Date:         Fri, 5 Nov 1999 07:31:14 -0800
Reply-To:     "Tom L. Neal" <jneal@NETCOM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Tom L. Neal" <jneal@NETCOM.COM>
Subject:      A/C evaporator drainage solution
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Hurrah.

Just in time for winter, I've solved the A/C evaporator pan drainage issue
in an acceptable way.  Credit goes to lots of different posts, but
particularly the person who explained the function of the one way valve.

Intended design: The A/C evaporator condenses water which collects and due
to the vacuum stays in a pan until the A/C fan turns off.  Then the water
drains down two tubes on either side of the van and goes through a little
pinched off rubber valve that lets water out but not air in.

Problem #1: Accumulated residue causes the rubber valve to stick closed
causing the water to overflow the pan and seep onto the floor in the back
and the middle of the van creating a damp, smelly rug swamp.

Problem #2: Even if the water comes out the valve it dribbles onto metal
and can cause rust.

What doesn't work very well:
1.Reopening the valves.  They stick closed again.
2.Cutting off the valves: Still dribbles, and outside air gets sucked
into the A/C system.
3.Extension tube down to close to the ground: outside air problem, rubs
against hot pipes on port, and can't get through the syncro air
intake chamber floor on starboard.
4.Thin extension tube hanging out the louvres: outside air

Best compromise: Cut the valve off with drain pipe still inside (I used
parts from a junkyard), press fit small clear tubing into drain pipe,
press valve pipe onto other end of clear tubing, squeeze the valve into
the lowest louvre slat so it barely sticks out toward the back and the
dribble will fall on the outside of the van, and rub a little liquid
detergent on the inside of the valve.  Easy to watch for good drainage,
easy to clean out the valve, doesn't get in the way, not casually
noticable, no dripping water inside the van wall, no outside air.  Neat.

Hopefully by the time winter is over, I'll have all the heater issues
fixed....adjust and lube the cable so the valve closes, elegant way to
adjust the rear heater valve without lifting the seat (someone mentioned
speedo cable as a thought)....probably a few more surprises to come.

Cheers, Tom Neal '87 syncro waterleaker, A/C, outside, now