Date: Wed, 3 Apr 2002 22:19:02 +0800
Reply-To: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: Hello, A/C and 134A
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
You might want to get a second set of eyes to look at the system to make sure that it is properly charged. It should do better than a 15 degree differential at 60 degrees.
I haven't converted my van to 134A yet and probably won't since my AC tech doesn't recommend it. The AC system on a camper is marginal at best with R-12 and doesn't need anything making it less effective. There are some other things you can do outside the system to make it more effective.
This is what I have done so far to my camper to help the AC to work properly in hot weather (in no particular order):
1. I removed the upper rear cabinet and the evaporator cover panels, then pressure washed the evaporator from the inside of the van, clearing out all of the dust. I did mine while it was in place without disconnecting any of the freon lines, using a lot of plastic sheeting to protect the interior. I installed filter material between the evaporator and the rear intake grill on re-assembly to keep it clean.
2. I also make sure all the fins on the input of the evaporator are straight.
3. Make sure both evaporator fans are working.
4. Re-sealed the plastic evaporator housing panel mating surfaces with new weatherstripping and stainless duct tape.
5. I added some foam inside the vent housing to channel all the air to the front vents. http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/photos/Additional_Air_Channels2.jpg
6. Cleaned the radiator and condensor from the spare tire well-out.
7. Filled the open area of the poptop to keep the cool air from getting lost in the opening. I use a windshield sun screen for an RV. It also blocks the sunlight from the skylight. http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/photos/RVTwistShadeRoofOpening.jpg
8. I keep my my back curtain closed in an effort to keep the area behind the back seat as cool as possible.
9. Get the darkest tint possible on all the windows.
10. Make sure the rear heater is turned off.
11. Make sure the front heater is turned off.
12. Block off all the air flow through the front heater/plenum. I tape over the fresh air intake behind the grill when it starts to get really hot.
13. Insulate the floorboards, especially the area in front of the shifter. http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/photos/LastBetweenSeats.jpg
14. Park in the shade wherever possible.
So far, the system seems to be working better than last year. I can actually feel cool air on my hands when the fan is on "2", which I couldn't do last year. I have been using the AC every afternoon and evening here since mid-March, and have started using it on the way to work in the morning this week, so it definately will get torture-tested this summer.
Good luck,
Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink Vanagon Album
----- Original Message -----
From: Chris Scherle <Wesscherle@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2002 12:59 AM
Subject: Hello, A/C and 134A
> Hello Listers,
>
> I am new to the list and apologize ahead of time if this subject has been
> covered.
>
> I own a 90 Multivan and had the A/C switched to 134A last summer. It started
> out cooling about 15 degrees, when the ambient temp was in the 60's. It
> didn't work at all when the temp was high enough that you might actually want
> A/C.
>
> My question is this: Did the shop not do the job right? (Have others had
> great success with this?) OR, are there after market or other parts available
> that would make this conversion work? What parts would normally be replaced
> in this sort of job?
>
> I am willing to go to great lengths to have this right. I want snow or sleet
> to shoot out the vents, well almost.
>
> TIA,
>
> Chris Scherle
>
> Solvang, CA
>
> 90 Multivan
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