Basement A/C Removal & Outdoor Blower Replacement Procedure

[Duner-WO]

Updated Procedure for Diesel Owners!

Has anyone removed their AC unit on a Diesel? I have a 2003 Journey and the start capaciter for the outdoor blower needs replaced. Bills instructions were excellent and he stated on a Diesel the AC unit has to be lowered vs. a gas unit it slides out the side. I looked at mine and it appears the AC unit cannot be lowered due to a welded cross beam under the rear. Anyone have any experience removing these AC units on a Diesel?

Thank you folks for all the positive feedback. Yes, this is still a very active subject.

I have a new version of procedure that includes info I got from several diesel pusher owners and what they did to get the unit out. The unit does NOT have to be lowered all the way out the bottom. It only has to be lowered a few inches and then will slide out the side like the gassers.

I also added info about another source for the compressors and a good source for better prices on parts.

Here's a link to my website where you can download the latest version:
LINK

 

[sswilson]

Thank you folks for all the positive feedback. Yes, this is still a very active subject.

I have a new version of procedure that includes info I got from several diesel pusher owners and what they did to get the unit out. The unit does NOT have to be lowered all the way out the bottom. It only has to be lowered a few inches and then will slide out the side like the gassers.

I also added info about another source for the compressors and a good source for better prices on parts.

Here's a link to my website where you can download the latest version:
LINK

Very good info

Thanks

 

[jsandgren10]

Great write up. I'm curious if I am having the same issue. I have a 05 Adventurer and notice that it makes a noise when running the A/C especially if both compressors are running. If I use it for a week it will stop after a day or two but the first day or two you can hear it outside, nothing inside. Its not really a squeal more of a blade sound, or slow generator sound. Sort of tough to describe.

Just want to have the items I need before I tackle it. I'm hoping it just needs the new bearings.

What do you guys think?

 

[sswilson]

The sound I had was just a loose squirrel cage fan that seemed to sound like it was lightly scraping the edge. Just needed to tighten the bolt that tightens it to shaft. No more noise.

 

[Duner-WO]

Great write up. I'm curious if I am having the same issue. I have a 05 Adventurer and notice that it makes a noise when running the A/C especially if both compressors are running. If I use it for a week it will stop after a day or two but the first day or two you can hear it outside, nothing inside. Its not really a squeal more of a blade sound, or slow generator sound. Sort of tough to describe.

Just want to have the items I need before I tackle it. I'm hoping it just needs the new bearings.

What do you guys think?

I recommend using a flashlight and looking up in the exhaust air opening and see if you have the metal squirrel cage or the newer composite plastic (black) one. If it's still the metal one, order a new plastic one.

Back in 2008 when I researched the problem and members of this forum told me that they had seen piles of the metal cages discarded at a RVP repair shop. The metal ones must have a hundred joints that are held together by a crimping process and over time the crimps loosen up gradually and get noisier.

Good luck,
Bill

 

[Vretl82]

Well, I have successfully replaced the blower motor, squirrel cage, and brass bearings on my noisy basement a/c unit. Below is a link to pictures and step-by-step instructions. This is not a very difficult job. And when you get done, chances are unit will work just like new because you'll have it very clean inside & out and your cold air duct work will probably have a tighter seal.

If you just want to pull out unit to clean and lube the brass bearings, it would take about 2 hours. You will need a helper for about 30 minutes. If you replace the blower squirrel cage and/or motor, it will take about 1-2 more hours.

The first symptoms I had were a rattling sound, followed a couple hours later by a much louder squealing/screeching. The a/c was cooling just fine. After posting the problem, IRV2 members convinced me the problem was the outdoor blower bearings and not the compressors. Here& here are the two related topic posted earlier.

I bought the brass bearings from Grainers for $10.42 each, and the blower motor and new squirrel cage from RV Products for $242 shipping included. Details & part numbers are in procedure.
This is mostly a one person job, except a helper is needed to lift in/out and getting the blower assy out without damaging the aluminum coil fins.

Here is the link to my photo album with directions in the captions.
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On Edit Sept 2:

I've uploaded this procedure in PDF format to "Google "Site" so you can download and save a copy to your computer or print a hardcopy.

Here's the linkto the pdf.

It's now been a couple of months since I repaired my unit and it's working real well. That new plastic blower is much quieter that the original metal blower. Standing in front of my rig, you can hardly tell the A/C is running.


Good luck,

Dunner where did you get the blower motor from to fit your mh basement a/c at?

 

[RobertToby]

Dunner where did you get the blower motor from to fit your mh basement a/c at?

Like he wrote: " I bought the brass bearings from Grainers for $10.42 each, and the blower motor and new squirrel cage from RV Products for $242 shipping included. Details & part numbers are in procedure."