| Front engine AC replacement/repair [message #213933] |
Wed, 10 July 2013 15:03  |
mickey szilagyi
Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013
Karma: 0
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We're about to take our 77 Kingsley in to have the engine and drive train looked over. There's a place right off the East Lansing, MI exit 94 on I69, A&D Repair. Their facility is capable of heavy trucks and we've seen lots of motorhomes in there including a few GMCs. Hopefully they know what they're doing and we can then vouch for them should anyone need service in this area.
Our dash air does not work so that's something they'll be looking at. We're pretty certain it's the OEM AC unit. We'd sure appreciate any input as to what our options are and what we should do with it. We would really like a really good operating unit that will give us plenty of good AC operation as we only have a single roof unit.
Any help and/or suggestions is most appreciated.
Thanks,
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
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| Re: Front engine AC replacement/repair [message #213942 is a reply to message #213933] |
Wed, 10 July 2013 15:51  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Research air conditioning on the net and pay attention to either Duracool or HC12a. GMC really did a poor design job on the GMC. All the folds in the ducting slow down the cooling air from the OEM system. Design over function.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Front engine AC replacement/repair [message #213969 is a reply to message #213933] |
Wed, 10 July 2013 20:32 |
Rick Williams
Messages: 256
Registered: July 2004
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Mickey
I would have them look at the A/C but not do any repairs until you have time to research your options. Chances are if they want to recharge it, they will want to use R134A refrigerant. Many people on here would say "don't do it". Do you know if it has been converted already from R12 to R134A? If you do not know, find out if the fittings have been changed to R134A type or if they are original R12 fittings. The repair shop will know. Have them check system pressures and give you the results. Both Hi and Lo pressures. Report back here with those results and let this group help you make the most your system. These people know far more about the GMC A/C system than most repair facilities. We can help you understand the options before you dump both money and the wrong refrigerant into the system.
If you come up the the UP, you won't need that A/C.
Rick
Rick Williams
Bliss, Michigan
1978 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Front engine AC replacement/repair [message #213970 is a reply to message #213933] |
Wed, 10 July 2013 20:47 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Mickey,
The most of the 77 and all of the 78 models had the improved type II Air conditioning units. If you have the X-7725 manual go to page 1B-2 at the bottom of the page for all the changes made to the system. You can get that manual from bdubs site. ( http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7725/index.html ) Our 77 Eleganza AC system ( had R12 Charge ) could cool the entire coach on a hot day and I used to have to put a light blanket over the legs to keep from getting cold. It fixed most if not all of the short comings of the previous systems. You have the 403 motor so most likely you have all the mods and upgrades that were done. Have the AC shop do a complete system check out and leak check. They should pull a vacuum on the system first to see if there are any leaks in the system. They will probably need to replace the dryer and pull a vacuum and recharge. I would suggest that they replace all the o-rings in the system with the new green o-rings. Your options at the shop in Michig
an will be a refill with R12 (very expensive) if they have it and most likely a conversion to R134 which means they will need to flush your system to remove the mineral oil before they put PAG oil in and new fittings. The 2 are NOT compatible. If you want Duracool in your system you will have to put that in yourself as a certified shop will not do it. Duracool will work with either oil, just not mixed.
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Jul 10, 2013, at 4:03 PM, Mickey Szilagyi <mickey@apex-internet.com> wrote:
>
>
> We're about to take our 77 Kingsley in to have the engine and drive train looked over. There's a place right off the East Lansing, MI exit 94 on I69, A&D Repair. Their facility is capable of heavy trucks and we've seen lots of motorhomes in there including a few GMCs. Hopefully they know what they're doing and we can then vouch for them should anyone need service in this area.
>
> Our dash air does not work so that's something they'll be looking at. We're pretty certain it's the OEM AC unit. We'd sure appreciate any input as to what our options are and what we should do with it. We would really like a really good operating unit that will give us plenty of good AC operation as we only have a single roof unit.
>
> Any help and/or suggestions is most appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> --
> Mickey
> 1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Front engine AC replacement/repair [message #214013 is a reply to message #213970] |
Thu, 11 July 2013 07:31 |
mickey szilagyi
Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013
Karma: 0
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Thanks to everyone for your input. We were going to stumble into the shop not knowing much about where we were headed with the HVAC system. You've given us a lot to think about. We're going to think this over, read it again, and figure out what to do.
It sounds like we'd be best off keeping the system we have if we do have the improved type II Air conditioning unit. Have the hoses changed to the barrier type, replace the O-rings with green or blue O-rings and even have it flushed. It sounds like the R-12 refrigerant is still the best and the R134 isn't as good.
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Front engine AC replacement/repair [message #214038 is a reply to message #214013] |
Thu, 11 July 2013 10:14 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| mickey szilagyi wrote on Thu, 11 July 2013 08:31 |
Thanks to everyone for your input. We were going to stumble into the shop not knowing much about where we were headed with the HVAC system. You've given us a lot to think about. We're going to think this over, read it again, and figure out what to do.
It sounds like we'd be best off keeping the system we have if we do have the improved type II Air conditioning unit. Have the hoses changed to the barrier type, replace the O-rings with green or blue O-rings and even have it flushed. It sounds like the R-12 refrigerant is still the best and the R134 isn't as good.
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Mickey,
Refrigerant can leak out a little at a time and not be a big issue. With the UV dye in there, any leaks should be easy to spot, then fix those.
You are obviously literate and probably have an IQ near 100. So, Consider doing three things.
1- Find a friend that has retired from HVAC or reefer work (he will still have his old service manifold - it will fit a system not converted to 134)
2- Go up 127 to Worthington and buy a case of Duracool and 1 can of the leak finding dye.
3- Talk to your friend and offer drink of preference and an new experience.
If the above does not work out then...
1- Go to Hazard Fright and get a service manifold
2- Look on Craig's list for a vacuum pump and if you don't find a nice clean one, get the 100$ size from HF (it is good enough for cars).
3- You still need the trip to Worthington.
4- You also need to pick up the conversion fitting to make the coach service accesses work with your new manifold.
You are now into this about 200$ which is about 500 coach miles worth of fuel, but set up to charge A/C for a very long time.
Read the manuals and the stuff that comes with the Duracool and you will be way ahead of the guy you were going to pay.
If you have questions come back here. If nobody shows up closer, I might even run up there to walk you thought it.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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