Old A/C Units Fix Or Junk

[sweeney153]

I have 2 OLD A/C units that I think I problay should junk. But just in case I have some rare treasures I figured Id ask the collective wisdom here.

They are a Dometic SL 135 and a Coleman model 62727 707. I couldn't find any info on line, so I am thinking they must be at least 300 years old. They both blow but not cold and the outside covers are missing for both.

My wife says I should just get rid of them and put in vents. That doesent work for me.

So am I right I should start looking for replacements?

Also does any one have any idea when these units were made. Just wondering.

Thanks


Kevin


Sweeney 153

[robertglines1]

can't tell you about your Ac's but I just did one for a friend(bad compressor) cost around 150$ for parts..your missing covers could have led to corrosion to compressor wires..or loose wire...worth a look with power off.....good luck

[Barn Owl]

Also check for low freon. A line tap and some R-22 brought one of mine back to life.

[Chopper Scott]

One negative is what they get for the covers even if you can find them for what you have. If they blow air now then it doesn't make much sense to replace them with fans. Probably in the long run you'll be farther ahead to replace them even if it's one at a time.

[JohnEd]

Camping World used to sell metal replacement covers cause these things get eaten by branches.  I have one installed and it wasn't all that expensive when I bought it 20 years ago.

John

[Lin]

I suppose a sheet metal shop could make a suitable cover if that were the only issue.  You should be able to narrow down the compressor issue.   If it is just low on freon, you should be able to get them to run.  There would probably be some sort of low pressure cutoff in the system that stops the compressor from running without freon, but you could jump that to see if they start.  Further, you would want to jump the thermostat too just to make sure that is not the faulty part.  If the compressor is frozen, you will know if it tries to start but doesn't budge.  If, with thermostat and low pressure cut off jumped, it doesn't run, you can assume the compressor is bad.

I guess if you can determine the compressor is bad, it's junk.  Get one new one or look out for a good used one.  One is better than none.  We rarely use both at once anyway.  Eventually, you'll find a deal on the second one.  I would guess that RV salvage yards would have reasonable prices, but a winter deal would be best.

[sweeney153]

It sounds like the compressors are running. If I turn the temp up and down I can hear the difference. Should I take them to an AC guy.  I know Nick does that but I have no idea where he is.

[robertglines1]

feel lines going into and out of compressor..one should be hot and one cold...if there is a difference there is at least some freon left in system:meaning compressor is working at a low freon rate;if no difference it is not doing anything,still worth tech checking out if running..Bob