flyboy013
RVF VIP
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2020
- Messages
- 343
- Location
- Naples, Florida
- RV Year
- 2018
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- Mountain Aire 4531
- RV Length
- 45
- Chassis
- Spartan K3
- Engine
- Cummins ISX12 (500HP)
- TOW/TOAD
- 2023 Jeep GC Summit Reserve
- Fulltimer
- Yes
This past summer, the dash air stopped blowing cold air. I added 4 cans of R134a and it only worked for a few weeks. Finally got around to fixing the problem, and figured I would share my experience in case it could be useful for others.
I first attached a vacuum pump and found that the compressor was leaking around the shaft seal. The pitch of the leak would change as I rotated the compressor clutch. I purchased a new compressor (Sanden 4667) from TruckAC.com. The Sanden manual states that when only replacing the compressor to drain the oil from the old compressor and then drain and refill the new compressor with the same amount of oil as the old one. The problem was that there was no oil left in the old compressor (I was lucky that it hadn’t locked up). Since I didn’t know how much oil was in the system (ie. hoses, condenser) I decided it was best to flush the system so that I can ensure the system had the right amount of oil.
When flushing the system, you need to disconnect the various parts (drier, expansion valve, evaporator, condenser) and flush each piece separately. Wouldn’t you know the hose connections at the condenser wouldn’t come loose and eventually they either broke off or I had to cut them off. Additionally, the connections on the condenser was stripped, thus requiring a new condenser. The OEM condenser for this 2018 Spartan K3 was Modine 1E0064940000 2684-RR3-001. I had difficulty finding this condenser, but did find an alternate one made by Spectra Premium with a part number of 7-9124. This condenser is not listed as a Spartan OEM part, but instead for a 2011-2013 Freightliner MT45/55. It was identical to what I took off.
I purchased the condenser from Parts Geek for about $85 including shipping. This is a good price and it was drop shipped from Spectra Premium in Indiana. The part arrived damaged but was still usable. After talking to Parts Geek, I order a replacement and it too arrived damaged. Since they didn’t have any more available, I decided to just use the first one that was sent. It had the least damage.
Since the original condenser fittings were damaged I decided to buy new fittings and some #8 hose from ColdHose. I also purchased a hydraulic crimper on Amazon. The crimper worked nice for splicing the hose and adding the new fittings.
I reached out to Newmar and found that in addition to the 10 oz of oil that came in the new compressor, another 4 oz was required. When installing the new drier, I added the additional oil (w/dye) to the line. The drier was purchase from ComfortAir, but in all honesty I wouldn’t purchase from them again. Their prices or way high as is their shipping costs ($33.25 via UPS® Ground). Kind of reminds me of Newmar’s pricing. I also replaced the expansion valve which was I purchased from acpartsguys on eBay.
Anyway, I got the system put back together and pulled a vacuum and let it sit overnight to ensure there was no leak. All was good so in the morning I vacuumed the system for a few hours and then added the required 4.5 lbs of R134a. Checked the vent temperature with an IR gun and it was reading 19.8°F. Seemed a bit cold, but I felt good about it based on the fact that I filled the system per the spec.
Everything seems to be working better than ever. Heading west coast-to-coast starting in a few weeks. That will be the true test.
I first attached a vacuum pump and found that the compressor was leaking around the shaft seal. The pitch of the leak would change as I rotated the compressor clutch. I purchased a new compressor (Sanden 4667) from TruckAC.com. The Sanden manual states that when only replacing the compressor to drain the oil from the old compressor and then drain and refill the new compressor with the same amount of oil as the old one. The problem was that there was no oil left in the old compressor (I was lucky that it hadn’t locked up). Since I didn’t know how much oil was in the system (ie. hoses, condenser) I decided it was best to flush the system so that I can ensure the system had the right amount of oil.
When flushing the system, you need to disconnect the various parts (drier, expansion valve, evaporator, condenser) and flush each piece separately. Wouldn’t you know the hose connections at the condenser wouldn’t come loose and eventually they either broke off or I had to cut them off. Additionally, the connections on the condenser was stripped, thus requiring a new condenser. The OEM condenser for this 2018 Spartan K3 was Modine 1E0064940000 2684-RR3-001. I had difficulty finding this condenser, but did find an alternate one made by Spectra Premium with a part number of 7-9124. This condenser is not listed as a Spartan OEM part, but instead for a 2011-2013 Freightliner MT45/55. It was identical to what I took off.
I purchased the condenser from Parts Geek for about $85 including shipping. This is a good price and it was drop shipped from Spectra Premium in Indiana. The part arrived damaged but was still usable. After talking to Parts Geek, I order a replacement and it too arrived damaged. Since they didn’t have any more available, I decided to just use the first one that was sent. It had the least damage.
Since the original condenser fittings were damaged I decided to buy new fittings and some #8 hose from ColdHose. I also purchased a hydraulic crimper on Amazon. The crimper worked nice for splicing the hose and adding the new fittings.
I reached out to Newmar and found that in addition to the 10 oz of oil that came in the new compressor, another 4 oz was required. When installing the new drier, I added the additional oil (w/dye) to the line. The drier was purchase from ComfortAir, but in all honesty I wouldn’t purchase from them again. Their prices or way high as is their shipping costs ($33.25 via UPS® Ground). Kind of reminds me of Newmar’s pricing. I also replaced the expansion valve which was I purchased from acpartsguys on eBay.
Anyway, I got the system put back together and pulled a vacuum and let it sit overnight to ensure there was no leak. All was good so in the morning I vacuumed the system for a few hours and then added the required 4.5 lbs of R134a. Checked the vent temperature with an IR gun and it was reading 19.8°F. Seemed a bit cold, but I felt good about it based on the fact that I filled the system per the spec.
Everything seems to be working better than ever. Heading west coast-to-coast starting in a few weeks. That will be the true test.
