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prstlk's avatar
prstlk
Explorer
Jul 26, 2022

coleman air boat anchor or not

My coleman roof air died in the Black Hills. We communicated with a mobile tech who was very busy, and was unable to visit our RV but very helpful. He looked at that photos and was very sure that the compressor was dead because of oil stains within the cover. As I understand from research this is closed system and there is no option for repair. I drove into Rapid City and purchased a portable to survive. Called ahead and had a new unit sent to friends in ND where we will be soon. The question is easy.
Is there a way to repair the old unit, and is it worth it. Seems someone could repair the compressor and replace the freon. Is this a fools errand? Is no repair possible ?
Thanks in advance!
You folks continue to save my ashfalt
jim
  • afidel wrote:
    If you found an AC tech who was good there'd be no problem for them cutting out the compressor, adding in valves to hook their line set to, and replacing the compressor with a similar size and rating unit. The problem is that by the time you pay for the compressor and a half day of labor you're probably 80-90% of the way to a new unit.

    1st , without an actual diagnosis no one knows WHY the unit doesn't cool. Yes, oil on refrigerant lines most times do indicate a refrigerant leak but we don't know . .
    If the compressor is good then the unit is repairable unless you have a leak in one of the coils. I have fixed many a leaking coil but the small coils on these after you cut back fins you just lose too much capacity, imho.
  • RLS7201 wrote:
    Repair is possible but not economical. Compressors are available and changeable and fittings can be installed to evacuate and recharge. Also a filter dryer should be installed. I am licensed and would accept the challenge if it was my AC. I find it amazing that the 2 ACs on my 95 Bounder are original and functional.

    Richard


    I have replaced RV AC components since 1979 when I started as a RV Tech. I have been licensed since 1980 and approved by both Dometic and Coleman. 43 years ago both Dometic and Coleman paid for Compressor and evap and condensor replacement because at $35 labor rate it was economically feasable to do. Starting about 1992, Both Coleman and Dometic STOPPED selling compressors. They determined with Labor rates that a leaker or Bad Compressor it was cheaper to replace the upper unit. So, while you may be licensed, I think it would be VERY HARD to find a Dometic or Coleman Compressor since they don't offer or sell them. Also, I would charge at least $400 to $500 labor and part(if I could find the compressor) to fix a unit. Then WHY? For $300 more you could buy a new unit with a warranty. The plain fact is, RV AC units, if a bad compressor, you replace the complete upper unit. If you have a leaker, then you have to determine if it is worth paying $200 to $300 to find and solder/brase the leak install schrader valves(NOT LINE TAPS) and evac and recharge with a dial a charge. PLUS either Freon(or 410) cost. Doug
  • rk911 wrote:
    oh, that! i was hoping to see a Coleman Air Boat.


    Me to. I love smoked gouda. Cheers to cheese heads
  • If you found an AC tech who was good there'd be no problem for them cutting out the compressor, adding in valves to hook their line set to, and replacing the compressor with a similar size and rating unit. The problem is that by the time you pay for the compressor and a half day of labor you're probably 80-90% of the way to a new unit.
  • Repair is possible but not economical. Compressors are available and changeable and fittings can be installed to evacuate and recharge. Also a filter dryer should be installed. I am licensed and would accept the challenge if it was my AC. I find it amazing that the 2 ACs on my 95 Bounder are original and functional.

    Richard

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