| Introduction and AC Question [message #276396] |
Tue, 21 April 2015 15:24  |
jtfred
Messages: 132
Registered: January 2015
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Karma: 0
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I have been lurking for a few months now trying to learn as much as I could as I was looking for a GMC. I finally found a 1978 Eleganza that has many of the upgrades I wanted. I will be picking up on Saturday. I have to thank all of you who have shared your knowledge of these motorhomes and especially Ken Henderson for taking my calls asking for advice. Once I take possession I will make sure to get the TZE to Mr. Shotwell.
Of course there will be projects and I'm getting ready to jump in. The first project (after tires) will be the dash AC. I have studied Ken's presentation on upgrading to the Sanden compressors and I think that is what I will be doing. The PO is telling me that the existing compressor is the problem. He tells me that the coach had never been converted to R134. Assuming the existing system is still R12, what are the steps I will need to do to make sure I'm not mixing the incompatible oils? What parts will I need to have on hand to make the change?
Thanks,
John
John Fredrikson
Grand Marais, MN
1978 Eleganza
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276399 is a reply to message #276396] |
Tue, 21 April 2015 15:31  |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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First off welcome to this cult of crazies we refer to as GMC'rs.
Do not convert to R134. Convert to HC12, Duracool (or whatever type of hydrocarbon refrigerant you find). That way you can stay with the same oil it has now. Also your AC will work better than it would with R134.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276403 is a reply to message #276399] |
Tue, 21 April 2015 15:57 |
jtfred
Messages: 132
Registered: January 2015
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Karma: 0
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Thanks Steve.
I forgot to mention that converting to Duracool is the plan. I just want to make sure that I don't do more harm than good if the pump I get has been used with R134.
Thanks again,
John
John Fredrikson
Grand Marais, MN
1978 Eleganza
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| Re: [GMCnet] Introduction and AC Question [message #276405 is a reply to message #276403] |
Tue, 21 April 2015 16:18 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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I understand that the A6 compressor that came with our coaches are very robust. Perhaps fixing the issue with your current compressor would be a better solution.
Do you know what’s wrong with it? If it’s just a matter of replacing the clutch or the front seal, then those are doable by any shade-tree mechanic, (if I can do it…) If it’s the front seal that is bad a number of us have replaced this with a “double-lip” seal; search the forum and photo site and you’ll find information about this. I have a tool kit that is specific to the front seal job that I’ll gladly loan to you.
I see benefits to the Sanden compressor, lighter weight, decades of engineering advances, but at its core what these do is pump. The A6 is a good and large pump, and if all else is working well then your 1978 should have the best dash AC available from GM on our coaches.
I’ll admit that when we first got the coach it was my inclination to replace parts rather than fix, but some of them are just so easy to fix!
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276418 is a reply to message #276396] |
Tue, 21 April 2015 18:25 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Where are you?
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Introduction and AC Question [message #276424 is a reply to message #276410] |
Tue, 21 April 2015 19:09 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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If someone had diagnosed the air conditioning system with dye in the recharge gas then they should be able to see where the leaks were coming from. Focusing on the compressor - the front seal is something that can fail over time, but really without some diagnosis you’d be spitting in the wind.
> On Apr 21, 2015, at 2:56 PM, John Fredrikson wrote:
>
> I'm in the same boat that you were Larry. I'm not shy about things mechanical, but AC work has always something that I have turned over to the
> professionals. I do want to give it a shot.
>
> I'm not sure what the issue is with the A6 compressor. I'm not dead set on the Sanden switch. I will try to get more details from the PO to see if it
> is just a seal or clutch. How would I be able to tell what the issue was? It would eliminate possibly having to have new hose ends put on with the
> compressor switch.
>
> I would like to take it to Bean Station, but I'm not sure about that long of a trip after only having it a week. I'm optimistic that it is in good
> shape, but I'm sure that will wear off. :)
>
> Thanks again,
>
> John
> --
> John Fredrikson
> 1978 Eleganza
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276429 is a reply to message #276396] |
Tue, 21 April 2015 20:51 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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John,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum....
The only thing I am going to add here is to be sure that you do the diagnosis on that A6. They are harder to kill than a willow tree. They do fail front seals, clutch bearings and clutches and these are all parts that are easily replaced. I know that there isn't room in our coaches, but I have done all of those under the hood of a passcar.
Get to a rally, any rally as soon as you can. You will find help there.
Atlanta to Bean Station is only 270 highway miles. If you announce that you plan to go and where and when you would like to start, I think you will probably be able to find a brand new old friend that would be glad to run in consort.
You are now a member of a group like few others. This is a group of wonderful helping and giving people. It is so much like the watermen of my world, that I have decided that new owners should be welcomed as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Fred
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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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276444 is a reply to message #276403] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 01:59 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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If you plan to come to Bean Station, send me a PM and I'll bring my AC stuff.
I have never replaced the front seal but I have done the clutch and charged a lot of them with Duracool. We may not get it fixed but we sure can diagnose it and determine what you need.
BTW, I will have the scales there.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276447 is a reply to message #276429] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 06:10 |
jtfred
Messages: 132
Registered: January 2015
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Karma: 0
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Matt, thanks for the warm welcome! I think you are right that I need to take a step back and do the diagnosis first then decide on my plan of action. I am getting anxious to dig into getting things fixed.
Ken, thanks for the offer. I may take you up on that. I'm trying to figure out how to make going to Bean Station work. Even if the coach is in as good shape as I hope, there will be a lot to do to get ready to go. If I can make it work, I will let you know.
Thanks again,
John
Fayetteville, GA
1978 Eleganza
John Fredrikson
Grand Marais, MN
1978 Eleganza
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276465 is a reply to message #276396] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 11:27 |
jtfred
Messages: 132
Registered: January 2015
Location: Grand Marais, MN
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I spoke with the seller again this morning. He confirmed that it the front seal on the A6 compressor is the problem. If that is the case it sounds like I need to follow what Larry did to repair his AC. I am assuming that the O rings and dryer are available locally. I am ready to order a case of the Duracool or Frosty Cool. My new question is what seal do I need to order?
John Fredrikson
Fayetteville, GA
1978 Eleganza
John Fredrikson
Grand Marais, MN
1978 Eleganza
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| Re: [GMCnet] Introduction and AC Question [message #276469 is a reply to message #276465] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 12:56 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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I’ll pack up that little kit! It’s made the rounds, including my front seal, I think it’s probably replaced a half dozen in all!
Ken - with your skills I’d suspect that replacing a front seal would be child’s play. Still the first time you tackle something new it’s a pretty slow process. I hope you have a chance to do this, and that the results are as good as mine.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
> On Apr 22, 2015, at 9:27 AM, John Fredrikson wrote:
>
> I spoke with the seller again this morning. He confirmed that it the front seal on the A6 compressor is the problem. If that is the case it sounds
> like I need to follow what Larry did to repair his AC. I am assuming that the O rings and dryer are available locally. I am ready to order a case of
> the Duracool or Frosty Cool. My new question is what seal do I need to order?
>
> John Fredrikson
> Fayetteville, GA
> 1978 Eleganza
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276472 is a reply to message #276396] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 13:21 |
jtfred
Messages: 132
Registered: January 2015
Location: Grand Marais, MN
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Thanks for the offer Larry! I do feel like I'm meeting a lot of new friends and I haven't even picked the coach up.
Help me identify what I am missing for parts to be able to do this:
ACDelco 15-30948
Duracool (or Frosty Cool - is there a difference, or will either work?)
Larry's tool set
Dryer (does anyone know a P/N)
Vacuum pump
Recharge hose
Thanks for the help!
John
John Fredrikson
Grand Marais, MN
1978 Eleganza
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| Re: [GMCnet] Introduction and AC Question [message #276476 is a reply to message #276472] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 14:48 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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John,
I'll pack my vacuum pump and manifold set (gauges & hoses) for Bean Station.
Ken H.
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 2:21 PM, John Fredrikson wrote:
> Thanks for the offer Larry! I do feel like I'm meeting a lot of new
> friends and I haven't even picked the coach up.
>
> Help me identify what I am missing for parts to be able to do this:
>
> ACDelco 15-30948
> Duracool (or Frosty Cool - is there a difference, or will either work?)
> Larry's tool set
> Dryer (does anyone know a P/N)
> Vacuum pump
> Recharge hose
>
> Thanks for the help!
>
> John
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Introduction and AC Question [message #276483 is a reply to message #276476] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 15:43 |
jtfred
Messages: 132
Registered: January 2015
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Ken!
I'm not positive I'll be able to make it, but I am trying to make it work. I probably won't be able to leave until Friday afternoon with work and school schedules. I'll keep you in the loop.
Thanks again,
John
John Fredrikson
Grand Marais, MN
1978 Eleganza
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| Re: Introduction and AC Question [message #276484 is a reply to message #276477] |
Wed, 22 April 2015 15:48 |
jtfred
Messages: 132
Registered: January 2015
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I'm probably going to go with HC-12a from Bennett's Cycle & Supply due to the shipping times.
I just picked up the dryer from Napa. I just realized that I'll have to pick up the O rings as well.
Thanks,
John
A Hamilto wrote on Wed, 22 April 2015 15:54jtfred wrote on Wed, 22 April 2015 13:21Thanks for the offer Larry! I do feel like I'm meeting a lot of new friends and I haven't even picked the coach up.
Help me identify what I am missing for parts to be able to do this:
ACDelco 15-30948
Duracool (or Frosty Cool - is there a difference, or will either work?)
Larry's tool set
Dryer (does anyone know a P/N)
Vacuum pump
Recharge hose
Thanks for the help!
John Either FrostyCool or DuraCool should work. They are almost identical chemically.
Dryer is $28.98 plus shipping from Jim K. http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1096
John Fredrikson
Grand Marais, MN
1978 Eleganza
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