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thechinpen · 07-01-2016, 12:47 PM

I have an 02 Journey DL that only cools to about 78, I need to find out how to check the freon...or find out who can work on it.........Coleman Mach unit,

BFlinn181 · 07-01-2016, 01:09 PM

First, it's not freon, that's a trademark of the Dupont Co. for refrigerants that aren't used in modern cooling systems. Second, usually the systems are sealed, they don't have ports to hook up gauges or add more refrigerant. An A/C technician would have to tap into the system, evacuate all the refrigerant and then replace with the proper amount.

Many folks with basement A/C units report that their cooling issues are improved by repairing and resealing the ducts leading up the back of the RV into the overhead. Those in behind the rear cap seem especially prone to not being sealed and allow much leakage of air flow and outside warmer air drawn in.

LookAtUSNow · 07-01-2016, 02:14 PM

Agree with bflinn181.

You can go to the Coleman/Mach website to find a list of repair companies. If you know a residential ac guy, you might try to talk them and explain you have residential unit and not a rooftop. There are some good reads on IRV2 with picks on installing valves to service the system in the future. We opted to replace our 15 year old basement unit.

1ciderdog · 07-02-2016, 12:32 PM

I'd suggest you put a thermometer at/in the return air vent for about five minutes with the AC running on maximum, then move the thermometer to an air outlet - if the difference is about 18 -20 degrees that's about all you can expect from the basement air conditioner.

BFlinn181 · 07-02-2016, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

I'd suggest you put a thermometer at/in the return air vent for about five minutes with the AC running on maximum, then move the thermometer to an air outlet - if the difference is about 18 -20 degrees that's about all you can expect from the basement air conditioner.

I agree with 1ciderdog, but I'd suggest measuring the output temperature closer to the A/C unit. If you get the 18-20º drop there, but not at the outlets in the roof, then you'll know the A/C is doing it's best but the duct work needs sealing.

**Lt Dan** · 07-02-2016, 09:47 PM

I agree with Bob that it could be the ductwork. I had to re-seal the vertical duct that comes off the back of the unit and goes up to the roof on our Itasca. There was major separation on the corners. I don't think I ever did get it perfect as I could not reach all the way up, but I did manage to get most of it using the aluminum air conditioning tape.

charles tuit · 07-03-2016, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechinpen

I have an 02 Journey DL that only cools to about 78, I need to find out how to check the freon...or find out who can work on it.........Coleman Mach unit,

Before calling AC repair their are several things you can do to assure your system is operating correctly. Most problems are with the duct system that runs up from the unit to the roof outlets. This duct is behind the rear cap. Go under the coach and look up to see if their is a separation of the duct system. You can also remove the passenger side sheet metal panel that holds the engine access door rubber bumper. You will then be able to reseal any leaks with aluminum duct tape. I used a stick with a paint pad attached to clean and then apply the tape.

After that use a thermometer to check inlet and outlet temperature variation. It should be approximately 20 degrees differential.

Good luck.

LookAtUSNow · 07-03-2016, 07:13 AM

when I replaced mine I wasn't to happy with the way it was insulated around the unit or the duct work. I slid the unit back out and put a new rubber seal on the intake or return box to seal it from outside air contaminants. I also sealed all around the box where ther were gaps and I could feel air. On the duct itself I used the 1/4" thick x 12" wide role of insulated, sticky sided foam with a silver outside reflective surface tape, (not sure what it's called, Home Depot Hvac section). I covered as far up the duct as I could reach. I can still feel cold air coming from the top of the duct work tha I need to repair once I determine how to get to the top. It is upper 90's here, I can cool to 72 with no problem.