Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:48:47 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Purpose of the ports on this AC hose?
In-Reply-To: <CAK-ud2i5x3uzQf--wZjGgMvBBcuQG0xwQ0RCKReGv0abesbshQ@mail.gmail.com>
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A hose shop should be able to re-use that center piece.
Dennis
From: Gregg Carlen [mailto:gregg.carlen@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 6:01 PM
To: Dennis Haynes
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: Re: Purpose of the ports on this AC hose?
Thanks Dennis.
I'm not doing the work myself. The van is at a shop that can do AC work (but
cannot fabricate hoses). With so many components new (compressor, dryer,
other hoses, condensor in the front of the van, converted to 134a with
conversion kit) EXCEPT that hose that blew, I have my strong doubts about
that 22 year old high pressure hose.
The challenge the shop is having is finding a place that can fabricate a
replacement hose. For some reason, that metal connector in the middle of the
hose is what the local hose shops cannot replicate or find a replacement
for. The shop seems to think there's something specal about it. I doubt
there's anything special about it and so thought I'd ask the list.
On Tue, Jul 24, 2012 at 5:47 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:
When it comes to air conditioning blown hoses are a symptom, not the real
cause of failure. There are a number of different switch set ups that could
be used but the following functions should be part of that hose manifold.
High pressure service/gauge port. And if converted must have fitting to
match refrigerant used.
A low pressure switch to make sure there is some refrigerant in the system
to allow the compressor to run.
A pressure switch to place the radiator fan into high speed when needed.
(~275 psi)
An over pressure switch to turn the AC off if pressure continues to climb.
All of these functions can be in one switch known as a "Trinary".
The sudden hose failure was most likely the result of excessive pressure due
to an over charged system, fan or cut off system failing to protect, or a
defective dryer or expansion valve. These situations can also damage the
compressor. Moisture in the system can cause ice crystals to form blocking
the expansion valve. Just one reason a system needs to be properly evacuated
before charging. Air and moisture reduce efficiency and create internal
corrosion.
It may be time to seek a professional to get it repaired properly before
someone gets hurt.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Gregg Carlen
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 4:17 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Purpose of the ports on this AC hose?
>
> So, I'm down in Virginia Beach, VA and not near my usual shop that
> does AC in Northern Viringia, when I lost my AC again in my 90 Westy
> (2WD, stock 2.1L). (I'm down here two more weeks before I have to
> drive the van back up to NoVA; so hoping I can get the AC fixed before
then).
>
> The hose between the condensor in the upper cabinet and the dryer blew
> (it was the one hose that looked good and I didn't replace it - lesson
> learned; looks can be deceiving). It has this two-service-port
> connector in the middle. Seems to me it should be simple enough to get
> fabricated at a hose shop. My question is if this 2-service port
> fitting is just for the high and low pressure sensors, or, if there some
other purpose that these do?
> Seems like its nothing more than a 8" tube with a compression fitting
> at each end and two service ports.
>
> Hopefully, the link below will work or you to see the pic I posted on
> my Picasa account.
>
> Thanks,
> Gregg
> 90 Westy (Blueberry) continuing the never ending AC battle
>