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OTR AC hose problem
I recently purchased a 1990 Matathon conversion that had sat for the last 6 years. The OTR AC was not working, but it showed it had been updated to the R134. I figured it was an easy fix, probably a leak. It has many leaks.The local Freightliner shop is saying the three main hoses under the bus need to be changed because none of the hoses were changed when the upgrade was done and the leak is over the fuel tank. They say the fuel tank needs to be removed to replace the hoses. Does anyone know if this sounds correct? they say 20 hours of labor plus the hoses. Any feedback would be great. Does anyone know of a good serv in Las Vegas?
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8 Replies
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Craig,
I assume you’re talking about dash air and not Prevost OTR. Back when I had my 94 Liberty I researched changing the dash air over to 134 from R12. The correct way was to change out the hoses as you described. It was a very expensive project and I chose to continue with R12 and kept freon in stock. I don’t remember the details, but seems the 134 needed Barrier hoses. Some just took the easy way out and changed out the dryer, compressor and expansion valves and hoped for the best. That may be what you are now up against.
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Tom
Yes, it is the dash air & bus air. I am still learning all of the lingo. I agree with your thoughts. I am trying to see if the fuel tank removal and time estimate are good or if the repair shop is talking it up. Thanks for your input. I am sure there are many more adventures getting this bus up and running
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Seems like Prevost estimated 6000 bucks for change over on my 91 a few years back when we bought our coach. Don’t remember all they changed but do know they put new hoses on compressor in engine compartment. over 3 years ago and still cooling. Don’t think ac guy changed to front.
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My 1991 Prevost OTR was change out by ABC Bus in 2008. since the previous owner did the change I do not know what all was changed. It was working when I bought but started showing low freon after a few months. I have had it charged the last 2 years and this spring we replaced the compressor pulley seal and it still leaked out after 2 months. I am taking it back next week to see where the leaks are and if they can be fixed. I don’t want to spend a fortune on the bus A/C but it sure is nice when it works. No generator or noisy roof unit.
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Tom,
Leaking that fast it is almost certain it is carrying compressor oil with it. With a little effort and patience you can see just about all potential areas of leakage. Look for an oily residue. As you are aware the seal behind the clutch is common, but I found fittings in my condenser bay leaking by finding a bit of dirty oil residue.
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Thanks Jon.
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Is there any way to see the freon hoses where they go on the evaporator coil for the OTR?? I am still on r12 but i think all of the hose ends have small leaks where the ends are attached coz they all have the dirty oil look even though the system has never been recharged yet. Cooled good last year after sitting15years but now empty.
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Well, I got my coach back today. $6,000 later most of the hoses have been changed and the coach air seems to work. Origainally they said the fuel tank needed to be removed to get to the leak in the hoses. They since revised that and only needed to remove the cooling side of the the unit. The fuel tank does not come out. As long as it hold R- I will be happy.
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