A/C Help Repair or Replace

[redreefet]

So our 1969 Sovereign came with this unit. And it doesn't work. Does blow air, but not cold. Recharge? I noticed a piece of copper may not be connected/damaged (pic 2). Maybe that is the problem? We're just not sure if we should replace or repair (repair means taking it to the local RV place). We also need a new shroud (it flew off the day we picked it up).

[JDietz]

Hello, The tubes that are crimped and sealed, are normal. Why it doesn't blow cold air, could need a recharge, or a relay, or compressor as a start. Best bet would be to have it checked by a professional.

Wish I could help out more. Let us know how you make out. Jody (AC not my specialty) Dietz

[Silvertwinkie]

I'm with Jody on this one. It's hard to diagnose remotely. Hopefully the compressor is not seized. Some of the wires look to be dry rotting and my pose some issues short or long term. Additionally, if this is an old R-12 A/C unit and it is salvageable, few places can recharge it if it's an R-12 system and those that can you might find it most likely to be cost prohibitive, costing at least half what a new unit might cost. I would suggest if it needs a recharge, that you have they wiring addressed, evacuate the current remaining refrigerant in an environmentally friendly and legal way as R-12 does damage the atmosphere and is severely regulated requiring licensing, etc, and recharge it with Duracool R-12a, which is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that is compatible with nearly all R-12 systems.

I have used Duracool R-12a in a walk in cooler and it has been running for years when most folks wrote it off because it was an R-12 system.

[knb53]

I'm wondering if anyone makes a rooftop A/C with an option to have an aluminum shroud? I have a 1956 26' and we need an A/C, but I would like to have something that matches the trailer... I know I could put in a basement A/C in the storage area, but I'd like to put a generator there...

Man, if no one makes an aluminum shroud for all the Airstream owners out there, it would certainly be an opportunity for a creative metal worker to have a nice cottage industry!

Thanks,
Keith

[cortés]

I'm wondering if anyone makes a rooftop A/C with an option to have
an aluminum shroud? I have a 1956 26' and we need an A/C, but I
would like to have something that matches the trailer... I know I could
put in a basement A/C in the storage area, but I'd like to put a generator
there...

Man, if no one makes an aluminum shroud for all the Airstream owners
out there, it would certainly be an opportunity for a creative metal worker
to have a nice cottage industry!

Thanks,
Keith

Cant say Ive ever run across an aluminum shroud on the new market.
I dont know what kind of demand there would be for that?
They're universally plastic/vinyl because its easy, simple and cheap to manufacture.
If you're putting in a whole new unit take a look at some of the newer
low profile models which are nice and dont compromise the classic lines
of vintage trailers IMO.

Carrier Low Profile RV Air Conditioner

Hope you'll post a few photos soon.

[cburke]

So our 1969 Sovereign came with this unit. And it doesn't work. Does blow air, but not cold. Recharge? I noticed a piece of copper may not be connected/damaged (pic 2). Maybe that is the problem? We're just not sure if we should replace or repair (repair means taking it to the local RV place). We also need a new shroud (it flew off the day we picked it up).

This air conditioner is a Coleman Mach 3 series. Model # in Pic 3 is a 6759A717.
It was not original to your coach. It would have had an Armstrong Bay Breeze TR series unit.

Coleman Mach 3's are among the least expensive and easily accessible units for RV's. Shrouds are commonly available for around $150 each.

BTW the Freon used is RV air conditioners is R22 not R12. R22 is the same Freon used in home air conditioners and heat pumps.

[knb53]

That's very cool... thanks. I've saved those .pdf's. It does make a difference that it is so slim...

But I'm jest sayin'.... think if you could buy a shroud made out of Airstream aircraft aluminum... I'll bet there are some Airstream owners out there who would pony up a few extra clams for that.

One of my clients is a company that outfits new corporate jets and repairs damaged ones... they have lots of aircraft aluminum work going on... I may have to make some inquiries! ;-)

I'll try to get some new pics up soon...

[Beadmaker]

So, we have a '69 Overlander that we've had for @ 3 years & up til now the ac has worked just fine. However, this last trip out it stopped blowing cold air. We were at a rally so, I picked the brains of some of the folks there & the concensus was that my start-up capicitor has failed. The advice given was to remove the shroud...& there should be a rather oblong looking thing about the size of a beer can in there w/ wires attached to it. Well, I removed the shroud & found a rather large (maybe gallon sized) thing instead & I'm thinkin' that it's maybe the compressor. Anyone have any experience replacing the start-up capacitor in their vintage unit?

[cortés]

Anyone have any experience replacing the start-up capacitor in their vintage unit?

Unless you have substantial experience with cooling/heating systems this isnt a recommended DIY project.
Pure speculation [without inspecting the unit] from a group of unknown people at a rally who may or may
not even know anything about the AC unit describing beer cans with wires attached is the quick way to
an even worse problem.
Consult a local service/repair facility.