The switch behind and to the left of the driver's head?

[2much8ntenough]

There's something in the Starcool manual about reducing the load on the dash compressor, as both systems run off of the same coolant line.

[Roubo]

On mine, it's the switch for the exterior light, but it is labeled as such.

[John Kalmbach]

For clarification on the Starcool switch/Starcool operation. It is good to have the Starcool Blower switch set to "low, med, or high", so that you can operate the Starcool Evaporator without getting out of the driver's seat using the "on/off" rocker switch being discusssed. I would not however, recommend leaving the Thermostat set to "cool" as you could inadvertently place the inverter in an overload condition, or restrict the flow of refrigerant to the dash Evaporator.

Remember that the Thermostat, when switched to "cool", will only control the 110volt Starcool compressor, the lower Starcool Condenser Fan, and the Starcool Solenoid valve. The Thermostat has nothing to do with operating the Starcool Evaporator while using the engine driven compressor. It is very important to have the Starcool Blower switched to at least "low" whenever operating the dash A/C so that proper refrigerant balance between the systems is maintained. If you forget to turn the Starcool Blower "on", you'll notice the temperature of the air coming out of the dash vents getting progressively warmer.

I have seen times when a Factory Ford fuse that is suppose to provide 12 volt "ignition on" power to the Starcool Relay Plate be bad, thereby allowing the Starcool Solenoid Valve to close whenever the Thermostat is set to "cool". If this happens, you will have no refrigerant going to the dash Evaporator and will not get any cooling out of the dash vents, but you will get cooling out of the Starcool Evaporator.

Also, if you leave the Thermostat set to "cool" you can overload the Inverter. Let's say you're using the inverter with the engine running and the Starcool is "on". If the Thermostat is set to "cool", then when you turn the engine "off", the Starcool Compressor will try to operate through the Inverter and most likely send it into an overload mode. This could be avoided if you turn the "on/off" rocker switch "off" first, but you may not always remember.

Jage, sorry for taking this to another level, but you know how I like to give as much info as possible. Please move it wherever you feel it needs to be.

John K.

[jage]

Originally Posted by John Kalmbach

Jage, sorry for taking this to another level, but you know how I like to give as much info as possible.

Any one of your posts is more valuable than all of mine together- there is hardly need to worry about where you post things. Just keep doing what you're doing- the whole board appreciates it.

(Now who's off topic? )

[John Kalmbach]

Thank you Jage, you're doing a huge service to everyone with any type of connection to a SMB, especially SMB itself!!!

John K.

[BC]

echo jage...Kalmbach your institutional knowledge is priceless here, keep it up and appreciate all of your inputs..

[2much8ntenough]

Thanks for the information John. I was doing what you're saying shouldn’t be done:

Initially, I was running the dash w/out the Starcool evaporator, and what you described (dash air progressively got warmer) is exactly what happened.

I then ran the Starcool with the dash, and the dash air blew COLD, but I had the Starcool thermostat setting to cool. I tried to cut the rocker switch off before shutting down, but as you said, it’s easy to forget.

Thanks again, I now know how to correctly operate the system.

[Scalf77]

I would add I always have the Starcool breaker in the off position when the van is running, even more important if you have the inverter running while you are driving. It is one of my pre-start checklist items right there with roof latches latched. I have even put a piece of red tape on the breaker.


Greg

[John Kalmbach]

Greg,

Good point on leaving the 20 amp 110 volt circuit breaker "off". No need to risk placing a large unintentional load on the Inverter.

I'm always more than glad to try and answer any Starcool questions, thanks for the appreciation.

John K.