Forum Discussion

ghiotom's avatar
ghiotom
Explorer
Aug 28, 2013

Coleman rooftop AC not cooling - UPDATE

Basically, the unit was working fine about a month ago and now its blowing warm air. The compressor comes on and the condenser / evaporator fans are also on. The suction line is not cold it feels to be about ambient temperature and the discharge line from the compressor is slightly warm. I am thinking that is low on refrigerant, but I do not see any oily spots anywhere on the unit indicating a leak. Is there anything else I need to be checking?
  • Thank you for the replies. The consensus of a leak was confirmed. I installed a saddle valve to test for pressure and the system was virtually empty. I pumped nitrogen in and found the leak right at the connection of the suction line into the compressor. I plan to repair the leak, remove the saddle valve and braze in a service port, evacuate and recharge in 18oz. of R22. I still need a service port(cheap), micron gauge(don't have one, can't get one, will just have to wing it), and a scale(borrow).

  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    It's a sealed system like a fridge or window A/C. Probably a leak and possibly where you haven't looked or can't see, like the evaporator inside that metal housing in the front end of the unit. Chris Bryant offered an interesting test: Run the thing a few minutes then turn OFF and immediately back ON. If it's full of refrigerant, the compressor won't be able to start and it'll hum then shut off on overheat sensor. If it starts right up, it's empty. Another OP, Mr. Landry, mentions that there's a coupling between motor section and compressor section that can fail. Then a charged system will restart but not cool since the compressor's disconnected from the motor. But either way (leaking system or failed compressor) the best fix is usually to replace the whole RTAC (Roof Top Air Conditioner).
    Just be sure the compressor is starting and staying running. If it isn't, could be a failed Capacitor or Hard Start Device.
  • Refrigerant leak. AFAIK, and I could be wrong, they are not like vehicle HVAC systems where coolant can be easily added, so there is a good chance that the whole roof A/C might have to get replaced.

    Maybe someone has a better idea, or a better fix.

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