I have just bought a 1990 Winnebago Warrior, and the dash AC does not work.
Every vehicle I have ever owned has required air conditioner work, and without fail it is always at least a $800 job at the dealership.
I understand the basics of air conditioning systems and how they work. I am very mechanically inclined, and I have rebuilt and replaced engines in my vehicles myself before. I just have never bothered to work on air conditioners because of the special tools that are required.
However, I have been doing some digging on Amazon.com in their automotive tool section, and it looks like I can buy a vaccum pump and a set of AC gages for around $300.
Are there any books or resources that you can recommend where I can learn how to do this? I'd rather not sign up for a semester of community college due to time constraints.
These AC systems are not that complicated, and it looks like the tools are not that expensive. Surely this is something the do-it-yourselfer can do?
This is one of those things that I refer to as "medium rare"....in other words, it's not done enough!!
I had a semester of A/C at college, but still feel like a babe in the woods when trying to work on them. I just don't do it enough!! An A/C tech does this stuff just about every day, so it becomes second nature to them.
Getting the tools will make the job easier, but you still need that hands on training, which you won't get from a book. I have had some great books on this subject, and they just don't seem to be the same as having someone show you what you need to do.....and then doing it yourself a half dozen times.
Trouble shooting is the big work in A/C...trying to figure out why it's not working!! Yes, it may be that your system needs to be recharged, but more than likely, the seals are shot in the compressor, and those aren't something you will be doing yourself. Yes, you can recharge it....even switching over to the R134a, but if it's leaking out (even very slowly)...you just wasted that money!
My advice....learn something that will earn you the money to pay the A/C tech to fix your rig!
Happy Camping!! Have a great time with the Winnie!!
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie & Beau RIP: Cookie (Sheltie) & Gidget (Lab-mix) over the Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
Quote: These AC systems are not that complicated, and it looks like the tools are not that expensive. Surely this is something the do-it-yourselfer can do?
You are correct, this is not rocket science.
Sorry, can't recommend a specific book but google around and you'll find something to fit.
Someone with your mechanical abilities can easily learn enough and if you make a few mistakes its good experience.
Working on A/C systems can be learned and is relatively easy to do, but with the environmental issues involved with A/C, some jurisdictions require that you have an A/C certification to work on it. With a lot of the older systems still in use that becomes a big problem for the DIYer.
Cheers
Helen & George VE3INB and Max (Bichon Frise) 2006 Silverado 2500HD D/A, Isspro Gauges, Linex, Westin Nerf Bars, Fold-A-Cover 2006 Cruiser CF30SK 5vr, fully loaded.
Reese 16K Slider & Bedsaver,a Prodigy Controller and Rearview Camera System
Have you priced the machine that cleans and recycles the refrigerant? Or purges and captures the R12 to be sent to a recycler? If it always seems to cost $800+ then I would speculate that a major component was replaced each time such as the compressor. If you need a compressor it will still cost some money at NAPA. As said above to address the environmental issues the equipment list will be a little more than a set of guages and a vacuum pump like the old days.
As much as it stings to pay that money I think you are better to get it done proper and have a warranty. You should have priced some money into the purchase for fixing the air.
Quote: Have you priced the machine that cleans and recycles the refrigerant? Or purges and captures the R12 to be sent to a recycler?
Anyone working on their own vehicle at home/backyard/garage won't bother with recycle equipment. nor should they.
Usually, we are talking about less than a pound of freon which has zero affect upon any so called ozone hole.
Quote: Have you priced the machine that cleans and recycles the refrigerant? Or purges and captures the R12 to be sent to a recycler?
Anyone working on their own vehicle at home/backyard/garage won't bother with recycle equipment. nor should they.
Usually, we are talking about less than a pound of freon which has zero affect upon any so called ozone hole.
That is true but I would love to be able to sit in my back-yard and enjoy some "herb" every once in a while and that is also against the law and would have "zero affect" upon anything/anyone, just like venting refrigerant is against the law.
Breaking the law is still breaking the law no matter how much we think it doesn't matter.
"Nobody knows how we got to the top of the hill, but since we're on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride". ("The Secret Of Life", James Taylor).
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