Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Duracool changeover
| [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281809] |
Fri, 10 July 2015 10:28  |
Advanced Concept Ener
Messages: 112
Registered: December 2014
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So about 1600 miles ago I had my AC coolant changed to 134a from R-12 and an auxiliary AC unit installed. System failed this weekend. I assume the old compressor couldn’t stand the extra head pressure from 134a. First no cooling and then 100 miles later belt broken and found wrapped around the fan. It worked fine on the way out. So I purchased a new compressor, new dryer, system flush agent and Duracool refrigerant, oil, leak sealant and and system drying agent. Have vacuum pump and just waiting for compressor to arrive. It has all new hoses and connectors.
I don’t see an expansion valve. Used to teach basic refrigeration to the UA and worked refrigeration on ship many years ago. Now all I work on is chillers greater than 1000 tons.
Looks like all I have to do is flush system out, change compressor, install new dryer, put in compressor pull vacuum,stand 24 hrs for leak down test, put in drying agent, pull vacuum again ,add new oil, put new refrigerant and startup and trim charge. I assume there is a restricter in line that acts like a capillary tube to isolate high from low side. Before I use the $600 in parts and supplies I was hoping for a little support that I am doing this correctly. Also not sure how much oil the rebuilt 4 seasons compressor comes with if any. Not sure how many oz of Duracool refrigerant I should be targeting as a charge. Remember I have the auxiliary cooling unit under the dash.
Would appreciate help from anyone who has put Duracool in a 134a system or at least has thought it through.
Jon Darcy
aces4nrg@gmail.com, 76 stretch. NJ, 4 airbags, Mac Dash, New Ken Frey motor, flares, Alcoas. plus plus plus
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281810 is a reply to message #281809] |
Fri, 10 July 2015 10:44  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Without the aux unit, the stock system requires about 2 1/2 cans of DuraCool (HC12A).
I think that you will have to rely on the low side pressure readings for the correct amount.
Please post your findings as some of us may really want a cooler coach.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281811 is a reply to message #281809] |
Fri, 10 July 2015 10:53 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Isn't the expansion valve attached to the evaporator inside the A/C evap/heater core housing?
I'll bet the compressor did not agree with whatever lubricant was installed with the 134.
I have an underdash evaporator also that I have considered adding to the system, but cannot see a good way or place to mount it. Have you got any pics of your installation?
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281817 is a reply to message #281809] |
Fri, 10 July 2015 11:37 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Advanced Concept Ener wrote on Fri, 10 July 2015 10:28So about 1600 miles ago I had my AC coolant changed to 134a from R-12 and an auxiliary AC unit installed. System failed this weekend. I assume the old compressor couldn't stand the extra head pressure from 134a. First no cooling and then 100 miles later belt broken and found wrapped around the fan. It worked fine on the way out. So I purchased a new compressor, new dryer, system flush agent and Duracool refrigerant, oil, leak sealant and and system drying agent. Have vacuum pump and just waiting for compressor to arrive. It has all new hoses and connectors.
I don't see an expansion valve. Used to teach basic refrigeration to the UA and worked refrigeration on ship many years ago. Now all I work on is chillers greater than 1000 tons.
Looks like all I have to do is flush system out, change compressor, install new dryer, put in compressor pull vacuum,stand 24 hrs for leak down test, put in drying agent, pull vacuum again ,add new oil, put new refrigerant and startup and trim charge. I assume there is a restricter in line that acts like a capillary tube to isolate high from low side. Before I use the $600 in parts and supplies I was hoping for a little support that I am doing this correctly. Also not sure how much oil the rebuilt 4 seasons compressor comes with if any. Not sure how many oz of Duracool refrigerant I should be targeting as a charge. Remember I have the auxiliary cooling unit under the dash.
Would appreciate help from anyone who has put Duracool in a 134a system or at least has thought it through.
Jon Darcy
aces4nrg@gmail.com, 76 stretch. NJ, 4 airbags, Mac Dash, New Ken Frey motor, flares, Alcoas. plus plus plus The expansion valve is in the evaporator assembly. Don't worry about it.
You may need to flush the new compressor so you end up with compatible oil throughout the system. Read here: http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html#duracool
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281819 is a reply to message #281817] |
Fri, 10 July 2015 12:19 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
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As you stated your compressor failed and resulted in the ac belt breaking. This is a good indication that your expansion valve has failed. When if fails it can pass liquid refrigerant to the compressor and we all know what can happen when trying to compress a liquid. It is doubtful that the synthetic oil used in R134 damaged your compressor so soon, if at all.
So if you don't want to trash your new compressor it is highly recommended you replace the expansion valve.
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281821 is a reply to message #281817] |
Fri, 10 July 2015 12:40 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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A Hamilto wrote on Fri, 10 July 2015 11:37The expansion valve is in the evaporator assembly. Don't worry about it.
You may need to flush the new compressor so you end up with compatible oil throughout the system. Read here: http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html#duracool
I just flushed the system and ran PAG oil in it so I didn't have to flush the compressor, mostly because the compressor warranty would be voided if I didn't run PAG.
I figured it would be easier to flush the system than the compressor
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281964 is a reply to message #281940] |
Sun, 12 July 2015 21:20 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Len,
Just converted over today. I had an old set of gauges for R-12 and had to
get the conversion fitting for R-134. Low pressure has a smaller fitting
than the high pressure, both are quick disconnects. I have a 76 PalmBeach
where the fitting for the low pressure line was looking at me while the
high pressure line was tilted down. Not sure if that helps.
On Sun, Jul 12, 2015 at 2:14 PM, Len Novak wrote:
> Sine we are on the subject
>
> When I bought the Duracool I also bought the 134 connectors.. For the
> life
> of me I can't figure out how to get one of them on let alone which is the
> high and low side. I've looked at Emery's ppt slide show and probably
> figure out the high from the low but the connectors don't line up.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Len and Pat Novak
> 1978 GMC Kingsley
> The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
> Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
>
> www.bdub.net/novak/
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Billy
> Massey
> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2015 8:50 AM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover
>
>
> http://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Duracool_Emery-Stora_10-09.p
> df
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist Behalf Of Jon Darcy
> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2015 10:28 AM
>
> ...snip....
> Would appreciate help from anyone who has put Duracool in a 134a system or
> at least has thought it through.
>
>
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> -----
> No virus found in this message.
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--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281973 is a reply to message #281809] |
Sun, 12 July 2015 23:10 |
Tony Cook
Messages: 121
Registered: August 2014
Location: Torrance CA
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Rob was that the under dash Ford unit with the 3 round air registers and Ford Crest in the middle ? I need one for my 64 Ford Galaxie ! Lol
Tony Cook
77' Kingsley ' SuperSession 77 '
Torrance Beach,CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281975 is a reply to message #281811] |
Mon, 13 July 2015 00:29 |
bhayes
Messages: 263
Registered: March 2010
Karma: 1
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Bullitthead wrote on Fri, 10 July 2015 09:53...I have an underdash evaporator also that I have considered adding to the system, but cannot see a good way or place to mount it. Have you got any pics of your installation?
Terry, I have an auxiliary unit in mine that was installed by a previous owner. I'll take some pictures of it tomorrow. But as Rob said, these things are noisy.
Bryan Hayes
'76 Eleganza II
Salt Lake City, Utah
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281978 is a reply to message #281975] |
Mon, 13 July 2015 00:48 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Bryan, I look forward to seeing them. If I can figure out a nice way to mount it, so it can blow air on my face when driving, then I might go for it next year. I read what Rob wrote about there being room in between the firewall and the current A/C housing several times and still can't picture what he is describing. My unit was never that noisy, especially compared to the noise from the little 8 inch fan up in the windshield or the roof A/C unit.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281979 is a reply to message #281975] |
Mon, 13 July 2015 00:42 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Go to our web site and triple click on the pics.
Should this be not clear enough, I'll draw a diagram and dimension it for
you.
I do ot have a coach here with one fitted.
On Sun, Jul 12, 2015 at 10:29 PM, Bryan Hayes wrote:
> Bullitthead wrote on Fri, 10 July 2015 09:53
>> ...I have an underdash evaporator also that I have considered adding to
> the system, but cannot see a good way or place to mount it. Have you got
>> any pics of your installation?
>
>
> Terry, I have an auxiliary unit in mine that was installed by a previous
> owner. I'll take some pictures of it tomorrow. But as Rob said, these
> things
> are noisy.
>
> --
> Bryan Hayes
> '76 Eleganza II
> Salt Lake City, Utah
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #281990 is a reply to message #281982] |
Mon, 13 July 2015 09:06 |
Tony Cook
Messages: 121
Registered: August 2014
Location: Torrance CA
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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YES that be the one dont know why I said 3 air registers auto correct. But yea those are ' cool '
Tony Cook
77' Kingsley ' SuperSession 77 '
Torrance Beach,CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Duracool changeover [message #282063 is a reply to message #281978] |
Mon, 13 July 2015 22:37 |
bhayes
Messages: 263
Registered: March 2010
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Here are the pictures of my installation. I took them on my cell phone as it was getting dark this evening, so they're a little grainy. Let me know if you want some clearer pictures. I'm happy to take some additional ones in the daylight. Also, I just realized I forgot to take pictures of the refrigerant lines under the hood. They're connected into the high and low pressure lines with tees and clamps, if I recall correctly. The auxiliary unit has its own drier which hangs off the low pressure line just before it goes through the floor. I'm not sure it's needed, but I suppose it doesn't hurt.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior/p58468-auxiliary-a-2fc-unit.html
Bryan Hayes
'76 Eleganza II
Salt Lake City, Utah
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