Community Forums

Dwd40 · 07-28-2017, 09:57 AM

My 2014 Aspire has had dash A/C issues since new. It has been losing coolant, and after several attempts to diagnose the leak, the coolant hose was determined to be the culprit. Does anyone know if this is a one-piece hose from one end of the coach to the other, and if so, how is it routed in order to replace it? Also, would this be covered by the chassis warranty or is it considered under the coach warranty?

Ann n Gene · 07-28-2017, 10:07 AM

I would guess it is a Spartan issue. Yes it is one piece and runs inside the frame rail enclused in a covering with wiring, air lines etc. that box is full but a new line can be pulled through in the process of removing the old one.

Nowabeachbum · 07-28-2017, 10:38 AM

A leak can be found by putting dye in the system and using an ultraviolet light along all the components. Where it effervesces, is where the leak is. It is very unusual to find a leak in the middle of the hose unless it has been rubbed. These lines have an inner lining. Leaks are typically where the fittings are. Bad orings, poor crimp, etc. Make absolutely sure the leak is where they say it is. There should be no guess work. Also hoses can be repaired by cutting the line and adding an inline splice. It would require a handheld crimper which all ac repair shops have.

brobox · 07-28-2017, 02:14 PM

Warranty....Spartan on compressor only for 3 years..
Entegra A/C unit for 2 years.

waterboy10 · 07-28-2017, 02:29 PM

We had the same problem with our 13 Aspire. The problem was at the end of the hose where it attached to the metal fitting. Call Don in customer service and he can explain the fix for you. We took the coach to a truck refrigeration company as they had the special tools to reattach a new fitting to the line. We had no further issues after the repair.

Dwd40 · 07-28-2017, 07:11 PM

Thanks for responses. It is now in Crestview RV in Georgetown, Texas awaiting the hose repair. Their estimate is around $1,200, and I'm guessing that most of that is labor. I had already suggested that a new fitting might be installed on the motor end of the hose, which is where the leak is. It appears to be accessible, but they're telling me that they need to pull the entire hose in order for it to be repaired. Truth be told, I'm just tired of being yanked around by repair shops who don't seem to be worried about customer satisfaction. They only seem to care about their bottom line. At this point, after dealing with this issue since the coach was new, I'm just ready to be done with it.

Dutch Star David · 07-28-2017, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwd40

Thanks for responses. It is now in Crestview RV in Georgetown, Texas awaiting the hose repair. Their estimate is around $1,200, and I'm guessing that most of that is labor. I had already suggested that a new fitting might be installed on the motor end of the hose, which is where the leak is. It appears to be accessible, but they're telling me that they need to pull the entire hose in order for it to be repaired. Truth be told, I'm just tired of being yanked around by repair shops who don't seem to be worried about customer satisfaction. They only seem to care about their bottom line. At this point, after dealing with this issue since the coach was new, I'm just ready to be done with it.

I hear you, brother. My dash A/C blower is bad. Have to remove the whole dash to access it, I'm told. Horrible engineering IMHO. Over a grand to fix. This is mid 1970's GM quality.

ddgilmore · 07-28-2017, 07:31 PM

Dwd40... I have a 13Aspire and experienced the same issue(2 weeks ago). A/C shop in Visalia, CA., "Roger Vogt" specializes in RV and general A/C repair. The tech had to access the compressor thru the bedroom cover. A new hose was fabricated along with a new coupling on top of the compressor was installed. He added 2.5 gallons of refrigerant, pressure tested, no leaks!! Just took a 370 mile trip today, Redding, CA. 106 deg. A/C worked flawlessly... 46 degrees coming out of dash vents... BTW $901. ..I'm of course out warranty, and extended warranty did not cover the repair ..SUPRISE..[emoji23][emoji23].. Brobox provided excellent counsel, in that he recommended stay away from running a new hose through the frame, too many obstacles..they would've ran a new hose OUTSIDE the frame, but $$$$ ... done with rant.. what do you do, [emoji817] plus temp.. you roast [emoji35][emoji35]

Dwd40 · 07-28-2017, 08:41 PM

Thanks! That gives me some hope that there is a solution. We have a trip planned soon after the repair, so we should soon know how successful they are with mine. I envy all of these guys we encounter thru this forum who have the skills and knowledge to take care of so many of these problems themselves!

ddgilmore · 07-28-2017, 11:11 PM

I agree!!!! I'm like Tim the tool man, give me a screwdriver and I'll burn it down..[emoji12]

hogdriver · 07-29-2017, 06:25 AM

Dwd40

I had the same failure. In my case the high pressure hose abraided on the frame near the engine. A Entegra dealer worked on it but discovered the entire 50 foot hose would need replacing. It winds in and out of the frame and lower compartments. The dealer said it was a PITA. We departed no A/C n trip, and suffered 90 Deb Southern heat while they tried to get a replacement from the factory. Finally the dealer offered to get a on site hose repair guy to splice the old hose. We returned and the guy successfully spliced the hose. Maybe not perfect, but it still works.

I think I have had every O-ring, gasket, and valve replaced in my dash AC. I have had about 6-7 recharges. Finally this spring the compressor failed and was replaced (the last day of warranty) and I'm finally cooling now for the first 6 month period in three years of ownership.

I don't know who Entegra paid to install their Evans TempCon systems in 2014 but they need a new line of work.

brobox · 07-29-2017, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogdriver

Dwd40

I don't know who Entegra paid to install their Evans TempCon systems in 2014 but they need a new line of work.

X2 I have never heard of so many dash unit on any make, year or model having as many failures as the 2014's. Mine quit on the way home from our PDI, just out of warranty.

Evens Tempcon said "we made it" I am going to take Gary's advise and learn to do my own trouble shooting and partial service. He has been a big help!

Dwd, the question will probably come up from your service guys, our units take 2.5 pounds of refrigerant. Seems like many of them want to over charge these units becasue of the size. My truck shop thought they took 4 or 5 pounds.

Dwd40 · 07-29-2017, 12:34 PM

One of the few things that I did know was how much refrigerant it held. Thanks for info though! I've got my fingers crossed for a successful repair....and unfortunately, swallow the cost!

Nowabeachbum · 07-29-2017, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwd40

One of the few things that I did know was how much refrigerant it held. Thanks for info though! I've got my fingers crossed for a successful repair....and unfortunately, swallow the cost!

What's interesting is Entegra has had a few variations of air conditioning systems, specifically where they mounted the condenser and that changes the refrigerant capacity of the system. In early 2014, I believe, they went from a radiator mounted condenser to a front mounted free standing condenser.
Also I agree with Hogdriver, 2014 was not a great year for Entegra dash air, among other things, mostly simply because of implementation!
It's all about learning curves, many think that Entegra actually tests this stuff and are surprised when things fail! The reality is the production numbers are so small, they talk to their suppliers and wet their thumb and stick it in the air. We are the crash test dummies! Hopefully it continues to mostly work out for us!