Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:08:48 -0700
Reply-To: Mike Miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Subject: Re: R12 to R134a Air Conditioning Conversion
In-Reply-To: <20040616162441.95703.qmail@web60307.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
I have brand new everything and the biggest and most efficient condenser
available, should be, cost enough. Still doesn't do it.
Rats.
Mike
On 6/16/04 9:24 AM, "TJ Hannink" <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
> Mike Miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM> wrote:
>
>> I'm thinking of adding a second condenser under the van.
>
>
> A better idea would be to replace the current condenser with a parallel flow
> type. In order for a condenser to work properly, it needs to have airflow, I'm
> not sure it will get it mounted under the van especially when stopped; it will
> tend to soak up a lot of heat from the road surface. I haven't found a direct
> replacement for the stock condenser yet but a good A/C shop should be able to
> adapt one to your van. Make sure you get one that has the same or larger
> amount of surface area. Also keep your current condenser clean and the crappy
> cardboard deflectors in place around it so all the outside air goes through
> and not around the condenser/radiator.
>
> Though its not necessary, I would suggest replacing all the refrigerant lines,
> especially if you live someplace where you use your A/C every day or if any of
> your existing lines have been spliced. R-134a operates at much higher
> pressures to achieve the same amount of cooling as R-12, the flexible rubber
> hoses are the weak link.
>
> Cleaning out the evaporator coils is also a good idea. It would involve
> lowering the cabinet or housing, but chances are its never been cleaned and is
> full of dirt. I installed a filter on the input side of my evaporator after I
> cleaned it.
>
> The biggest problem I have found with the A/C in Campers doesn't have anything
> to do with the A/C at all, its the amount of outside air coming in the van
> through the heater/defroster/fresh air vents on the dash. The incoming outside
> air makes an 'air bubble' in the front area of the van and keeps the cold air
> from reaching the front cabin.
>
> In order to stop the infiltration of outside air, close the
> heater/defroster/fresh air vent controls and turn the heater/defroster fan on
> high. Check each vent for air leakage; if you find it, you can either tear the
> dash out and reseal the airbox flaps or plug the vents themselves with some
> foam rubber blocks.
>
> Make sure that both of the blower fans are working on '86 and up vans. They
> tend to blow fuses and burn wiring harnesses; its hard to tell if both fans
> are working so you need to phyisically check them. I increased the size of the
> wiring to the main fuse because I was melting terminals and fuse blocks.
>
> The A/C in my camper will keep me comfortable in +98F temperatures once the
> interior of the van cools. If I leave it parked out in the sun, that can take
> 15-20 minutes. Fortunately, I get to park in a parking garage while at work,
> so it doesn't have to work too hard on the way home from work.
>
> BTW, the Florida Association of Vanagon Owners (F.A.V.O.R) is camping out the
> weekend of June 26th and 27th at Jonathan Dickenson State Park in Hobe Sound,
> FL. All are welcome, reservations are recommended if you want to camp though;
> we will be in sites 50-60.
>
> I am bringing Goldibox, but will be towing her behind the Wanderlodge, my wife
> will be driving her back on Sunday evening.
>
> Good luck,
>
>
> TJ Hannink
> Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
> 1981 Bluebird Wanderlodge, FC-33
> Winter Park, Florida
> http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
> http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink [Vanagon] Album
> FAVOR website: http://home.earthlink.net/~clubvanagon
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