Community Forums

oneknight · 05-19-2023, 06:05 PM

I was checking under the hood today, topped off the coolant, examined the serpentine belt, and noticed the a/c compressor belt was gone!
This tied in nicely with our noticing the dash air was not very effective the last couple trips... Lol.

For grins, I grabbed a hold of the clutch and tried to turn it.
I get just over half a revolution easy, and it just stops!

The pulley/clutch spins free as it should.
I've never tried to turn an a/c compressor before. Should it just turn?
Is it seized?
Should I buy a new belt and see what happens, or did the seizing of the compressor cause the belt to depart?

RVFunlovers · 05-19-2023, 06:35 PM

I am not a mechanic but I think it should turn with a little force.

Of course a new belt is low cost. New compressor is not.

On my 17 after the second time my dash air died I just used the generator and roof HVAC units.

Unplanned Tourist · 05-19-2023, 06:45 PM

It should turn. As perssure goes up it will be a little harder, but still turn. Sounds like a problem inside the compressor. Me mindfull about running it if the compressor is coming apart. Debris will contaminate your AC system! Best to pull the lines off and take a look before trying another belt.

LETMGROW · 05-19-2023, 06:56 PM

No doubt you need a new compressor but Re-Man compressors aren't all that expensive. Add in a new Receiver-Dryer, have the system evacuated, add oil and recharge the system.
Why run a generator and put the wear and tear on it when your A.C. compressor is being driven by an engine which is already running as opposed to running another engine and consuming more fuel and more periodic oil changes plus the wear and tear on the generator?

LETMGROW · 05-19-2023, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unplanned Tourist

It should turn. As perssure goes up it will be a little harder, but still turn. Sounds like a problem inside the compressor. Me mindfull about running it if the compressor is coming apart. Debris will contaminate your AC system! Best to pull the lines off and take a look before trying another belt.

WHOA!
Don't even think about pulling a line off that compressor unless you know what you are doing. If there are no leaks the system could be under pressure and when the gas and fluid comes spraying out of a line it can freeze anything in it's path including your hands and eyes. This system should be discharged by a qualified technician who knows what they are doing and has the proper equipment to do it safely.
This is not child's play!

bevandtomH · 05-19-2023, 07:35 PM

I’m in Hal’s camp on this. Two failed repairs is enough that I will not chase this one.
Turning on the generator and running front and or middle ac’s does the job, and gives the generator its exercise.

donr103 · 05-19-2023, 07:37 PM

If belt is missing.. and you have never repaired a/c before.. just take it to a shop and let them make repairs.. there are many good repair books out there and you should have one in your rv library.. don't just put a belt on it.. you could cause much more damage.. I can't see make and model and yr of your rv.. but sounds like to me.. you need a new compressor and complete system service..
Good luck and keep us posted

Angelo · 05-19-2023, 07:45 PM

I know there have been discussions about extended warranties, well my dash a/c failed, the belt was fried and missing, just finely sifted rubber was all that remained, well I spent $5486.00 for an extended service contract, let me tell you that's the best money I have ever spent, quote unquote, it was for 5 years or 50K which ever comes first, now I have had little to no issues with my 2014 Anthem 44B, normal stull, but in the last 6 months the Garard failed, $2200.00 to fix that, the radiator failed, $7400.00, the navigation and radio failed $1800.00 to fix that, dash a/c compressor locked up $3900.00 to fix that, now my slides went crazy, curb side front extended itself, the drivers front slide kept retracting and bucking the whole slide that it has loosened all the bolts on the center motor, ruined the slide guides and who knows what else, Thank God for Beaver Coach Sales in Bend, Oregon, also the refrigerator compressor was replaced in 2021 in Davis by La Mesa RV, if you do the a/c by your self there are a lot of universal parts that Spartan uses when the assy, I would definitely get a new a/c compressor, flush system, replace dries and expansion valve, Good Luck

Unplanned Tourist · 05-19-2023, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

WHOA!
Don't even think about pulling a line off that compressor unless you know what you are doing. If there are no leaks the system could be under pressure and when the gas and fluid comes spraying out of a line it can freeze anything in it's path including your hands and eyes. This system should be discharged by a qualified technician who knows what they are doing and has the proper equipment to do it safely.
This is not child's play!

Good point. I have worked on AC systems for years, and forget that lots of people don't know the ins and outs about automotive AC systems.

If there's 134A in the system, just crack a line and let the pressure drain off. The complete system will have to be evacuated for a couple of hours after repairs are done and oil checked as well. We always used nitrogen to pressurize and check for leaks after repiars were done as well.

brobox · 05-20-2023, 05:21 AM

I had that unfortunate experience, the compressor was locked up and had to be changed. If your does not spin freely, it is as mine was. I was fortunate to find I truck/RV shop in Travers City MI that really knew what they were doing. First time since new the AC really worked and stayed working.

The AC on my 21 is out for the 3rd time. First two were under warranty, this one is on me.

brobox · 05-20-2023, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unplanned Tourist

It should turn. As perssure goes up it will be a little harder, but still turn. Sounds like a problem inside the compressor. Me mindfull about running it if the compressor is coming apart. Debris will contaminate your AC system! Best to pull the lines off and take a look before trying another belt.

If the compressor blew, the system is already contaminated. Pulling a line off is not only illegal, it can be dangerous, terrible for the environment and one of the reason refrigerant is not 99¢ a can anymore. We are all paying for the EPA's involvement.

Mwoodofd · 05-20-2023, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

one of the reason refrigerate is not 99¢ a can anymore

That's correct, was quoted $200 a pound installed to put what mine needed, said I needed 2 pounds for one of the home units.

brobox · 05-20-2023, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mwoodofd

That's correct, was quoted $200 a pound installed to put what mine needed, said I needed 2 pounds for one of the home units.

I need a pound (one can) current price at Walmart $9.98, CRAZY!!! But your quote was really a markup. Once the EPA got involved, it's all over for the price of refrigerant.

garysfb · 05-22-2023, 08:15 AM

My '18 Anthem had exactly the same issue, belt gone and compressor frozen. Both NIRVC and Spartan quoted around $2K for the repairs. We run the genny for the roof A/C units, which we would do anyway to keep the coach cool for arrival, and put the dash air fan on recirc. It keeps us plenty cool even in 100 degree heat; and we'll never use $2K worth of diesel. The genny gets serviced once a year so no issues.