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rbguinn · 02-11-2018, 10:52 PM

Our compressor for our dash refrigerated air has a leaking front seal and I need to establish if there are replaceable seal parts available to repair the leak or if this repair will mean a new or rebuilt compressor.

Anyone know the make & model of the compressors Western RV installed in the 2003 Alpine Coaches? The numbers I have found on the compressor is as follows: 183T67255- bar code & 488-46030 and I have found no additional information beyond these numbers on the compressor.

I have given these numbers & pictures of the compressor to a company the local Camping World referred me to for repair of our dash air and they have not been able to provide me any information. I want to know the scope of the repairs that will need to be done before delivering our coach!!

If anyone can provide me the make & model information.....Thank You!!

Old Scout · 02-12-2018, 09:19 AM

....first thing is don't go to Camping World....challenges here is that is a lot of your typical auto repair places don't like to work on MHs. The A/C compressor on our 03 is a fairly standard automotive model--believe its like 16CFM. New ones usually go for less than $200. Don't think replacement seals is an option, nor are rebuilds base on price of new ones....believe any good A/C parts store can match yours--numbers may not help but side-by-side comparison should do it....This sort of repair often spoils $1000 or more--lots of labor to include replacing compressor, filter/dryer, expansion valve, and a system flush with new 134a.....

rbguinn · 02-13-2018, 12:41 AM

Old Scout,

Thank you for the information. About $1000 is about what it will take to repair the dash air according to the company locally I have communicated.
Best Regards,
rbguinn

Old Scout · 02-13-2018, 08:26 AM

....probably many brand of compressors on the market but Sanden and one other seem to be the go to brands--think both are made in Philippines??? Ref earlier discussions on our 03 wax valve fan controllers, our systems are subject to a lot 134a high pressure situations. You might also look at condition of all the A/C hoses in the engine compartment and all the hose connections [front/rear] of coach.....

EngineerMike · 02-15-2018, 12:31 PM

Try calling Richard Brackenbury, 913-515-1560 or email at richard@soldbyrichard.com
He is rumored to have taken over servicing parts that were sold by Acme Air Parts which was WRV's supplier at the build time of our coaches but is now defunct. Richard is funct.
If you get parts info please post your results

Old Scout · 02-15-2018, 07:42 PM

Yup--Richard is a great source for all things ACME A/C parts. However, the compressor on the 03 is a pretty generic automotive part...You can check out Richard's website at ACMEAIRPARTS.com [yes all caps] and see what he has in inventory. But again, a Sanden compressor, 16 CFM, with the right dimensions will likely work. The trick will be getting the pulley size/shaft extension from base, the geometry on the hose connections, and the base mounting points correct--dog ears for this application. Even then, you will see that WRV used a series of spacers to get mounting point aligned. This is why a side by side comparison of OEM and new compressor is best.
PS--this is a whole different discussion on the 425ISL A/C compressor.....

rbguinn · 02-16-2018, 04:13 PM

Engineer Mike & Old Scout,
Talked with Richard and he indicated the compressor on our coach is a Seltez (mfg), TM16 (model), a 10cu inch high capacity compressor and he sells them for $225. For $25 he can get the front seal. (He indicated it is dubious the seal will stand up as the shaft has to be perfect....which may be a reason the seal is leaking). He indicated for our 2003, it would be best to buy a compressor because of the age & normal wear of the compressor in our coach.
With bar code info (488-46030) I provided him from our compressor, he could IDed the compressor.
Thanks for responding to my post and the suggestion to call Richard (ACME).

rbguinn · 02-17-2018, 08:44 AM

Here is a business that sells the Seltec compressors & provides info:

Seltec TM-16HS With One Groove Pulley - Auto Air Online

If I need to buy one, it will be from Richard for $225.

Old Scout · 02-17-2018, 10:16 AM

Sounds like you have a good solution--seams a bit weird that TM16 model would be 10CI capacity???? For DIYers, I have worked on several vehicles with VintageAir. They do parts and components only, except for hi-end hot-rod installs here in Bracken Tx plant. As mentioned so many times over the years--lack of an AC interface for the 2003 and early coaches, with wax valve-equiped fan controls, results in frequent high 134a pressures. I would replace all 0-rings on the high pressure side, in addition to filter/dryer and expansion valve. Yes--it means a splice or a new hose but would consider replacing the short-run, hi-pressure hose from the compressor to the condenser--with added engine heat, its in the worst environment for failure in the future....a new compressor may aggravate existing weak points in the system.... good luck.