Perform a visual inspection of the HVAC belt and hoses every six months. Wear and tear of hoses will increase the risk of infiltration from outside air, moisture or debris that can accelerate deterioration of the system. Excess damage to the belt may prevent dash HVAC operations. In the event of system break down, servicing of the HVAC system requires evacuation and recharging, adjustment of refrigerant levels, tightening of hose connections and inspection of the compressor seal. Because service procedures involve a high degree of expertise in air conditioning systems, and require the use of tools specifically designed for service work on a/c systems, it is strongly recommended that this task be performed at a qualified service center.

Rubber hoses and O-ring seals at the fittings comprise a majority of the dashboard HVAC system. Refrigerant carries the oil necessary to lubricate these system components and the compressor. Regularly operate the dash HVAC system to keep the components in optimum condition.

Refrigerant inside the HVAC system is under high-pressure. All connections and fittings of the system must be secure and leak proof. Dash hoses must be free of kinks and sharp bends to insure maximum airflow. Before undertaking repairs to the dash HVAC high-pressure hose connections, the system must first be evacuated of all refrigerant. After the system has been evacuated, connections should then be opened very carefully in the event any refrigerant under pressure remains trapped in the system. If pressure is noticed while loosening a connection, the trapped refrigerant should first be allowed to slowly bleed off prior to completely opening the connection. High-pressure hoses should never be detached until all pressure is removed.

Beginning with the model year 2002, select motor homes of Monaco RV has added a fluorescent dye to the dashboard HVAC system which enables service technicians a more reliable and efficient means of detecting a leak in the HVAC system. The specific product line selected for this particular use is labeled Fluoro-Lite, produced by Tracerline.

Common forms of leak detection include the soap/water solution and Ion detectors. The soapy water solution, used to detect air leaks by the formation of bubbles, is inexpensive, but often involves excess time and cleanup. Ion detectors are generally limited to locating the general area of a leak, often requiring further investigation to pinpoint the exact location. Many Ion detectors are highly sensitive and unable to stand up to hard usage, susceptible to outside factors such as engine oil and vapor, outdoor humidity or windy conditions to distort test readings. Visual inspection is the least expensive, however can be time consuming with no guarantee of spotting a leak. Fluorescent leak detection replaces these former methods of examining refrigerant systems. The fluorescent dye used in this modern method works in conjunction with an ultraviolet or UV/blue light inspection lamp to quickly and easily identify even small leaks within the system.

Fluorescent leak detection technology can also be applied to earlier model RV's, but service personnel should exercise caution with regard to the type of dye used. Solvent-based dyes can diminish viscosity and lubricity of the system, resulting in premature failure of the components. If there is any question as to the appropriate dye to be used in early model Monaco motor homes, or to find out if a particular RV currently includes the fluorescent dye leak detection system, contact our Technical Support Department.

When using the UV/blue light, the detection method will only perform for parts accessible to the light. Small seeping leaks may require more time to locate by performing multiple inspections of the connections. With normal system operation the compressor seal is designed to last five to ten years. Storing the RV and lack of use of the dashboard HVAC will reduce the life of the compressor seal. Long periods of inactivity may cause the seals to dry out, form cracks, and cause leakage. Regularly run the dashboard a/c system, even in cold weather climates, to circulate the refrigerant and oil when the coach is in use and during storage.

Areas to inspect for leak detection are generally located as follows: 2 fittings at the condenser on the roadside rear; 2 fittings at the compressor in the engine compartment; 2 fittings at the front of the coach at the receiver dryer; and, 2 fittings at the evaporator. Fittings at the evaporator may be located in different areas. Two additional fittings that are not visible, and will require removal of a shield to access, are located at the front of the coach by the evaporator.

O-rings are non-reusable. If a metal fitting breaks under high pressure, a new O-ring is required to insure against future leaks. Dip the new O-ring into clean refrigerant oil prior to installation. Use two wrenches when securing or tightening a fitting to avoid twisting or kinking at the pipe or fittings.

Inspect fittings to insure they are clean and free of burrs or rough spots that could damage the O-ring and produce a leak. The attaching nut of connections that use an O-ring gasket should be snugly tightened. Over-tightening will compress the O-ring gasket and cause a leak. When connecting a flexible hose to the metal fitting, the fitting will need to be power crimped. Use wrenches to hold the fitting, the flare nut and the coupling to prevent the fitting from turning and damaging the ring seat or O-ring.

When the engine is inactive for long periods of time, turn off the a/c systems to prevent lubricating oil from leaving the highly polished surfaces, such as the ball bearings and the swash-plate surfaces. Operating the engine at higher speeds will return oil to these surfaces to prevent them from sticking together so firmly that the compressor is unable to operate. Operate the dashboard HVAC system monthly.