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Old 04-04-2016, 11:27 AM   #1
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Starcool AC HELP!

Hello, I am new here. Just recently purchased a 2006 4 x 4 SMB.
The Starcool AC system needs to be serviced and no one in Phoenix has ever heard of the company.
I desperately need help.

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Old 04-04-2016, 01:11 PM   #2
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Of all places you should be able to find an outfit in Phoenix that specializes in AC. But welcome to the converted camper van world. It get's tricky with all the aftermarket stuff.

Find a reputable shop and give them the contact info for Danhard. They have service reps that can help. When mine went kaput I found a whole slew of other issues but if all you need is a basic service it's really just about topping off the refrigerant and making sure there are no leaks. And this might sound like a stupid question but you do know how to operate it? When they modify the lines there is now refridgerant running through both the OEM front as well as the Starcool on the rear so both need to be on at the same time. If you have a thermostat in the rear that actually does nothing unless you are plugged into shore power.

If the pull anything apart make sure they check for metal shavings or other debris in the orifices. That would indicate that your compressor has failed or is on it's way to doing so. An orifice takes the place of an expansion valve and controls or regulates the flow of refrigerant and there should be one at both the compressor and the Starcool side of things. There might be some useful information in this thread: http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...tion-7835.html
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Old 04-04-2016, 01:52 PM   #3
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First, spend some time searching and reading related Starcool posts on the forum. A lot of good advice already out there.

Second, post what your symptoms are and maybe we can help you narrow down what the issue is (sometimes it's as easy as resetting a hidden circuit breaker). Or at least give your mechanic a head start.

If it just needs a recharge, any AC service facility should be able to do it. My local shop easily tested it for leaks and refilled it. There is a sticker under the hood that tells how much coolant needs to go in the system (it takes more than a standard OEM van).
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Old 04-04-2016, 01:56 PM   #4
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4 lbs 8 oz. of refrigerant in mine.
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Old 04-04-2016, 07:52 PM   #5
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Thank you all for your quick reply.
I couldn't get the name of the company to contact (Danhard). They either couldn't or wouldn't tell me who they had sold the Starcool to.
With this I should have no problems getting it serviced.
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Old 04-04-2016, 08:43 PM   #6
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Be aware that many shops who service vans with a starcool will rarely put back what it requires. Most auto shops can evacuate the system to check the level. If it's at the stock Ford value both systems will work poorly but it's possible a mechanic just never filled it to the correct level. Unless you know/trust the shop or are sure the coolant isn't low, I'd just ask them to check the level first. My Starcool III (which has a separate electric compressor) holds 4.8 pounds in total like Joe posted. If they look it up on a Ford chart it will say something like 2.7 pounds or 44oz and that's wrong...that's a stock value. I ended up putting a waterproof label on the schrader valve and still had issues with shops not paying attention. That stuff is expensive.

I have a friend who owns a shop and does mobile A/C repair for semi-trucks. The big rigs have a lot of add on type air like the Starcool's SMB installed. You might look for a shop that does that type of work. Hope you get it going.
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Old 04-05-2016, 07:35 AM   #7
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Thanks. Great info
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Old 04-05-2016, 08:27 AM   #8
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Welcome. I also live in the Phoenix area. I do not have a person specific to Starcool, but do have a shop I trust. Mike's Auto Tech in Glendale has always treated me right. They have worked on several issues unique to the SMB for me. PM me if you want number and help explaining issue to them.

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Old 04-05-2016, 11:54 AM   #9
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Awesome thanks.
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Old 04-10-2016, 08:15 PM   #10
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If, for whatever reason, you can't get your starcool serviced in Phoenix, I can recommend an RV shop here in San Diego that got mine up and running after many attempts by places that were A/C specialty shops. They went through the whole thing and even removed the orifice tube that is located in the rear section and replaced it. My system hasn't worked this well since I bought the van. The other places had no idea what to do with it. They're called RV Specialists, and are located at 8616 Miramar Pl, San Diego, CA 92121. Ask for Darrell.
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