Community Forums

Brucebwp2 · 05-03-2019, 10:40 PM

So I have a 79 Corsair with a top mount Duo Therm AC Unit. It runs and the compressor kicks on but is out of freon. I was told by previous owner it was to old to be filled but when I took the cover off there is a fill saddle valve on it and was wondering if this is on the high or low side.

guardrail53 · 05-03-2019, 11:00 PM

If someone put that refill saddle on a long time ago, as it looks, the unit had a leak and they chose to refill as to replace!

You could try to add some correct refrigerant and see if it will blow cold? Worth a shot I guess, but you will end up replacing the unit in the long run! Up to you? Rail!

Brucebwp2 · 05-04-2019, 05:22 AM

I will try and see if it will work, maybe some stop leak in it. Thanks.

bruceisla · 05-04-2019, 05:46 AM

Your problem is that vintage probably used R22 refrigerant .... ther should be a tag/label near the compressor. R22 is extremely expensive these days.
About $80 per can.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Virgin-R-22...EAAOSwARZXjm56

Sweetbriar · 05-04-2019, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

Your problem is that vintage probably used R22 refrigerant .... ther should be a tag/label near the compressor. R22 is extremely expensive these days.
About $80 per can.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Virgin-R-22...EAAOSwARZXjm56

That was my first thought also. Might be best to retire the the original and find something a bit more recent to replace it.

Soppy · 05-04-2019, 06:27 AM

I wouldn't even waste my time trying to repair a unit that old. Wasted a lot of time trying to fix my A/C on my 77 Class C. After filling with it , I discovered the compressor was no good. It will require R22 or possible R12 which can get very expensive. The saddle valve is an add on and they have a prone to leaking. I would just replace it with a new unit.

Brucebwp2 · 05-04-2019, 11:14 AM

What about converting it to r134?

Steve & Bunny · 05-04-2019, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebwp2

What about converting it to r134?

That,s not even an option. If these ACs are low on refrigerant they need to be replaced. As others were saying the unit probably requires r22, which, due to environmental concerns is difficult/expensive to source. A new unit will be quieter, more efficient and more effective.
Sorry for the bad news.
Steve

Soppy · 05-05-2019, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebwp2

What about converting it to r134?

Components in the system would have to be replaced. Would probably coast more than a new unit. Not worth the trouble.

Brucebwp2 · 05-05-2019, 04:39 PM

How would I find out what kind of unit to replace it with? I need a good cheap option the previous owner of the camper said they looked into it an would cost 2,000 to replace. I see some on eBay for around 500.

Steve & Bunny · 05-05-2019, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebwp2

How would I find out what kind of unit to replace it with? I need a good cheap option the previous owner of the camper said they looked into it an would cost 2,000 to replace. I see some on eBay for around 500.

Any AC that is for RV roof mount will fit, they're a standard 14" square. In addition to the AC you will need to purchase the appropriate ceiling unit, which mounts inside and contains the controls. If you have a ducted unit this will be different than if it's just a direct vent. Not difficult, except for the fact that the roof unit is about 100#.
Steve