Cleaning Coleman AC Condensor Coils

[howson]

howson Howard, I noticed that you only removed one side of the shroud. I had watched a video about cleaning these and they showed both ends, however, when I opened mine last year it appears that one end is sealed as yours appears to be. I did nothing to it. Can you comment?

The other component at the front is, of course, the evaporator coil (#5 in pic below which is from my school documents). It, too, must be maintained.



Chad from Changing Lanes has an excellent video on the topic of a/c maintenance.

[BillinTexas]

Chad from Changing Lanes has an excellent video on the topic of a/c maintenance.

That is the video I watched before checking/cleaning mine last year. So you do take the other half of the cowling off and the cover over the evaporator coil?

[howson]

BillinTexas

If you're asking should both the condenser and evaporator coils be checked/cleaned the answer is yes. If you're asking if I've checked/cleaned the evaporator on my a/c units (as of this moment) the answer is no.

Have I added it to my To Do list? Why yes I have. Thanks?

[Schiefswret]

That is the video I watched before checking/cleaning mine last year. So you do take the other half of the cowling off and the cover over the evaporator coil?

BIll: FWIW, the only coil I’ve ever cleaned is the Evap coil since the condenser coil, for whatever reason, stays very clean so I just keep an eye on it. Good luck.

[Jlawles2]

howson Howard, you need to invest in some fiberglass window screen. When it's time to clean the "drier lint" looking stuff off, pull and replace the screen or pull and clean it. I suggest just rolling it up and throwing it in the trash so it does not end up in the grill of the truck (yes Murphy has my number memorized and on speed dial).

[howson]

BillinTexas -- the evaporator coils on the living room a/c were indeed a little dirty. Not terrible, but worth cleaning. Close up shot below hopefully conveys what I found.



Watched Chad's video (again) before starting and the cleaning was easy. Used a hose to clean the condenser coils (after using the Frost King product) and then use a spray bottle of water to clean the evaporator coils (after using the evaporator-safe stuff mentioned in the video which I had on hand).

Added inspection / cleaning of the both units to my bi-yearly mx schedule.

Howard

[BillinTexas]

Thanks for the additional comments. The cover over the evaporator on mine didn't appear to be easily removed is the reason I wondered. I cleaned the other last year and have both products to use.

howson , no water in the cabin?

[howson]

Thanks for the additional comments. The cover over the evaporator on mine didn't appear to be easily removed is the reason I wondered. I cleaned the other last year and have both products to use.

howson , no water in the cabin?

Hosed off the condensor coil (cover was still over the evaporator). I used a spray bottle (like Chad did) on the evaporator coils. As long as the drain tray is clear of debris (also a good thing to check) and being just a little conservative there's no issue. I ran the fans on both a/c units for a couple of hours afterwards (with windows open and vents exhausting) to clear out any residual smell from the chemicals. (The chemical smell, while stated on the can that it's safe, is not something the DW would like in the camper.)

Removing the cover over the evaporator wasn't hard--just don't try and torque down the screws (as usual on these campers) too much. Again, Chad does a good job of showing this process (if you have a Coleman).

[BillinTexas]

Thank you. I do have the Coleman and in my rig, only one. I'll watch the video again before doing it this year.

[Beachcamper]

This video is a shorter version much easier to get through and understand. Did the cleaning yesterday to both AC units with the living room one the dirtiest. The video recommends a spray bottle to rinse the condenser coils after applying the cleaner. He does not recommend any water if using the no rinse product on the evaporator. The fan which looks like a hamster wheel has a ton of dirt and I was able to vacuum it out and of course vacuum and remove all debris from the side that one can access from the interior.

I also have the blue brush Howard uses and that is handy to get the first layer of dirt off before using the top of the condenser cleaning can.

https://youtu.be/_EMVxoq-_9E

[ThePowells]

I just finished mine for the bedroom last night about 11. It was raining in the bedroom where the drain holes had clogged and condensation was dripping. I taped the seams much more than as it came from the factory.

[Jlawles2]

We won't discuss the 1/4 sheet of foam board and 1/2 roll of Aluminum tape that got added to mine. There are so many potential internal leak points that can lead to poor cooling (not all GD's fault) that should be addressed.