Good Sam Club Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: Roof A/C Issue


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joraz

Tucson

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Posted: 07/17/22 11:15am

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Class C with a 13.5 Dometic (Model Number: 520316.506E) year 2009

My rig is parked at the house in the hot Arizona sun. The A/C works fine for most of the day but when the ambient temp hits 104 or so the compressor shuts down and the fan blows hot air.

The A/C has had little use over the years. I cleaned both the evaporator and condenser coils although both were already very clean.

The unit is draining as it should and the interior filters are clean.

I did a voltage check over the day yesterday and have eliminated low voltage as the problem.

I have been advised on another forum that the issue could be the overload protector (thermal switch) which is designed to shut down the compressor when it's too hot. So I figured I would just replace it. Problem is that it looks to be internal to the compressor.

Any ideas? Thanks.
jor

Compressor Photos

* This post was last edited 07/17/22 12:00pm by joraz * View edit history

09 LazyDaze

Matt_Colie

Southeast Michigan

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Posted: 07/17/22 11:51am

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I am dragging up old memories here, so there may be other problems. I replaced a number of over temps that were in the terminal box that was held closed by a spring, and most of those were held against the side of the compressor by a flat spring that dogs into said box.

If yours is like that, you may be able to change out the over temp switch. The trick is going to be getting a replacement. That sure is not a big box or hardware store item. Look for a refrigeration parts place or a Grainger.

Best of luck.

Matt

Matt & Mary Colie
A sailor, his bride and their black dogs (one dear dog is waiting for us at the bridge) going to see some dry places that have Geocaches in a coach made the year we married.

joraz

Tucson

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Posted: 07/17/22 12:05pm

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Quote:

terminal box that was held closed by a spring, and most of those were held against the side of the compressor

That's the thing. Nothing attached to the compressor. Just that barrel-line component which looks like it is pressed into the compressor container. I added a link in my original post to a couple of photos.

enblethen

Moses Lake, WA

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Posted: 07/17/22 12:12pm

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In the box should be capacitors. Used to start compressor under load and other for run. Inspect the capacitors for any sign of bulging. (swelling)
Make and model of AC unit?

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow
2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

wa8yxm

Davison Michigan (East of Flint)

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Posted: 07/17/22 03:33pm

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Capacitors do age. and dry out or otherwise fail.

And the compressor may just flat be too hot. And thermal cut out engaging 104 is a bit on the high side for their designs.

one thing that might make it better.. OR WORSE depending on things like mineral content of the water is a "Mister" near the air intake for the condenser. They sell them but the nozzles clog easily (I had 2)

Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times

joraz

Tucson

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Posted: 07/17/22 04:13pm

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Dometic (year 2009)
Model Number: 520316.506E

I'll take a close look at the capacitors mañana in the morning.
Thanks.
jor

Fulltimer50

Kerrville, Tx

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Posted: 07/17/22 05:41pm

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What is the fan speed? It should be on all the time on high.

George

2011 F350 PSD CC LB 4X4 DRW Lariate
2015 Mobile Suites 41RSSB4 5th Wheel

joraz

Tucson

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Posted: 07/17/22 05:44pm

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What is the fan speed?

I have it on high.

Interesting. I just went out to the rig. It's now cloudy but 101 degrees. She's blowin' nice and cold. Who knows!
jor

* This post was last edited 07/17/22 07:34pm by joraz * View edit history