But, when the condensor was installed in front partially blocking its airflow, now the problem rears its ugly face.

Also, most vehicles that have factory installed a/c incorporate larger radiator sizes, bigger, more bladed fans, and other esential goodies that non ac vehicles have. You may want to find out the differences between non a/c and a/c models.

[Idealconcepts]

Thanks qsd-dan, I will check witht the dealer and a few other sources if there is a difference in non-a/c and and a/c models. I am also wondering if the shop I had the unit installed can add a fan for the a/c condensor on the front of it, and maybe see if it either can turn on when the other fan turns on or at least when the a/c is turned on.

I did a little test on my truck yesterday, had it sitting in the driveway for about 25-30 mins running first with out the a/c unit on for about 10-15 mins, and then with the a/c unit on for about 10-15 mins. I did this with the hood closed just to see if it would overheat just running while parked and it never got over the half way point. I was pretty glad about this but I also understand the engine was being reved up, like in normal driving, so I assume the engine would not get as hot.

[crazycruzer]

Try changing to a 170 degree thermostat. If that doesn't work, then try upgrading to a 4 row radiator.