NFR Need some mechanical advice.

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_WW_

_WW_

The Elitist Geriatric Skagit Swinger
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I have a 2010 E150 van and I've noticed that the air conditioner has gradually stopped blowing cold air over the last couple of years. Right now it's as if it doesn't even exist.

I've looked into the recharge kits and I'm wondering if they really work? Has anyone had success doing this yourself?
 
Think you have to go out of state to buy the recharge kits? Looked into it a while back and ended up going to Jiffy Lube. Don't remember what I paid but don't think it was very much.
 
if your system uses R134a you can no longer purchase it in Washington without a valid license. Oregon and Idaho yes. As long as there are no leaks in the system and the compressor is still good the system can be recharged by a licensed mechanic. There are some sellers on E Bay from other states that will ship to Washington. It is not difficult to do yourself. A search on U Tube for the make and model of van will show how it is done.
 
I'm a retired HVAC technician and what I can say to someone like yourself is this.
Yes, the recharge kits work if the problem is only a freon leak. "Most common problem" with auto A/C units.
Wear safety glasses, gloves help also.
"RTFD" read the freaking directions.
If I was closer to you I would help ya out.
 
CRO said:
if your system uses R134a you can no longer purchase it in Washington without a valid license.
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FFS! Guess I'll have it done at the next oil change.

dirty dog said:
I'm a retired HVAC technician
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Awesome! My R-Pod has a 13,500 btu AC. About double what I need and it won't run with my 2000w generator. Is there a way to retro fit the thing so that it will draw less power? Already have the soft start but it only works at sea level. Can a guy install a less powerful compressor?
 
_WW_ said:
FFS! Guess I'll have it done at the next oil change.


Awesome! My R-Pod has a 13,500 btu AC. About double what I need and it won't run with my 2000w generator. Is there a way to retro fit the thing so that it will draw less power? Already have the soft start but it only works at sea level. Can a guy install a less powerful compressor?
Click to expand...
Yes you could get a smaller compressor. "But" you could buy a 3000w generator cheaper.
? how old is the A/C unit?
My new camp trailer has a 1500 BTU A/C unit uses a 20 amp fuse and run load is 4 amps
Check prices on new A/C unit compare to generator prices
 
dirty dog said:
My new camp trailer has a 1500 BTU A/C unit uses a 20 amp fuse and run load is 4 amps
Check prices on new A/C unit compare to generator prices
Click to expand...
What brand and model is it?
My R-POD is a 2016
 
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Jokes aside, the one time I tried an AC recharge kit, it was a waste of money. A couple hundred at the mechanics fixed it faster and better.
 
CRO said:
if your system uses R134a you can no longer purchase it in Washington without a valid license. Oregon and Idaho yes. As long as there are no leaks in the system and the compressor is still good the system can be recharged by a licensed mechanic. There are some sellers on E Bay from other states that will ship to Washington. It is not difficult to do yourself. A search on U Tube for the make and model of van will show how it is done.
Click to expand...
Wow! Even in the people republic of kalifornia we can buy 134A.

If you diy the a/c recharge you have options. Here is a quick summary that highlights the process.

1- down and dirty. get the can of 134A or whatever you car uses. Some come with hose to screw into your system. Some are raw cans then you need to buy A/C charge valves with gauges from place like harbor freight and tool. With car NOT started connect can to the low side of system. Usually if can has hose attached it can only be screwed into the smaller low side so you can mess up. open can with engine OFF that starts system charge. you can feel can get cold. then start car with A/C on full. Stick thermometer into vent and keep charging until about 58F. 58F is about the typical full charge. putting the can in hot water from your sink as you are charging will drive the 134A gas into the system faster and more completely. You can feel the weight of the can change as the liquid is turned to gas and sucked into your system. Enjoy.

2- less dirty you do the above but 1st replace the shrader valve stems to ensure you got best seal. You suck out existing A/C system using your compressor and vacuum venturi or a vacuum source like the vac side of a refrigerator compressor. You will need A/C charge valve with gauges and want to see the system suck down 1 atm or about 15psi. Close off system and stop compressor. Make sure you can hold a vacuum for 1 hr. if good then charge like above.

3- less less dirty do all above but 1st take the receiver dryer out and bake in your oven for 1 hr. at 275F.

4- pro guys would do all above replace receiver dryer with new, know the weight of full charge of 134A and replace the compressor oil

There are more details but you get the gist that will get you cool again. Watch a few youtube vids that helps too.
 
As a guy that still does all of his oil and filter changes plus tire rotation at 86, I am more competent than some punk working at his first job at Oil Can Henry's. That being said there are some jobs I won't touch. I recently did a complete brake job on my Ram 1500 installing new drilled and slotted rotors and related parts for a fraction of what it would have cost at a shop.

But when it comes to stuff like air conditioners or replacing gas suspension struts it is so much easier to just write a check. There is more to air conditioners than just R134 and replacing struts can be downright dangerous without the proper tools and a lift. With the average cost of new rigs hovering around $48,000 spending a few hundred here and there on a paid for vehicle is just mouse nuts. Have it done and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having it done right.
 
Just to wrap this up. The van AC will be recharged by a pro.

For the R-POD There are several directions I can go. I will not buy a bigger generator, they are too heavy and too noisy. There are lesser BTU rooftop AC units out there that will fit ~ $1000. Or I can just keep using my USB rechargeable fans and the light weight USB powered ceiling fan I have over the bed. Undecided at this point.
 
fatbillybob said:
Wow! Even in the people republic of kalifornia we can buy 134A.

If you diy the a/c recharge you have options. Here is a quick summary that highlights the process.

1- down and dirty. get the can of 134A or whatever you car uses. Some come with hose to screw into your system. Some are raw cans then you need to buy A/C charge valves with gauges from place like harbor freight and tool. With car NOT started connect can to the low side of system. Usually if can has hose attached it can only be screwed into the smaller low side so you can mess up. open can with engine OFF that starts system charge. you can feel can get cold. then start car with A/C on full. Stick thermometer into vent and keep charging until about 58F. 58F is about the typical full charge. putting the can in hot water from your sink as you are charging will drive the 134A gas into the system faster and more completely. You can feel the weight of the can change as the liquid is turned to gas and sucked into your system. Enjoy.

2- less dirty you do the above but 1st replace the shrader valve stems to ensure you got best seal. You suck out existing A/C system using your compressor and vacuum venturi or a vacuum source like the vac side of a refrigerator compressor. You will need A/C charge valve with gauges and want to see the system suck down 1 atm or about 15psi. Close off system and stop compressor. Make sure you can hold a vacuum for 1 hr. if good then charge like above.

3- less less dirty do all above but 1st take the receiver dryer out and bake in your oven for 1 hr. at 275F.

4- pro guys would do all above replace receiver dryer with new, know the weight of full charge of 134A and replace the compressor oil

There are more details but you get the gist that will get you cool again. Watch a few youtube vids that helps too.
Click to expand...
This is good info. It’s pretty easy.
 
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