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AC Tips
It's that time of year again. Temperatures are heating up, and you want to make sure you can keep your passengers cool. If you haven't already checked your AC system for proper operation and maintenance, don't delay!
Here are a few tips to help you get the most our of your AC season.
- Check and clean all filters using low-pressure air, including evaporator filter, parcel rack AC filter, and driver filter. Replace filter elements as needed.
- Clean all coils, including evaporator, condenser, driver and parcel rack coils. For parcel rack coils, use an air gun with low pressure. For evaporator and condenser coils, use a low-pressure water hose and an up-and-down motion on the coil fins.
- Check evaporator, condenser and defroster blower motor brushes (located behind brush covers); replace as needed. Reference section 16 of your maintenance manual.
- Check all wiring, connectors, relays and relay bases in front and rear junction boxes for loose wires, corroded connectors or burnt relay contacts. Reference section 7 of your maintenance manual.
- Check and adjust clutch air gap on your AC compressor. Reference section 16 of your maintenance manual.
- Check clutch coil resistance. Resistance should be 8-10 Ohms. Reference section 16 of your maintenance manual.
- Change compressor filter and oil level in AC compressor per maintenance schedule section 10 of your maintenance manual.
- Check refrigerant charge. This should be done by qualified AC technicians only. Reference section 16 of your maintenance manual, and MCI's technician training schedule for classes on how to help ensure that your AC technicians are properly qualified.
- Adjust superheat; the proper procedure can be found in section 16 of your maintenance manual. This should be checked at least twice a year.
- Clean return ducts; this is the ramp at the front of the coach on earlier models and at the rear of the coach on later models. Clean window vents from front to rear, as well as the return-air temperature probe located three seats up from the rear on the driver's side.
- Check condition of belts daily.
- Check compressor cradle and mounts, located on the right-side of the rear engine compartment, for worn bushings or cracks in cradle.
- Check belt tensioner and air pressure settings at the air regulator (if applicable). Check turnbuckle style for loose ends or worn mounting bolts.
- Check all AC hoses and fittings for any signs of oil or dirt. See section 16 of your maintenance manual for hose and fitting locations.
- Make sure to stock all necessary service parts, such as spare belts, motor brushes, filter dryer, expansion valves, spare relays, Freon, R22, R12, R134.
By performing these simple AC system checks, you should have a trouble-free AC season. Please check your Maintenance for more maintenance information.
It is essential that you use a maintenance manual that is applicable to your coach model. Maintenance Manuals are available from the MCI Fleet Support parts department, or by contacting your Fleet Support Manager. You can also call MCI's technical support at 800-241-2947 for additional assistance.
Happy traveling to all! |
