Yahoo Message Number: 62719 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62719)
I just had a compressor seize up (for unknown reasons so far, especially since it is only a year old. I will probably need to have the expansion valves and the receiver/drier replaced as a result. Compressors can be found and are not made by SCS, but the expansion valves (and most of the rest of the system) are SCS parts. Since SCS Fridgette is gone, I had seen some discussion here about contacting Evans Tempcon (SCS's competitor) for parts. I did so. They do not have SCS parts and theirs are not compatible. However, they were kind enough to provide me with the names of companies that purchased many of SCS' parts at auction, so I am posting this information for the rest of you to have when the time comes.
First of all there is Victory Climate. Some of the SCS employees actually work there and they have some records of what they supplied CC. Ask for Linda 817-293-3331
Then there is Comfort Air at 616-454-2200
Also there is a helpful guy named Bill Katman? in FL at 800-940-2653.
Hope this helps. I spent all day on the phone. We shall all be experiencing similiar issues I am afraid.
Rich 2002 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 62722 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62722)
On my 97' Magna, needed a expansion valve and a receiver/dryer. Visited the local Auto Parts store and picked up a generic receiver/dryer along with the closest expansion valve they had. Installed and both work great. Another possible source for AC parts. Depending on what is installed in the coach.
Leonard
97' Magna 5418
Yahoo Message Number: 62724 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62724)
Len,
Receiver driers are pretty generic and available, but my understanding is that expansion valves are specifically engineered for each system. So maybe you were lucky? I am no expert. Tomorrow, when I bring the coach in to the shop we shall see.
Rich 2002 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 62747 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62747)
Expansion valves are much more specific. They had one that was a physical match but a little different rating. The original was rated at 1.2 tons and the new one, 1.4 tones, or something like that, memory. The orifice was visible larger. It was not very expensive so thought it was worth a try. Not to hard to change out if it did not work. The thing cools very very well. I wish I knew more then I do on these systems. Good luck on getting your system cleaned up. A bad compressor can be major headache to get the system cleaned out. All the long hoses and then the coils. Seems like there is a aftermarket filter one can install to help catch anything left over after the flushing. Suspect lack of oil in the compressor for failure, or setting to long without use is also bad for compressors as the oil settles out of the gas and the compressor dry starts and can seize.
Would be curious what you find out and how the repair/flush goes.
Leonard
97' Magna 5418
Yahoo Message Number: 62794 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62794)
Thanks Len. As it turns out, I went in to the repair place today and it was only the clutch that burned up, the compressor did not fail therefore no contamination(although it is probably damaged from the clutch burning and both will be replaced). I am concerned since this compressor/clutch is only a year old OEM model. They said that they see this all the time: defective clutches that go prematurely. What concerns me is that CC specifies 10.02 ounces of oil for the system, but the tech said that this is for the whole system, not just the compressor, so how will he know how much to add since there is oil in the system? Anyone know?
Rich 2002 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 62795 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62795)
Rich,
Your high side filter drier should be replaced if you open up the system. If you replace it and the compressor you can blow out the rest of the system with nitrogen. That should remove almost all of the oil left the system. Did you loose a compressor last year? Kevin
00 affinity 5865
Yahoo Message Number: 62802 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62802)
According to the manuel I have, you drain the oil from the old compressor and measure it, along with any other replaced component and that is the amount of oil one adds. This is for the rotary compressor, if the older style compressor, they had a hole for a dip stick to measure the oil. Level depends on compressor style. It is better to have a little to much oil then not enough. Make sure it is the same type of oil added that is in the system.
With a history of loosing clutches I would be checking voltage at the clutch and grounds. A clutch should last longer then a year. But if a compressor seal starts linking then it will make a clutch go bad from slipping from the oil getting on it. Replacing the whole compressor is a good move. Glad it was only a clutch, much easier and cheaper repair. Think I would install a new belt and make sure it is tight to spec's. Heat from a slipping belt does not help a clutch.
Stay cool.
Leonard
97' Magna 5418
Yahoo Message Number: 62805 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62805)
Kevin, u have a good memory. Last june WW Williams left my oil cap loose and this caused the belt to throw and wrap around the compressor clutch, slightly damaging it. so we replaced the compressor/clutch receiver/drier. a year later the clutch burned up. yes, we are putting new drier in. i will raise nitrogen with them. tks
Yahoo Message Number: 62723 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/62723)
Hi Kathy,
Thanks.
Getting over to 99 is actually not a problem as we are actually in the East Bay.
Yes, I am the Matthew that you spoke to. Small world. :)
Thanks again,
Matthew
2008 Magna #6894