Recharge an '83 Coleman Delta TX A/C unit?

[John Applegate]

Hi Everyone, I have an "83 Chevy Van G30 Transvan, with a Coleman Delta TX AC unit in overhead. In 11ov. operation, the compressor sounds good to me(non-ac guy), Blower is strong, and I see a recharge valve on top, Which I thought was good news since I have owned a coleman without one. I'm sure it is R12. Any tips/advice on how/where to get this recharged? I'm currently in Conroe, TX. but will be making my way accross AZ. soon and Utah enroute to St Maries, Idaho by Memorial Day. Also, wonderind what the electrical wattage of this type ac, so I can look into a Generator. Any help appreciated. Thanks, John

[Lakota Wolf]

R-12 is almost Impossible to get ahold of considering it was outlawed years back,, You could always check into a retro kit,,, But check with local RV place if its compatable.

[Rich Thomas]

Ditto on Lakota's reply, you might check around some of the older established auto shops as well as the RV places but it will be costly to re charge in R-12. if you can find it at all. good luck to you on your quest.

[Lakota Wolf]

As far as a genset,, I would play it safe and go no smaller then a 3,000 watt.., Its better to have to much then not enough

[John Applegate]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I found the info on the wattage and it's around 1950watts, so 3000 watt gen will do. I will look into charging with whatever new freon is needed. Some local AC place. I believe it can be done. I hope to be Camp Host at Emerald Creek, Idaho, by Memorial Day.

[Rich Thomas]

Here's to getting her done John, attitude is half the the job and sounds like your in for the long haul. :)

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning, John;  

     You are taking on a challenge. 

     The last time I checked, the new substitute gasses for replacing R-12 were in the $100 per pound range.  I have seen a couple of places hawking R-12 at about $70-80 per pound.  And I remember buying 14 ounce cans of it for $0.70 each.  A 30 pound green cylinder was $19.00, and you got to keep the green cylinder. 

     Don't be surprised to get a quote for this work that will be up in the around $1000 range. 

     And there are two Coleman Delta TX units on the Winnebago.  I did not see any service valve ports on mine when I had the covers off for cleaning and lubricating the fan.  At one time, we could easily install a service port onto just about any tube carrying the freon.  Those are much harder to even find now.  And the cost of the new equipment to pull out and recycle the old refrigerant is in the low new car range.  Things have really changed. 

          Enjoy;  Ralph, Latté Land, Washington 

[John Applegate]

Yes Rich, I am in it for good. Everything I own is right there, I have COPD, and will probably die in that Van, but not just yet. Working on bucket list. I'm a Gold Prospector and want to wade some Creeks that I haven't seen yet.

And Ralph, Yes, I remember those days as well. Things do change. If it is going to be too much, I may opt for a new unit. I don't need the heater option, so maybe $800-$900? I priced one for a 4 Winds, Class C a couple years back at $700.. We'll see..., 

Thanks Everybody

[Rich Thomas]

Pre season might be a good time to do a little upgrading John. Sorry to hear of the COPD John. Having a mother who had it and being 27 years in the coal mine I have seen a lot of my co - workers stricken with this disease. Between coal dust and smoking a lot of them had a rough time dealing with it. I hope you are doing well.

[John Applegate]

Thanks Rich, Yes, I 'm starting to think that replacement might be best. Well, really, I KNOW it would be, but no rich Uncle. I'll figure something out..., even changing my route to head further north as the heat builds in AZ, and N.M..

My copd is under control for now, and a procedure involving a couple of "Endobronchial valves" is in my future, which should help.(I'm told). I was a 40 yr. smoker(dumb), and a whole lot of industrial contaminates(30 years as a Heavy Equipment operator, and 12 yrs. in HAZMAT Remediation, #years on a Nuc. Submarine, a few years restoring old garden tractors,) Not too good for the lungs..., but TODAY, I'm doing ok. Hope you are too!

[Rich Thomas]

Sounds like you have had an interesting Life John. It's good to have you on the site.

[mike hutchison]

hi john; going to jump in here, see if you can get and old r-12 gauge set (complete eg. all hoses and fittings)  this should fit your  connection.  then try to find a a/c  shop, usually a small 1-2 guy shop, that will let you get some r-22 Freon, witch will be way cheaper, and it is compatible with your old system.   I recharged my brother in laws 74 motor home and it didn't have a tap went to a appliance parts store and got one and did his.  he was lucky he knew a guy who did that work and got the Freon for $10.00.  I also pulled the vacuum.  did this 4 years ago and still works great.   (ya need to find a guy who knows a guy that knows a guy that has a cousin...well you get the point) hope this helps   and like the man said  bigger is better.     mikeh  

[david craft]

one last point. we use to recharge those tv acs. we would take out the ports and solder shut the line because the charge is so lite and the ports will leak a little, as evidenced by the oil that collects there.