Community Forums

H. Miller · 03-11-2010, 05:58 AM

The engine driven compressor puts out cold freon to the front. Up front the vacuum system does not open/close the vents in the a/c mode (heat mode seems to work) The vacuum pump works and all lines are connected.
So I get the manufacturers name and proceed to call them in hopes of obtaining a trouble shooting guide..... they're out of business!! And just recently! Their website says 45 years in biz. Poof they're gone.
SCS/Frigette RIP
At least their website still lists local (mostly trucking) concerns that were representatives and one of those is willing to check the system. We'll see how that works out.

bldrbob · 03-11-2010, 06:46 AM

If it like mine there is a small vacuum pump that operates the valves. It pops the fuse so no vacuum. Where it is located it is almost impossible to work on.I got tired of changing the fuse so tied the damper open with a wire tie.
BOB

Retired and Happy · 03-11-2010, 07:56 AM

Could be a vacuum leak somewhere? Mine got disconnected during some maintenance last summer. it defaulted to the defrost mode so I always had warm air hitting the windshield and heating the cockpit unless the unit was turned off.

H. Miller · 03-11-2010, 01:06 PM

Bob & Ken,
Our vac. pump is in plain view. Can hear it while it's on. Comes on about every 2 minutes and "builds vacuum" for 10-15 seconds - then off.
Bob, how did you get to the "damper"?
Thanks.

bldrbob · 03-11-2010, 08:55 PM

The dampers on my Tradewinds are located under the dash accessed from inside .Think thin and follow the ducts.
BOB

jeepfreak · 03-14-2010, 08:43 AM

I think you have a vacuum leak. the pump shouldn't be cycling that much. It should be holding the vacuum until you change to another position. I would check for a cracked hose.

wolfer · 03-14-2010, 11:23 AM

I have a 94 Safari Sahara which is much older than your beaver but I recently fixed an issue. I have also replaced the pump a few years ago. On mine the pump is on a crossmember under the bed in the engine compartment. You can hear it when you turn the key on. My dash vacuum would not function from defrost to dash to floor but the pump was creating vacuum. I found a small pot under the hood in front left hand side. (round Plastic) that has a hose that had come off. Works good now.

EngineerMike · 03-14-2010, 12:00 PM

It is not uncommon to have a vacuum leak, but w/the vac cycling only every coupla minutes, I'd say there is enough vacuum to operate the mode shifts. If the modes don't shift, there is a problem w/the switch (this is unusual tho not unheard of as the switches are pure mechanical).

Not changing from hot to cold seems to be the problem. That is usually a mixer valve setup, which is likely a vacuum operated switch behind/under the dash some place that will let cold into the up front heat exchanger when you switch to AC or MaxAC settings. The gizmo will have a vacuum line to it on one side, and linkage to move a lever on the other side of the vacuum pot. If there is a vacuum leak to the switch it won't open the valve; if there is full vacuum maybe the valve is stuck. Sometimes a stuck valve can be rehabilitated at least for a while by cleaning & lubrication.

H. Miller · 03-16-2010, 01:24 PM

Thanks folks... Have several things to check but just now it's raining in Austin, TX!!! Manana.

wolfer · 03-16-2010, 11:33 PM

Again my coach is a 94 Safari but there is a cable that runs thru the dash to a water valve on the heater hose that cuts off the hot water to the dash and allows your air conditioning to work. My cable end slipped on the water valve and would not close it all the way and I thought I had lost my air conditioning but shortened up the cable and re tightened the clamp higher on the water valve on the heater hose and air came back and the pipe to air conditioning iced up like it should but the air pot I was talking about on my coach is on the left side by the heater fan under the hood it is round and black in color with a rubber vacuum line to it.