2001 Ford E350 Air Conditioning and Starcool

[Ben10281]

I don't have a local to Boulder suggestion, but I have a shop in Parker, that actually took my fridge out so they could get to the Starcool evaporator in the back of my van. I gave them a hand made diagram of how the system was all connected and they found a leaking hose connection on the rear evaporator and fixed it. They have also found other leaking connections in the whole AC system and replaced those hoses too.

The shop is Parker Automotive https://parkerautomotiveinc.com/contactus

I know they are not close, but a shop that is willing to remove RV components to get at and fix an issue, now that is a shop I will take my van to every time!!

[CaptainBilly]

If all else fails here's what I did and posted last year.
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ent-28618.html



CB

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by CaptainBilly

If all else fails here's what I did and posted last year.https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ent-28618.html CB

I did something similar, but it's a semi permanent solution.

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...0-a-28778.html

[vlamgat]

I have the same year and same set up. Starcool product was superseded post 2010 by a Danaher version which was until recently operating out of Fort Worth TX but I heard closed its doors post Covid. The system is not tied into the Ford system which is a single compressor with an evaporator up front and optionally another in the rear. Both are managed by vacuum controls on flaps in the ducts. Fixing the Ford system should be the same with or without a Starcool installation.

[IanF]

Something else to keep in mind when talking to shops about repairs like this is making them understand you know it probably won't be a cheap fix. Diagnosis takes time and that will result in a fairly high labor charge even if the actual part required isn't that expensive or takes very long to replace.

In many case, a shop sees a 20+ year old van and they "assume" the owner is not willing to put money into it.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by IanF

Something else to keep in mind when talking to shops about repairs like this is making them understand you know it probably won't be a cheap fix. Diagnosis takes time and that will result in a fairly high labor charge even if the actual part required isn't that expensive or takes very long to replace.

In many case, a shop sees a 20+ year old van and they "assume" the owner is not willing to put money into it.

That would be very true, even more so when the term "R V" is part of the initial conversation. If you find a suitable shop I'd simply visit them in person with the vehicle, discuss your needs and book an appointment.

Phones are all well and good a lot of the time but nothing beats an in-person visit.