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Cruiseair Compressor
Hello all,
I am checking in for some advice on our 1997 Liberty Elegant Lady. We have a loud knocking noise in one of our compressor units. It is still working, but it is so loud,and vibrates so much that it sounds like the generator is running when it is on. I am embarrassed to run it in a park, and it will soon be too hot to function on three units! I suspect that it is in the fan/and/or motor. Our other 3 compressor units are purring along just fine. I am no HVAC mechanic, but I did remove the access panels to the unit, and it is the very bottom, front unit, and is the compressor unit for the aft cooling system. Because of it’s location, it is the dirtiest unit by far, because of it’s close proximity to the road. Because of the age of the unit, and being the most “road and ground abused” by the years, I am thinking perhaps I should just have it replaced, rather than repaired? I spoke to the folks at AAP this morning about pricing and shipping of a refurbished unit ( a new unit is $1500 higher, and must be ordered. Refurbished units are in stock).
I will have to find somebody locally to do the work, and I am not comfortable trusting somebody to replace several parts, and then need to replace the unit anyway (that seems to usually be my luck). Perhaps I would be better off taking our bus to a repair shop that does this frequently, rather than having a local guy do it? Any suggestions of reputable shops for this type of work within a reasonable distance of the Hot Springs/Little Rock, AR area? Perhaps where I could stay with the bus a day or two while it is being repaired? Any other advice? It looks like a huge job just getting the unit out of it’s location!
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6 Replies
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ETLC (Jeff Rowe) in Vonore, Tenn. Geo.
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I second what Geo recommends
You’re 590 miles from Jeff Rowe at East Tennessee Luxury Coach. I’m another 100 miles further away and I’d take it to Jeff.
He knows CAs inside out, is skilled with all Prevost conversions, and actually worked for Liberty Coach.
The only alternative that would cause me to have it done locally, is if I found a local CA expert. They might be around, especially at a marine/yacht/houseboat facility. That said, my first inclination would be to go to Jeff.
It looks like your trip to Vonore would be really pretty, especially in the spring. While you’re at ETLC there likely are other things that Jeff and his team could look at on your coach.
Give Jeff a call.
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Sam,
Unless something has changed the refurbished condensing unit will come pre-charged. To replace an existing one is fairly simple and only involves disconnecting the power cord, removing the screws around the plywood base and breaking the two refrigeration connections.
The new unit goes in as easy as the old one comes out.
You will need a local refrigeration guy to then vacuum the evaporator side of the system, then open the valve and allow the R22 refrigerant to flow and possibly add a very small amount of R22 to maximize the performance of the system.
You may have to kiss some ass to get a local guy to do the refrigeration side of it once you have it installed but once they see what is involved they have no problems. Try not to say the word RV, and emphasize it is easy to get at and just requires basic knowledge because it is not anything complicated.
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Thanks for the quick replies!
Jon, you make it sound too easy! My knuckles would bleed for a month!
I am waiting on a return call from Jeff at ETLC. I spoke with Kim by phone there earlier today. I need to get a new satellite TV system installed, and have a few phantom electrical glitches that I need help with, too. Perhaps I can get it all done at one place and time. I will let you guys know. Thanks so much, once again!
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Sam, good choice…Jeff can do everything you need and its one of the most fun and relaxed ways of parting with your money. That area is beautiful this time of year and say hello to Buddy. Geo.
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I agree with Geo because if you have a shopping list of things to deal with the trip is well justified.
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