Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Carol & Scott on January 25, 2015, 01:01:37 pm

Title: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 25, 2015, 01:01:37 pm
Well...Shorted the low pressure switch behind the left rear grill, started the engine and the clutch started.  Added some 132 and saw a leak from the left hose fitting on top of the compressor.  Bubbles around the hose and the top of the nut.  Pic attached.  Anyone know how long this hose is and where it is connected?  Is this a BFD to replace?  Thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: stump on January 25, 2015, 01:59:29 pm
There should be a o ring in there. evacuate system remove fitting and you should see a oring replace it and pull a vacuum on system or charge with nitrogen and check again for leak.the pull a vacuum on system and recharge
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 25, 2015, 02:04:02 pm
Thanks Stump - Sounds like a good place to start.  :)
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: sedelange on January 25, 2015, 05:17:00 pm
Changing seal likely will fix the problem.  For information, the low pressure hose is about 40' long. It goes all the way to the evaporator.  From experience, it is a pain to replace.
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: red tractor on January 25, 2015, 07:57:14 pm
That is the high pressure hose and goes across the transmission to the ac condenser on the drivers side of the coach. I had to replace the hose as the crimped on fitting was the leak. No such luck as an o ring. If I had still been working, I could have gotten the hand held hydraulic crimper and put on a new fitting on the hose. We used to do that all the time at work as it seemed like Country Coach had many leaking crimps.
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 25, 2015, 08:22:51 pm
Thanks for the replies.

If the replacement rubber plug stops the oil seepage I may have some shop time at FOT.  I'll check with FOT tomorrow.  Any one else I could check with in Nac. that could handle this nasty little job?
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Michelle on January 25, 2015, 08:25:55 pm
Any one else I could check with in Nac. that could handle this nasty little job?


Didn't I read somewhere that Bernd Ramspeck is well-versed in A/C and refrigeration?
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 25, 2015, 08:36:33 pm
Thanx Michelle -

I thought I had read that too.  I will check with him tomorrow too.  Since he is expecting me on Fri. anyway,  I just might be able to switch repair from replacing the main seal to fix dash ac.
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Kemahjohn on January 26, 2015, 08:31:27 am
If the system stays open very long, change the dryer as well.  If the dissicant bag in the dryer comes apart, it will make a huge mess in the system requiring a flush at a minimum.

AC repair is the only service I have had done at Foretravel that was unsatisfactory.  Spent 3 coach bucks on the 96' U320, and when I left, it still didn't work.
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 26, 2015, 08:37:55 am
Any one have that ac air dryer part number?
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 26, 2015, 09:50:45 am
Just talked to Bernand he is flexable on the repair plan.  He said that he has a great AC tech with many years of experience with all of the latest equipment (what ever that means) and will repair the rear main seal or the AC.  I am hopeful that the replacement rubber plug will take care of the small oil leak and can have him fix the dash AC.  May have him fix the AC as the oil leak is minor.
 ;D
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on January 26, 2015, 10:45:47 am
Scott, The receiver / dryer on these coaches is a low cost item and I would suggest that any time you open the system that it be replaced.,  They are available at any truck supply parts house. Take a photo and I bet that the parts man can pull one off the shelf.
Gary B
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 26, 2015, 12:13:41 pm
Thanks Gary.
Title: Re: Dash AC leak - Pic -
Post by: Carol & Scott on January 31, 2015, 11:12:29 am
Spent yesterday at Bernd's shop with Harley Lil Pup.

Had two leaks on the same hose - both end fittings.  One tube under the nut at the compressor was cracked about 2/3 around.  Toni replaced the hose ends, switch, drier, vacated and recharged the system.  As it was 50 some Deg. F outside the inside temp coming out of the vents was 38 Deg. F.  They did have some problems finding local parts but with the help of the local NAPA shop were able to be creative and got it done anyway.  They crimp fittings on the coach.

They seem to know what they are doing and are not shy about sharing what they are doing when they are doing it.  Answered all of my questions completely.

I would not hesitate having them work on our AC system.