Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Duracool Dash AC (compressor cycles)
Duracool Dash AC [message #358539] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 08:32 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367 Registered: May 2016 Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Hi All
My dash AC worked when i got it (topped off by the PO in 2017). It was converted to 134 years ago. I was tired of sweating everywhere we went (OK, we're in VT not everywhere) so I paid to have it leak checked. HUGE leak in the condenser. So, I ordered a exact condenser, and the dryer and i managed to twist the hose that went to the dryer (I expected a different part to spin), put it all together, borrowed a vacuum pump, got the whole pressure manifold things, pumped it down and it held!
Then I filled it with duracool i ordered. I can't remember how many cans- somone said put in X cans to the GMC motorhome. It was the end of the year, it worked and we were happy.
This year we only took one trip and I noticed that the AC blows cold but cycles, cold for 30 seconds, off for ~30 seconds. So I thought I should add some more refrigerant.
I did, and am at the top end of the duracool dial that came with the kit (I didn't put the whole manifold on). At the top end of the "green" zone it still cycles. It was certainly good enough; kept us cool but I'd like to have the right amount. Do i go by the duracool gauge? what pressure should I have? Could I have put too much oil or something else in it?
The yellow zone ALERT starts at 45 (pounds?) Filled is 25-45. I am at 45 and cycling.
thank you
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #358542 is a reply to message #358539] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 09:21 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547 Registered: March 2007 Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Kelly,
My experience with Duracool is less than others here, but it may be that you have an over-charged system. If you hook up the high side and get a small bucket of ice, you may be able to put some back in the can. (Yes, I have done this.) Emery suggests a low side pressure of 15~20 at 1500 (fast idle) and Emery does know what is going on.
I just wished that the sight glass in the drier was still worth checking. I find it to be of marginal value with either 134 or HC-12a.
Matt
kstockwell wrote on Sun, 13 September 2020 09:32Hi All
My dash AC worked when i got it (topped off by the PO in 2017). It was converted to 134 years ago. I was tired of sweating everywhere we went (OK, we're in VT not everywhere) so I paid to have it leak checked. HUGE leak in the condenser. So, I ordered a exact condenser, and the dryer and i managed to twist the hose that went to the dryer (I expected a different part to spin), put it all together, borrowed a vacuum pump, got the whole pressure manifold things, pumped it down and it held!
Then I filled it with duracool i ordered. I can't remember how many cans- somone said put in X cans to the GMC motorhome. It was the end of the year, it worked and we were happy.
This year we only took one trip and I noticed that the AC blows cold but cycles, cold for 30 seconds, off for ~30 seconds. So I thought I should add some more refrigerant.
I did, and am at the top end of the duracool dial that came with the kit (I didn't put the whole manifold on). At the top end of the "green" zone it still cycles. It was certainly good enough; kept us cool but I'd like to have the right amount. Do i go by the duracool gauge? what pressure should I have? Could I have put too much oil or something else in it?
The yellow zone ALERT starts at 45 (pounds?) Filled is 25-45. I am at 45 and cycling.
thank you
kelly
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #358543 is a reply to message #358542] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 09:27 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367 Registered: May 2016 Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Interesting I might be high! I added roughly 1/2 can and get the same result. Maybe i should hook up the whole man fold again.
I think there was action in the sight glass- but i wasn't sure what I was looking for.
thank you for the suggestion!
Matt Colie wrote on Sun, 13 September 2020 10:21Kelly,
My experience with Duracool is less than others here, but it may be that you have an over-charged system. If you hook up the high side and get a small bucket of ice, you may be able to put some back in the can. (Yes, I have done this.) Emery suggests a low side pressure of 15~20 at 1500 (fast idle) and Emery does know what is going on.
I just wished that the sight glass in the drier was still worth checking. I find it to be of marginal value with either 134 or HC-12a.
Matt
kstockwell wrote on Sun, 13 September 2020 09:32Hi All
My dash AC worked when i got it (topped off by the PO in 2017). It was converted to 134 years ago. I was tired of sweating everywhere we went (OK, we're in VT not everywhere) so I paid to have it leak checked. HUGE leak in the condenser. So, I ordered a exact condenser, and the dryer and i managed to twist the hose that went to the dryer (I expected a different part to spin), put it all together, borrowed a vacuum pump, got the whole pressure manifold things, pumped it down and it held!
Then I filled it with duracool i ordered. I can't remember how many cans- somone said put in X cans to the GMC motorhome. It was the end of the year, it worked and we were happy.
This year we only took one trip and I noticed that the AC blows cold but cycles, cold for 30 seconds, off for ~30 seconds. So I thought I should add some more refrigerant.
I did, and am at the top end of the duracool dial that came with the kit (I didn't put the whole manifold on). At the top end of the "green" zone it still cycles. It was certainly good enough; kept us cool but I'd like to have the right amount. Do i go by the duracool gauge? what pressure should I have? Could I have put too much oil or something else in it?
The yellow zone ALERT starts at 45 (pounds?) Filled is 25-45. I am at 45 and cycling.
thank you
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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Re: [GMCnet] Duracool Dash AC [message #358545 is a reply to message #358539] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 09:03 |
bdub
Messages: 1578 Registered: February 2004 Location: Central Texas
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Kelly, Here's an exerpt from Emery's excellent article: "Duracool in your
GMC" (aka, "The GMC Motorhome A/C Refrigerant Bible")
============================
. To install the Duracool attach the can hose to either your gauge set or
directly to the low either your gauge set or directly to the low pressure
side fitting (the one without the clutch pressure cut off switch)
. Put in one 6 oz. can. Point the fitting of the can down when filling.
. Then start the engine and turn on the air conditioner to high or Max.
. Put in another can Put in another can.
. If you are using gauges, have someone hold the gas pedal to 1500 rpm the
gas pedal to 1500 rpm.
. Start putting in the 3rd can until you have approx. 20 psi on the gauge.
If you are not using gauges put in the 3rd can and then
bleed off little until you feel you have cold enough air coming from your
outlets. About 40 deg below outside temperature.
. If you have too much of a charge it will not be as cold.
. If you have less charge it will be colder but in humid areas you could get
ice forming on the humid areas you could get ice forming on the evaporator
fins which will block air from blowing into your GMC.
====================
You likely have too much coolant in your system.
bdub
-----Original Message-----
From: On Behalf Of kelly stockwell via Gmclist
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2020 8:32 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Duracool Dash AC
Hi All
My dash AC worked when i got it (topped off by the PO in 2017). It was
converted to 134 years ago. I was tired of sweating everywhere we went (OK,
we're in VT not everywhere) so I paid to have it leak checked. HUGE leak in
the condenser. So, I ordered a exact condenser, and the dryer and i
managed to twist the hose that went to the dryer (I expected a different
part to spin), put it all together, borrowed a vacuum pump, got the whole
pressure manifold things, pumped it down and it held!
Then I filled it with duracool i ordered. I can't remember how many cans-
somone said put in X cans to the GMC motorhome. It was the end of the
year, it worked and we were happy.
This year we only took one trip and I noticed that the AC blows cold but
cycles, cold for 30 seconds, off for ~30 seconds. So I thought I should add
some more refrigerant.
I did, and am at the top end of the duracool dial that came with the kit (I
didn't put the whole manifold on). At the top end of the "green" zone it
still cycles. It was certainly good enough; kept us cool but I'd like to
have the right amount. Do i go by the duracool gauge? what pressure should
I have? Could I have put too much oil or something else in it?
The yellow zone ALERT starts at 45 (pounds?) Filled is 25-45. I am at 45
and cycling.
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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
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Re: [GMCnet] Duracool Dash AC [message #358547 is a reply to message #358545] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 09:37 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367 Registered: May 2016 Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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thank you- i had forgotten, i referred to this when i did my work last year
Though he says if it's high it won't cool as much. My understanding is undercharged cycles the compressor- any idea what would cause the compressor to cycle?
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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Re: [GMCnet] Duracool Dash AC [message #358549 is a reply to message #358547] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 10:07 |
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I don't know. Evidently there's a balance there. Mine does that as well
but not near that quickly. It is an annoyance.
On Sun, Sep 13, 2020, 9:37 AM kelly stockwell via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> thank you- i had forgotten, i referred to this when i did my work last year
>
> Though he says if it's high it won't cool as much. My understanding is
> undercharged cycles the compressor- any idea what would cause the compressor
> to cycle?
>
>
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bdub
bdub.net
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Re: [GMCnet] Duracool Dash AC [message #358551 is a reply to message #358545] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 10:26 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806 Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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It doesn't seem to be cooling, because it is blocked by frost. Shoot for 20
- 25 inches. It is a happy compromise. Pay attention to stuff like vaccuum
doors that open and close when they should, and vents that direct the
airflow where you feel maximum effect. That stuff is all 40 years old, and
needs some looking after from time to time.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Sep 13, 2020, 8:05 AM Billy Massey via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I don't know. Evidently there's a balance there. Mine does that as well
> but not near that quickly. It is an annoyance.
>
>
> On Sun, Sep 13, 2020, 9:37 AM kelly stockwell via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> thank you- i had forgotten, i referred to this when i did my work last
> year
>>
>> Though he says if it's high it won't cool as much. My understanding is
>> undercharged cycles the compressor- any idea what would cause the
> compressor
>> to cycle?
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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Re: [GMCnet] Duracool Dash AC [message #358552 is a reply to message #358551] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 10:37 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367 Registered: May 2016 Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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it does blow wicked cold when on- i will do this
thank you
James Hupy wrote on Sun, 13 September 2020 11:26It doesn't seem to be cooling, because it is blocked by frost. Shoot for 20
- 25 inches. It is a happy compromise. Pay attention to stuff like vaccuum
doors that open and close when they should, and vents that direct the
airflow where you feel maximum effect. That stuff is all 40 years old, and
needs some looking after from time to time.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Sep 13, 2020, 8:05 AM Billy Massey via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I don't know. Evidently there's a balance there. Mine does that as well
> but not near that quickly. It is an annoyance.
>
>
> On Sun, Sep 13, 2020, 9:37 AM kelly stockwell via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> thank you- i had forgotten, i referred to this when i did my work last
> year
>>
>> Though he says if it's high it won't cool as much. My understanding is
>> undercharged cycles the compressor- any idea what would cause the
> compressor
>> to cycle?
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #358553 is a reply to message #358539] |
Sun, 13 September 2020 11:03 |
roy1
Messages: 2126 Registered: July 2004 Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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It isn’t necessarily cycling on the loss of charge pressure switch. It may be cycling on the low temperature control located in the evaporator air behind the evap coil.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #365280 is a reply to message #358553] |
Wed, 07 July 2021 13:09 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367 Registered: May 2016 Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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I bled some out (i did not have my gauge, so i just used an old nozzle and gave a few short squeezes) and now it runs all the time
thanks Bill, sorry it took a year for me to take your advice. I hadn't really run the buggy much since then.
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #365281 is a reply to message #358539] |
Wed, 07 July 2021 18:32 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447 Registered: October 2006 Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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You should use Real gauges and check high and low side. You may have had it cycling off the temp switch on the evaporator. Now it’s running continuous because evap temp switch not satisfied. The suction line needs to be cold all the way back to the compressor. Or compressor may die an early demise
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
[Updated on: Wed, 07 July 2021 18:33] Report message to a moderator
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[GMCnet] Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #365282 is a reply to message #365281] |
Thu, 08 July 2021 08:54 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707 Registered: May 2007 Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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What should the high and low pressures be?Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: "John R. Lebetski" Date: 7/7/21 6:32 PM (GMT-06:00) To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org Subject: [GMCnet] Re: Duracool Dash AC You should use Real gauges and check high and low side. You may have had it cycling off the temp switch on the evaporator. Now it’s runningcontinuous because evap temp seitch not satisfied. The suction line needs to be cold all the way back to the compressor. Or compressor may die anearly demise -- John LebetskiWoodstock, IL77 Eleganza II_______________________________________________GMCnet mailing listUnsubscribe or Change List Options:
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78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #365286 is a reply to message #358539] |
Thu, 08 July 2021 19:35 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447 Registered: October 2006 Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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I don’t know. I have R12. I only know what Emery wrote up. I do know I would not trust the cheap hose can ones. They are paint by color, not even paint by number. And give no indication of high side alerts.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #365290 is a reply to message #365286] |
Fri, 09 July 2021 00:59 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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OK, with Duracool the pressure on the high side is seldom a problem unless you are grossly over charged. I go by the guide lines that 2.5 to 3 cans is what you need in a GMC. The low side pressure you should see is 20 to 25 at around 1500 to 1600 engine rpm. The final thing I do is check the temperature of the air in the vent or on the output side on the evaporator. I use a cheap $10.00 meat thermometer from Walmart.
If you have got three cans in it you are probably over charged. As you increase the charge you also increase the Duracool evaporation temperature and the air temp leaving the evaporator. I shoot for an evap and air temp of 39 to 40 degrees leaving the evaporator.
I do the same on R-134 cars and r-22 houses. The pressures are slightly higher but the 39 to 40 evap temps are just fine and what you want.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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Re: Duracool Dash AC [message #370048 is a reply to message #358539] |
Mon, 27 June 2022 14:39 |
Tom Katzenberger
Messages: 399 Registered: June 2019 Location: Kingsville, MD
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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I have 29 lbs on the low side and would like to get it to 20-25 lbs. How is the best way to bleed and monitor so that you can get to the 20-25 lb mark?
Thanks,
Tom K.
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee Ignition
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