-
A/C compressor & clutch frozen – belts snapped
Colleagues,
My (driver’s) air conditioner compressor seized, and has taken out the
compressor clutch with it, snapping its two drive belts, which unfortunately
also drive the (small, engine battery) alternator.I just arrived at a campground in NJ across from Philadelphia, staying here
until Tuesday morning (at least, that was the plan…).No one locally will come the the site and work on the a/c compressor, so I
think the best bet is to jury-rig a set of belts (shorter) that just drive the
alternator so I can get somewhere that repairs are possible. I’ve plugged into
shore power, and have run a line to the battery tender charger that will top off
the engine batteries for now. I was told that I couldn’t make it more than 6-7
hours on the batteries before issues arose; that would be possible, but having
to make 5 hour segments (to have reserve) and the parking with power going would
be a tad inconvenient.What is the wisdom of the group?
Questions:
1. Can I safely bypass the a/c compressor (assuming I can find two belts
that work) and just motor home without driver a/c?2. Anyone know of Philly-area service centers that are likely to be able to
help?3. Anyone know the replacement Country Coach a/c compressor manufacturer,
and model, as it does not have any markings visible that I can find.Thanks to you all!
-
13 Replies
-
Shouldn’t be an issue bypassing a/c compressor to run alternator assuming the algebra of the belt angles works.
If I understand correctly, the alternator in question is a 24 volt alternator servicing the chassis batts only. What’s the voltage of the house batts/alternator? Chassis and house batts could possibly be hooked together if both 24 volt.
Assuming house charges, you should have 115 from inverters. Is it possible to hook up a small batt charger to charge chassis batts from 115? Obviously everything would have to be well secured to avoid shorts.
-
Joel
I do have the inverter (110v) power and have a power line that is going back to the batter charger / tender for the bus batteries (it is a “genius” charger that charges 24v or 12v). The challenge would be going down the road with an extension cord from the middle bay (closest 110 outlet) externally to the battery area (rear)… Not sure that would be desirable!
So, I think I’ll just work on getting the bypass-size belts and run the alternator only until I get to a real place for service.
Thanks!
So, I think I’ll just work on getting the bypass-size belts and run the alternator only until I get to a real place for service.
Thanks! -
Sure you don’t have a 115 outlet in engine bay? block heater?
I do agree the bypass belt system would be easier if the logistics work out.
-
Joel,
There is the block heater outlet, which I could turn on, but that also turns on the block heater (as best I can tell), which would not be so good.
In my Country Coach, the block heater button is required to be on to activate power out of that outlet, but I guess I can go in and remove the wire to the block heater…
So, great suggestion!
Thanks again!!!
-
Hmmm, only if your block htr gets power through the inverters…may not work when not plugged in or on gen.
-
Joel,
Sounds like replacement belts are the best choice, then.
-
Mike, There are Belt nos. to by-pass the a/c compressor(I think they’re 86″) on a CC. We always carried them with us and they got used more than once. There is a thread on here or on POG with those belt nos. Pretty sure Gil knows them.
-
Mike, I believe the NAPA# is B-85. That will by-pass your OTR compressor. Geo.
-
Bypassing the AC is good advice and no downside. Just have to get the right length belts which you can do with a tape measure.
Better by far to have the alternator working than trying to keep the chassis batteries charged via inverter or generator.
-
Corey & Jon,
Thanks, the part number from Napa matches the measurements I just took (88″ external circumference), and they will be available in the store tomorrow.
Yea!!
Jon,
This points to the PC mobile app desirability, as the expertise here is really great and quick responses (mobile enabled) would have made for an even better experience (as great as it was).
Again, thanks to all who responded. You’ve been a great help.
Mike
-
That is the CC OTR compressor and it can be replaced with a Valeo TM 31 compressor.
Just about anybody the works on buses or school buses can work on this one.
Mine is a 12 volt clutch and takes 2 B94 or B93 belts, depending on how much adjustment you have in the compressor mounting.
Takes around 6 pounds of R134A
-
Right on Charlles, about to say that…but even a greater problem…..at least on my CC the alternator that you see below the A/C is for the vehicle. CC uses the biggun for the House………… Also have you tried hosing down the clutch assembly with penetrating oil…….I do think that if the power is pulled from the clutch (control for the OTR CC style A/C) that it may spin freely….then you can use the correct belts although as I recall even then they are a royal PITA to change.
-
Mike my 2002 CC uses an SCS compressor model # 971Y837366. Charles post is right on the money.
Log in to reply.