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1990 Grand Villa, Dash A/C

July 25, 2011, 04:05:15 pm

Hi folks, I am new to this site as of today.  My wife and I just purchased a 1990 36' Grand Villa. It's in good shape, but it had been sitting for quite awhile. My question is the dash a/c was flat and I would like to replace the dryer before I seal it back up. Can someone please tell me what that unit is off of and where can I purchase parts? Thanks

Respectfully, Mitch Sayer

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Re: 1990 Grand Villa, Dash A/C

Reply #1 – July 25, 2011, 05:06:48 pm

Mitch, welcome to the Forum. Other's may have the answer to you question but I can't tell you. However I'm betting James Trianna at Foretravel in Nacagdoches can. If not him then the parts department will know. You will need your build number from the ID plate on the wall left of the steering wheel.  Even though you don't buy from them they are very helpful. James is the guy for technical service even on a unit as old as yours. He is at extension 5 when you call 800-955-6226. Parts is on extension 3. You should also take advantage of the free first year membership in the Foretravel Motorcade Club. It will give you a 10% discount on parts if you need to purchase them directly from Foretravel. Just ask James for the Motorcade coordinator when you are through talking with him.

There will probably be plenty of questions so don't hesitate to ask here. There are some incredibly smart folks on the Forum. It sounds like your pretty handy and you will be help others before you know. This is the best and friendliest forum I have ever joined. You got a great coach and are in for a real good time.

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Re: 1990 Grand Villa, Dash A/C

Reply #2 – July 25, 2011, 08:39:01 pm

Mitch,
I assume you have an Oshkosh chassis?
I converted my system to 134A about 8 years ago but my coach is a Unihome Grand Villa which may or maynot have the same A/C system.  Nevertheless, I looked for receipts for the dryer but couldn't find them.  I think the evaporator and dash controls were based on a GM system.  I received a lot of information and bought some parts from this website:
AMA Automotive Air Conditioning Parts & Equipment - Compressors Condensers
Good Luck

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Re: 1990 Grand Villa, Dash A/C

Reply #3 – July 26, 2011, 01:24:26 am

Mitch,

You can DIY with a little help at some AC sites. If you can't get another R/D, a lot of people just put them in the oven overnight at 250 degrees. Couple of forum sites for this "home cooked" remedy.  A venturi vacuum "pump" is available inexpensively ($14.99) online or ebay has "real" vacuum pumps ($99 to $150). The verturi type operates off a shop compressor and does the job but makes a pretty good hissing noise doing it. If nothing else is wrong, you could do the whole job for $100.

Good spot for the pumps and gauges for the R134: Search results for: 'vacuum pump'

I did a post and fix for the AC dash control (pump running a lot) a few months ago. EZ fix for a common problem.

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Re: 1990 Grand Villa, Dash A/C

Reply #4 – July 26, 2011, 10:03:04 am

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and welcome to this site. Your Information was helpful. I have a good vacuum pump, but again thank you.

Respectfully, Mitch Sayer

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Re: 1990 Grand Villa, Dash A/C

Reply #5 – July 26, 2011, 05:16:36 pm

If my memory serve me right, on our Foretravel 1988 ORED I had to replace a crack compressor and decided at the same time to remove replace dryer. Took both parts to Napa and they matched them with new one that did work
when installed. Was still working when we sold it.   

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