Dash Air

[Hard Headed Ken]

Dash Air

When I installed my Series 60 I removed the 05G bus compressor, but I still wanted the dash evaporator to work. I built custom fittings and connected the A/C compressor that was already mounted to the Series engine to the original bus refrigerant lines that ran up front to the dash evaporator. I used the original truck condenser and instead of mounting it in front of the radiator I built a shroud and mounted it where the original bus condenser was. I capped off the fittings that went to the large evaporator. I used two Hayden fans and wired them in series because 24 volts was already there for the original condenser fans. I order a fitting and line kit from Nostalgic Air. I had to adjust the expansion valve to get my pressures correct. Now I have very cold air from the dash vents (that's condensation on the outside of the windshield).. So using the large original lines works fine it just takes more refrigerant.  I know, I should have painted the fittings.

Ken








If you can't see the pictures try these these links

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9Xv0QOH_HT4QU5yR3EwenFSOTQ
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9Xv0QOH_HT4Rm5mak96cXZoYkE
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9Xv0QOH_HT4S2x2emZLUmlwU0k
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9Xv0QOH_HT4V000WThmUlZpWGs
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9Xv0QOH_HT4VDBSU3VBZWUxSU0
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9Xv0QOH_HT4VlBycTlyeURsQVk
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9Xv0QOH_HT4VnZBSXRLUnVlMW8

[crown]

 hi ken cant see the pictures thanks john

[Hard Headed Ken]

They don't show up on my phone, which is not unusual but they do show on my computer. Anyone able to see the pictures??

Ken

[garhawk]

Hi Ken,

Nope, can't see the pictures but, that's ok.  I saw the dirty lines at BK's.

[Hard Headed Ken]

I put some links up try that and let me know.

[rusty]

Ken, Thank You for this post. I have red dot components for the dash air on my 15. The one thing that I was not sure of is cooling the condensor with electric fans. I have two like yours. Now I can worry about something else as you have tested the fans for cooling.

Wayne

PS if I go slow enough you will test most things for me.

[Hard Headed Ken]

Wayne,
Those are Hayden 17" 2 speed fans, model 3817. I'm using high on both and they move a lot of air.

Ken

[TomC]

Looks good-if I could makes a couple of suggestions-make sure you have some sort of rock grill in front of the condenser.
And-I found that (especially with the long run of freon lines) wrapping the return line with insulation will drastically cut down on heat absorbsion in the freon.  Will increase cooling, cut down compressor time.  Good Luck, TomC

[Hard Headed Ken]

Looks good-if I could makes a couple of suggestions-make sure you have some sort of rock grill in front of the condenser.
And-I found that (especially with the long run of freon lines) wrapping the return line with insulation will drastically cut down on heat absorbsion in the freon.  Will increase cooling, cut down compressor time.  Good Luck, TomC

Tom,
Thanks for the complements. I should have made a picture from the outside, the condenser is behind the original vented condenser door on the left side of the coach so it's pretty well protected. I knew it would be better if the low side line was insulated but the way the hose is routed there's not room for insulation in some areas. I probably should add insulation where I can.

Ken

[Oonrahnjay]

Ken, how much clearance do you have (or need) behind the fans?  I have the perfect place to mount a similar condenser package but it's a box that's about 8" deep.  It's tall, wide as the condenser package and open to the front grille and completely open to the bottom.  Would this move enough air?    Thanks,   Bruce H  NC   USA

[luvrbus]

Ken, what formula did you use for the oil ratio that is where I run into problem I even install what I call traps to hold more oil and still will lose a compressor

good luck

[stevet903]

Page 10 and 11 show how to calculate how much oil is needed, it's about 1 oz per 10 feet of hose, but there are a lot of what-ifs depending on the particular system....

http://www.sanden.com/originals/images/SD_Service_Guide_Rev.2.pdf

[luvrbus]

Yea Steve the what ifs get me lol

[Hard Headed Ken]

Ken, how much clearance do you have (or need) behind the fans?  I have the perfect place to mount a similar condenser package but it's a box that's about 8" deep.  It's tall, wide as the condenser package and open to the front grille and completely open to the bottom.  Would this move enough air?    Thanks,   Bruce H  NC   USA

Bruce, The fans can mount directly to the condenser, but they are kinda heavy and I thought I would get more air flow through the coils if I mounted them back away from the condenser. I set them back about 2 inches, I think 1 inch would be fine. I think the fans are about 4 inches wide, for you that would leave about 3 inches behind the fans for air to enter the fans, I would guess, that would be enough.

Ken, what formula did you use for the oil ratio that is where I run into problem I even install what I call traps to hold more oil and still will lose a compressor

good luck

Formula?? I live in Tennessee. My approach was much more shade tree. After I repaired the leaks in my welds and it maintained vacuum for about 30 minutes. I thought, there's a lot of distance between the compressor and evaporator, maybe I should add some extra oil. I had about 4 ounces of ester oil left over from some other project and that's what I added. So far it's worked about 1000 miles and blows icicles.

Ken

[robertglines1]

Ken: I'm doing same thing. Good guess the book (lol) says 6oz for the extra lines. You prob had some residual in there. The 60series I got had the compressor with it also so is simple install. I guess I do have a extra 10 ft of lines though. Enjoy   Bob