Split A/C

[Airbag]

I have disassembled the compressor section into it's sub assemblies and cleaned it. Straightened the bent fins on the coil. I think I am ready to start installing it. My plan is to put the compressor section in the engine bay on the starboard side. Run the wires and tubing straight up into the rear bedroom area and then mount the evaporator just in front of the bedroom and duct it to the bedroom and the front of the bus. I am hoping to use hose instead of tubing in the engine compartment and tubing in the cabin.

The system is designed to use R-22 but I hope it could be converted to the newer juice. Any thoughts, booby traps, do's and don'ts?

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Rick,

Great Project!   

Direct drop in with the least amount of trouble is R-417a, it can be used without changing any components or oils.

Good Luck
Nick-

[luvrbus]

Rick, that looks like a Crusiair unit and it will not work in a engine compartment too much heat they need to be mounted where they have a good air flow.I had to build a encloser for mine to keep the heat away out of the 3 I have in my bus the one in the engine compartment was the only one that ever gave a problem till I figured that out.Marathon Prevost's had the same problem along with other converters mounting the unit close to the engine and over the years Crusiair got a bad rap from the owners because the way they were mounted.Nick can probably tell you how to check and make sure the unit is for land use and not water (marine) use. 

good luck

[edroelle]

Rick,

I did this with my previous conversion.  Actually, I separated an inexpensive window air conditioner.  I had no problem and it worked excellent.  However, I detailed the system to get this performance.   I sealed the condenser to the door and drew air in through a grille in the door and exhausted it in a large duct downward, so that the engine heat was not transmitted to the condenser coil.  I also insulated it for the same reason.  I did not change from the R22.

Ed Roelle
Flint, MI

[Airbag]

This is great information and I can learn from the mistakes of others. The unit I am installing is a Duo Therm built specifically for land use RV's. Would it work if the box was sealed and drew it's air from outside the engine compartment discharging into the engine compartment?

Nick I will go with the R-417a. Thanks

[TomC]

Only with the engine shut down.  The big engine radiator fan will create too much pressure inside the engine compartment for that little A/C fan to pull across the fins.  If you're only going to use it when parked, then OK.  Good Luck, TomC

[Airbag]

Only with the engine shut down.  The big engine radiator fan will create too much pressure inside the engine compartment for that little A/C fan to pull across the fins.  If you're only going to use it when parked, then OK.  Good Luck, TomC

Thanks Tom
I suspected that but you confirmed my fear.

[JohnEd]

Intake AND exhaust thru the same door.  Works for the furnaces!!!!  You can do it!!!!(funny clip)

John

[JackConrad]

Compartment sealed from engine compartment with intake through the door and discharge through the Floor??  Jack

[JohnEd]

I don't think there is much positive pressure in that engine compartment.  Couldn't be much more than that in a gazebo, anyway.

John

[JackConrad]

When we installed an aux. transmission cooler in the passenger side engine compartment door, we wired the fan to pull outside air in through the cooler. The fan overheated and cut out.  I rewired the fan to blow out and it has worked fine since then.  On our MC-8, those 2 squirrel cage fans move a lot of air, I think the big single fan blades on the Eagle, GM, Prevost also move a tremendous amount of air.  Jack

[luvrbus]

They do move a lot of air Jack I have a 30" 16 blade fan on my Eagle that little fan on the unit would not stand a chance.             good luck

[Airbag]

I think I found a home for it under the driver. It has good clearance all around and there should be plenty of air flow. It took me all morning to prepare the area it was filthy and the floor was bent. Had to move my airhorn and washer bottle that did not work anyway. Is there a good place to buy prefab ducting with those small registers for RVs, I have been looking and have not found a source.



The air horns were a mess but after cleaning they looked pretty good so I put them on the outside.