Figured I would start a thread to document the repair of the AC system on my P30 chassis Barth, and probably ask some questions too.

When I got my Barth, the PO let me know that the AC system was leaking pretty slowly over time. I had him charge it up before I bought it, and it took about a year a half for to charge to leak out. I found that it would not take a charge so I pressurized it with Nitrogen and set out with a bottle of soapy water to find the culprit.

Here you can see that the body of the compressor was leaking at one of the seams. I also found some small leaks in the condenser as well, which appears to be some kind of combo unit with an oil cooler radiator (I think this is an engine oil cooler, but I need to confirm).

A little bit of digging and this appears to be a pretty standard GM/AC Delco A6 sized compressor, obviously originally for R12 but someone converted it to R134a. There seem to be a couple of remanufactured options, namely from Four Seasons. As far as better, upgraded, options go, there are two main that I see mentioned:

Pro6Ten (Sanden style), one example here.

Classic S6 Compressor, seen here.

I haven't yet decided which to get, and first wanted to remove the existing compressor to take some pulley measurements and such. It was a bit of a PITA to get off mainly because the bolt that can slide to adjust belt tension is all the way against the driver side of the doghouse facing the front, and it's incredibly difficult to get a socket or wrench in that spot. After some wrestling, I did finally get it out, and now I can search a bit more for the best replacement.

I'd love to have this all finished by early April, which is my first trip of the year (annual Barth trip to Myrtle Beach SC to play golf for a week), but I think that's a stretch. Here is what needs to get done

1. Research and order a replacement compressor
2. Find a standalone condenser that is properly sized
3. Find a replacement standalone oil cooler
4. Fabricate some mounts for both of the new condenser and oil cooler
5. New receiver/dryer
6. Locate the expansion valve and replace preventatively
7. New lines and seals
8. Evacuate, pressure test, and charge

Regarding 2/3/4, if I can find an all-in-one unit I will do that, but I just think that's going to be super difficult, we will see when I get it out. Plus, it might be nice to take the opportunity to oversize my oil cooler, perhaps add an auxiliary fan for that, and get a more quality condenser unit. There is a ton of open room up there in the front with plenty of nearby frame and metal for mounting solutions.

Regarding 6, I followed the outlet of the receiver/dryer unit and it goes up straight into the firewall closer to the passenger side. I know this eventually goes into the evaporator in the dash, but what I can't find is the actual expansion valve. I know that it should be between the receiver/dryer and the evaporator, and I expected to see it much closer to the receiver/dryer.

I have had the evaporator in the dash loosened up before, and don't recall ever seeing one (it's a pain to really work on that part at all because they truly built the entire dash around the AC unit. My hunch is that the EV might be somewhere in/near the passenger footwell, where the heater core is. Does anyone actually know exactly where the expansion valve is?

I'll be sure to upload some photos and updates along the way, and hopefully this can help out others if they have dash AC that needs repair. I always found the dash AC to be really nice. I do have a working generator and roof AC of course, but on super hot days having that extra cool air blowing directly on you is awesome. Plus, I hate having inoperable stuff on my coach!

Actually, I think those of us that have an operating dash AC are the extreme exception, which I'm not one. Repairing such will certainly get a motion, second, and entry to the site's Hall of Fame. Assuming you're equally determined figuring how to post the pictures for the Board to consider.

I certainly share your sentiments about something not working on my coach. Meanwhile, the bright lights on my wife's minivan's dash (envision C'mas tree) - no problem.