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Topic: Dash climate control systems (winter project) (Read 662 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash climate control systems (winter project)

I'm concerned about the age of hoses and ? Of the heater and dash air conditioner systems. Coach is 1995. Lots of threads about  AC and I've read many of them.I've read some of the discussions about only using the roof air instead of dash AC. I'm just not content with having a system that doesn't work (AC ).

 Currently the dash heater is working fine but I did find a small leak at the front water shut off (for lack of proper name, see picture).

  It seems the popular consensus is to add new water and AC lines (if necessary) in the "tunnel " area because of ares over water tanks that can't be accessed to remove the old ones.

 My question is, Am I stuck with adding 4 ( 1 hot, 1 return, 1 high side, 1 low side)) new hoses to that area in addition to the 4 that are already there if I want to update my 95 to new reliability standards. Or do the water lines last forever. I know the AC lines apparently don't.

  They pull new fuel lines with the old ones don't they.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Dash climate control systems (winter project)

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
  I'm just not content with having a system that doesn't work (AC ).

I don't blame you. I've had nothing but trouble with dash air in previous coaches, and was heartened with this coach that the PO went for it: "Replaced both 30 amp relays, new fan breaker, new expansion valve, dryer & re-charged to indicate 45 on the low side & 240 on the high side (whatever THAT means!). Here's the kicker,"replaced ALL hoses". Our's works fine, but I'm "leery" of using it.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Dash climate control systems (winter project)

Reply #2 –
Mike.

 Seams that using it would keep it fresher and than not (from all the coments about low mileage unused coaches).

  So, I'm wondering if "replaced all hoses" included water. Although I'm inspired that someone saw the value in doing that, it wasn't you :) :) so I'm kind of back to did they actually replace (and how) or just add to the hose lines that were there.

 The good thing that helps on the 95 GV is that the front panel comes off. Excellent access to all wiper, AC , and heater stuff.

  I'm not ruling out pulling water tanks to do the job (cause I need the see level system also) but, that's a lot going on at the same time.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Dash climate control systems (winter project)

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
  Seams that using it would keep it fresher and than not (from all the coments about low mileage unused  So, I'm wondering if "replaced all hoses" included water. Although I'm inspired that someone saw the value in doing that, it wasn't you :) :) so I'm kind of back to did they actually replace (and how) or just add to the hose lines that were there.

I see nothing in my copious files that the PO went the whole distance with the hoses, sorry.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Dash climate control systems (winter project)

Reply #4 –
Yes, you could replace all the hose, but by far the most subtable area to damage is that in the engine room where it is exposed to heat, grease and oil, etc.  Replacing that section IS a good idea, using a good quality barb to barb fitting where you splice the heater hoses.

I like Gates green stripe heater hose.

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Dash climate control systems (winter project)

Reply #5 –
Our original R134a and hot water heater hoses are just fine and the only leaks have been at heater core, engine connector fittings, all of which have been fixed for many years.  These four hoses are working and not in need to be replaced.  Our dash air gets cold, even to below 40 degrees at the evaporator coil.  I see no reason to preventively replace the four hoses.
I think all old hoses can be removed if needed.  Removing all bay trims will allow access to most areas including over the holding and water tank.
"Everything is fixable"

Re: Dash climate control systems (winter project)

Reply #6 –
I  replaced all my coolant hoses when I bought my 91. I used Gates Green stripe hose. I could not get to the hoses that go to my water heater so they are still original. I can tell you the hoses in the chase were in great shape for being 23 yrs old. I can't say had I known that they were in such good shape if I still would have replaced them. There isn't any room in my chase for anymore hoses,especially in the back area where they come through above the water tanks. It was a difficult job but I was doing it by myself so that added. I didn't do the fuel or a/c hoses they looked fine in the chase and were still very pliable. I bought my hose on amazon and had it shipped to me ,saved quite a bit. I added 2 shutoff valves at the engine so if a heater core or my waterheater engine coolant heat exchanger were to leak I could shut off the water.I'm more with Brett Wolf,replace that hoses in the rear in the engine compartment where all the heat is. I'd add shutoff valves if you dont have any just in case you spring a leak up front.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Dash climate control systems (winter project)

Reply #7 –
Consider changing the heater hoses in the front, bulkhead to heater core also.
I had to remove the hoses from the heater core so I could move the air box to change the heater/AC blower motor, the hoses looked fine until I tried to twist them to remove them from the heater core, then they easley broke off before they came loose from the core fitting.
JD
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'