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ZacR's avatar
ZacR
Explorer
Aug 05, 2014

1984 Tiffin Allegro AC issues

I recently bought this unit so I could live in while I go to college.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1622040_1410346325888555_1779628352_n.jpg?oh=8dd7d1e9933bb5019d37a4d99e71c09c&oe=5452C9BF&__gda__=1413780967_6104839d31832621ec936db7ef4ba61a


The air conditioner came on the first day when I got the power on, but now there is no cold air blowing. The condenser comes on, and the thing rumbles, but the squirrel cage fan will not blow. I don't have any technical manuals as to how to take it apart, and I have no experience with air conditioning units. I was wondering if anyone may have some suggestions?

My refrigerator doesn't cool down either, but that's the least of my worries.

I can give more information if needed. As far as I know it's all of the original hardware and equipment that came with the unit, and it has been sitting for 9 years.

I am running a 30AMP service at home, so I know everything should be getting enough power. I used 8 gauge wire, and I bought a replacement plug for the RV itself to connect into the box. (I forget the brand, but I bought it at Home Depot.) The breakers seem fine, but the rear AC doesn't run at all. I still haven't figured this out.

11 Replies

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  • calamus's avatar
    calamus
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2014
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    It sounds like the compressor might be running but the blower is not. You could get on the roof, remove the shroud (cover) and see if the blower spins. On a unit that old, there are likely to be oil ports on the motor.
    I have service manuals at http://bryantrv.com/docs.html#airconditioner- yours is likely a DuoTherm.


    Try that. Sometimes you have to spin the fan by hand and oil it! clean it out good. If you are not moving the camper I would just get a window air and a Dorm fridge or 2 off of craigslist thats what we have up at the lake because the camper fridge is not big enough for everything.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 06, 2014
    Tiffin used Dometic(Duotherm they were called back then). 30 year old AC, you are better off just replacing it with a NEW 15k model. Yours is 13.5k as they did not have 15k models back then. It is a straight change out. Just get the complete NON ducted inside control and upper unit. You can use either Dometic or RVP( Coleman). The roof top 14 by 14 inch square hole and wiring accommodates both. Just make sure that when you remove the OLD unit you do NOT tear the Metal roof. If someone has siliconed the old AC to the roof(BIG no no), getting the old gasket loose will tear the metal roof unless you gently take your time and scrape the old gasket OFF. The foam gasket, even if NOT siliconed will still be stuck to the metal roof, and can also tear it unless you take your time and gently scrape and release the gasket. Doug
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2014
    ZacR wrote:
    Westend, I'm not exactly sure where I would locate the model # for the AC. I've looked online, but no specs for the AC units. As I said they are original. I'll try contacting Tiffin. Thanks. I looked all over the unit, but the top cover is still on. With the panel removed inside of the motorhome itself, I've found nothing.
    There is probably a rating plate or label on the frame of the unit.
  • ZacR's avatar
    ZacR
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2014
    Thanks Chris! That's what I needed right there. I'll jump up there tomorrow, take the metal shroud off, and take a look around.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2014
    It sounds like the compressor might be running but the blower is not. You could get on the roof, remove the shroud (cover) and see if the blower spins. On a unit that old, there are likely to be oil ports on the motor.
    I have service manuals at http://bryantrv.com/docs.html#airconditioner- yours is likely a DuoTherm.
  • ZacR's avatar
    ZacR
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2014
    Westend, I'm not exactly sure where I would locate the model # for the AC. I've looked online, but no specs for the AC units. As I said they are original. I'll try contacting Tiffin. Thanks. I looked all over the unit, but the top cover is still on. With the panel removed inside of the motorhome itself, I've found nothing.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2014
    If you can't share what brand and model AC you have, there is going to be little help forthcoming.
    Maybe a call to Tiffin would turn up the specifications or maybe a service manual for the unit.
  • ZacR's avatar
    ZacR
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2014
    I wouldn't complain about a new air conditioner. I actually called two RV places in the area asking about new units, but they didn't have the specs for the 1984, and they asked me to bring it in. I've already set it on blocks and have it stationary, so that's out of the question. I couldn't find any manufacturing information on the unit itself, but the top cover is still on; the metal grating under the weather cover. I'm just fine with electrical work. Paying someone to charge up a unit after it's installed wouldn't be much of a problem at all.

    That would be helpful information.
  • ZacR's avatar
    ZacR
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2014
    I'm trying schedule a man to come out and give me a consultation and troubleshoot, but that won't be until Thursday. I was looking for suggestions beforehand to see if maybe there was something I could try. Broke student mentality.

    Thanks for the suggestion.

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