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Old 08-08-2015, 11:17 AM   #1
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Heater core leak / no dash AC - How to find service center?

So I purchased my coach knowing the dash AC didn't work. But after my first trip my heater core seems to have sprung a leak on the leg home.

I've read that a 2000 Dynasty is a pain in the rear to work on, and I'm no mechanic, but am handy. I know nothing about AC and hear you must crack the system to replace/repair the heater core. So I might as well get it going at the same time I suppose.

My question is how do I find a reputable shop to work on this? I'm in the Cincinnati, OH area, and would be willing to travel a bit if anyone has any suggestions.

There seem to be only bigger chains in this area that I can find on the internet like Cummins / Clarke Power Systems / and some fleet service companies. I have no idea if they will work on a Roadmaster chassis RV.

Any pointers on where to look or ask about repair centers?

Thanks
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Old 08-08-2015, 07:26 PM   #2
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The heat and AC unit could be worked on by almost any reputable repair shop, nothing really magical about it.

If you go to a large Cummins repair facility be prepared to spend big $$, with labor charges +$125/hr.

One option for the time being is tracing the lines from the engine to the heater core and installing 2 cut off valves, this would stop the leak at least.

The heat core and AC evaporator can be accessed from the front. The heater core may be able to be replace without disconnecting the evaporator which would eliminate the need of pulling a complete vacuum and recharging the entire system, unless you know you'll have to do that anyway.

Do some searches on IRV2 and the internet and you may find more info on this.
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Old 08-08-2015, 07:29 PM   #3
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Any auto air conditioner shop can service your air conditioner, it's no different than an auto or truck unit. Northern Kentucky, Florence area:

Mechanics Files Search Results | Car Talk

The heater core can be bypassed easily. Take a short length of copper tubing {4") that will fit the inside diameter of your heater hoses. unclamp the heater hoses from the heater core where they go into the HVAC plenum under the 'hood.' Insert the copper tube in one hose, then insert the other end in the other hose. Tighten clamps and you've bypassed the heater core. Removing the core from the plenum isn't usually a big job, you could remove it, measure, and get a new one to install yourself.
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Old 08-08-2015, 07:33 PM   #4
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heater core and a/c evap core are two different animals, you can remove one without disturbing the system integrity of the other
is your sytem the ACME brand that was so popular in rvs'
if so repair parts and cores are pretty easy to find and even have made,
napa should be able to pull up your dimensions if you get the acme part number
they supplied my condenser on the a/c side a few years ago
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Old 08-09-2015, 11:30 AM   #5
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Take off the two rubber hoses that are connected to the heater core , inset a pipe nipple between the hoses and tighten with hose clamps. This will bypass the leaking core until you get it replaced.
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Old 08-10-2015, 07:11 AM   #6
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The biggest deal is the labor cost for getting the unit out. Access is a serious pain. If you are handy you can pull the core and have it rebuilt. I had mine done when I was working. 11 hours is what I remember, although it's been 4 years.
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Old 08-10-2015, 11:54 AM   #7
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To save people time, a piece of 1/2" copper tubing cannot be made to fit the 5/8" heater hose, at least not with my level of skills, tools, or patience! Save your time and efforts!

I have this ready for tomorrow: Amazon.com: Dorman Help! 56438 Hose Connector 5/8"" Mt "": Automotive (Was $4.99 and free Prime add on until I bought the last one).

Thanks for the tips! This will allow me more time to research reputable HVAC shops in the area.
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Old 08-10-2015, 12:15 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steined View Post
To save people time, a piece of 1/2" copper tubing cannot be made to fit the 5/8" heater hose, at least not with my level of skills, tools, or patience! Save your time and efforts!

I have this ready for tomorrow: Amazon.com: Dorman Help! 56438 Hose Connector 5/8"" Mt "": Automotive (Was $4.99 and free Prime add on until I bought the last one).

Thanks for the tips! This will allow me more time to research reputable HVAC shops in the area.
If you again read my suggestion on the copper pipe, I said, "that will fit the inside diameter of your heater hoses" In my local home centers I can buy 12" sections of copper pipe in 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1" sizes. Sorry if you purchased or attempted to use 1/2", I could have told you it would would be too small.
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Old 08-10-2015, 04:37 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BFlinn181 View Post
If you again read my suggestion on the copper pipe, I said, "that will fit the inside diameter of your heater hoses" In my local home centers I can buy 12" sections of copper pipe in 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1" sizes. Sorry if you purchased or attempted to use 1/2", I could have told you it would would be too small.
No worries! I learned for the next time! I had no idea if the 5/8" reading was ID/OD, or what. So I bought a few different sizes, none ended up working. I should have taken the extra 10 minutes to disconnect the hose from the water control valve and taken it with me.

Live and learn!
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Old 08-11-2015, 11:49 PM   #10
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The 5/8" doorman / HELP hose connector worked perfectly. I had to take the longer hoses off of the control valve to complete the bypass as the shorter ones running to the heater core didn't have enough length to get the appropriate radius. In a pinch, a couple of these and some 5/8" hose might not be a bad idea in the case of a burst hose or leaking heater core! Thanks everyone for words of wisdom!
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