Adding engine driven A/C to a 2001 Thomas Saf T Liner MVP-ER

[david.dgeorge07]

Originally Posted by DawgBüs

I doubt an 1/8 turn would hurt it, even without backing off first, but I'm also not there to feel how much it's been tightened. If it were me, I'd throw a wrench on it and see just how tight it already is. Worst case, it cracks, I gotta run to the hardware store for another and they're usually only a buck or two at worst. If you're working on your bus remotely, that might be a problem but if you have it at home/close by and a local hardware store, why not give it a try?

Also, if it has thread tape on it, backing off first could break your seal. Then again, depending on its age, spinning it any direction might do so. It's an easy thing to replace though. I say give 'er a whirl!

CAT guy said it seals with o rings. So far so good. No leaks.

[DawgBüs]

Glad you got it!

[Tarheel Travelers]

David, it’s good to see that you were able to get that fitting turned and out of the way.

I had a question with mounting the compressor. Is it held in place with just 2 bolts? Also, how did you determine what size belt you need now that you added the compressor?

[david.dgeorge07]

Originally Posted by Tarheel Travelers

David, it’s good to see that you were able to get that fitting turned and out of the way.

I had a question with mounting the compressor. Is it held in place with just 2 bolts? Also, how did you determine what size belt you need now that you added the compressor?

It is hard to see, but it is a perfect swap with the idler pulley that was there before. If you look in some of the early pictures you’ll see that there is a bracket that came off of the idler pulley and transferred over to the compressor.

It is held with three bolts.

The serpentine belt is the same since the compressor takes the place of the idler pulley.

It isn’t reinventing the wheel because this is the spot it was designed to fit.

[david.dgeorge07]

I think it is important that you make sure you mount it right side up, but someone else may know more about that.

You could mount it multiple orientations because of the square pattern of bolt holes.

[Tarheel Travelers]

Originally Posted by david.dgeorge07

Attachment 34312

I think it is important that you make sure you mount it right side up, but someone else may know more about that.

You could mount it multiple orientations because of the square pattern of bolt holes.

Thanks David for the feedback!!! The unfortunate thing is that I don’t have an idle pulley. Looking at my setup, I’ll have to totally move some coolant hoses.

[david.dgeorge07]

What motor? MBE 900? Looks like it should have a spot for one on the lower right corner.

[Tarheel Travelers]

Hey David, I have the MBE 926 and yeah, I see the area on the left side of the engine however will have to reposition the upper radiator hose leading to the top of the engine. I’m also uncertain on how to determine what size belt I will need after doing the addition. My luck with working with Carolina Thomas bus repair/parts hasn’t been the best.

[david.dgeorge07]

I’ve decided which of the components that were donated to me I want, so if anyone wants the 45k btu evaporator, a condenser and a hose set I am happy to pass them on.

All you would need is a compressor and the time and energy to install and troubleshoot.

Anyone interested?

[ism minerals]

David,



How did the minisplits work for you while driving? Did they cool the bus at all?

[david.dgeorge07]

Originally Posted by ism minerals

David,



How did the minisplits work for you while driving? Did they cool the bus at all?

It wouldn’t be true to say that they don’t do anything at all. But it wouldn’t be super far from the truth.

[ism minerals]

thank you for the reply, did you need two of them to cool the bus while parked or does one do the trick? I guess i may have to plan on adding engine driving Ac for my build.