Air Conditioner Leaks

[Rauch0812]

Ok.. we're about to dig into the AC to find out where it's leaking (from rain) and I'm looking for anybody who has experience with this to please chime in!  

First question - I weigh 100lbs, hubby weighs 280lbs.  How in the world to get the AC off the roof of the camper?  I was thinking I could lay on the roof but I'd never be able to lift the lid.  We're assuming hubby shouldn't put weight on it?  What can they really withstand?  

What should we be checking once we get it off?  If you look inside the camper it would appear the water is coming from right in the center of the AC, but all we can think of is the gasket?

Also, I was going to order a 14"x14" universal gasket by Camco to have on hand before we pull it off... does that sound like it may work?  Camper has a large AC (Coleman I think)...?

Any other advice or tips on things we'll come across that haven't even crossed our minds yet?

Thanks a ton!  I love this forum!

Desera
'00 Coachmen Classic 1280ST

[wavery]

Your AC is made in 2 halves. That part that you see on the roof is the "Condensing unit". The part that you see inside the camper is the "Evaporative unit" (not that any of that matters), just know that it is 2 separate parts that bolt together with your roof sandwiched in between.

The roof part of the AC unit just sits on the roof. All of the bolts are taken out from inside the camper (the evaporative unit). Be sure to unplug the electrical harness that connects the lower half (inside the camper) from the roof unit (there may be more than one connector). Take out the 4 nuts or bolts that fasten the the inside unit to the outside unit. Remove the lower unit.

Lower the roof and do the rest of the job from the ground. Lift off the top shroud of the AC (it's very light). Then you will be left with the the upper unit only. Put a sheet of plywood on the roof of the camper, so you will have a place to lay the AC unit.

The 100 pounder might want to climb on the roof while hubby stands on the outside and assists. It really isn't that heavy. Just lift the AC unit straight up (about 3") and move it to the plywood.

You should find a very thick foam gasket under the unit. That must be removed and both surfaces cleaned (the roof and the bottom of the AC). Don't use any sealer......Just put the *NEW* gasket in place and put the AC unit back on the hole in the roof and reverse the procedure for removal.

The entire job should take ~ an hour.

BTW......it's best not to lay the condensing unit on it's side. Block up one end and stick your hand underneath to clean it.

[He Ruide]

I agree Wayne's advice with one clarification.  The gasket has a memory thus as as you thought you should install the new one you purchased.  Also resist the temptation to tighten it all the way.

Hope this helps.

Ruide

[wavery]

I agree Wayne's advice with one clarification.  The gasket has a memory thus as as you thought you should install the new one you purchased.  Also resist the temptation to tighten it all the way.

Hope this helps.

Ruide

Fixed to NEW gasket.....(Thanks, I guess that really wasn't clear).......

[Rauch0812]

Exactly the information I was looking for!  Thanks (yet AGAIN) guys!  You gave me a lot of information that we would have figured out the hard way, I had no idea.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[He Ruide]

On behalf of Wayne and I - You are welcome and we are glad we could help.

Ruide

[Rauch0812]

Hubby's outside cussing his head off working on the AC.  Turns out the previous owner caulked it in good - neighbor is even suggesting it was done with fire chaulk.  Maybe this explains why you can see previous water damage around the AC (slight warping on the ceiling).  The ~ 1 hour project is going on 2 hours and we don't have the AC off yet... I hear hammering from outside... uh oh...

[wavery]

Hubby's outside cussing his head off working on the AC.  Turns out the previous owner caulked it in good - neighbor is even suggesting it was done with fire chaulk.  Maybe this explains why you can see previous water damage around the AC (slight warping on the ceiling).  The ~ 1 hour project is going on 2 hours and we don't have the AC off yet... I hear hammering from outside... uh oh...

That's exactly why you should never caulk the AC unit. If it leaks, it's best to do it the right way and replace the gasket.

You might want to try "Goo Gone" available at Home Depot. Whatever you do, don't try to pry the AC unit up, without removing the sealer or at least cut though it with a razor blade or thin sharp knife (like a filet knife), then worry about getting the sealer off after the AC is removed from the roof.

Remember not to lay the AC unit on it's side or upside down. It' OK the put it at about a 30* angle but it must be kept upright or you may end up with liquid freon in the gas side of the system. That's not a good thing.

[He Ruide]

Wayne,

Excellent advice.

Ruide