OTR A/C Pump

[MyPrevost]

I’m gearing up to meet the California group this Thursday, but I’ve noticed that my A/C pump is sounding a bit noisy. I’m considering stopping by Prevost in Mira Loma on my way to Tucson. Is there anything I can check or lubricate before I decide to have them take a look? There’s a label nearby mentioning checking or adding oil, but I’m unsure where to add it. Would you recommend having a professional handle this?

Thanks,
Gary

[MyPrevost]

Gary,

You can’t add compressor oil directly; it’s installed in the system before the refrigerant is added. However, you can check the oil level.

To do this, open the passenger side door (the one near your bus batteries). At the bottom of the compressor, there’s a sight glass where you can see the oil level. When the compressor is running, the oil level should ideally be about halfway up the sight glass.

[MyPrevost]

Thanks Jon. There are two sight glasses on the compressor. I will run it tomorrow and check it out.

[MyPrevost]

The technicians who serviced mine mentioned that you should run the compressor for about 15 to 20 minutes before the oil level reaches the middle of the sight glass.

[MyPrevost]

Gary,

I forgot to mention that if your oil quantity is low, the R-134 refrigerant will likely be gone as well, causing the AC system to stop functioning completely. If there is a leak, it usually occurs past the compressor seal.

[MyPrevost]

I set off for Kerrville last Friday, taking some time for sightseeing and traveling with my dog’s reliable “look-alike.”

While on the road, Mr. Bill Miller pointed out that my coach is sitting low on the starboard side (the passenger side for you, Jeff). I measured it on various surfaces and found that the right side is anywhere from 1.5 inches to 2 inches lower. This could be contributing to my difficulty in keeping the coach straight on the road.

I’m looking for a reputable place in or near Houston, or even along the way, to address this issue. Currently, we’re in New Orleans.

Jon, are you planning to bring your pit to POG III?

It would be great to resolve this before I head back to Florida.

Lew

[MyPrevost]

Lew,

I believe one of the recommended bus RV centers in the Houston area is Birdland. It would be a good idea to give them a call to see if they can assist you. Make sure to check in with Jerry; he has a wealth of knowledge about service options.

I’m still quite new to all of this and exploring my options, so I hope this information is helpful.

Here’s the contact information I found directly from the authorized Country Coach Service Centers website:

**Texas**

**Houston**
Birdland Coach Service
5115 Rosslyn #1
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 682-6323

**Katy**
Southwest RV
27905 Katy Freeway
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 693-2800

[MyPrevost]

Lew’s issue can be resolved with just a 1/2-inch wrench, a tape measure, and about 10 minutes of your time. It seems that one of the rear ride height valves located in the compartment just forward of the drive tires needs some adjustment.

[MyPrevost]

Lew:

As noted in the Florida mini-rally photos, your coach does have a noticeable lean, which you seem reluctant to acknowledge. When you load up about 7,800 pounds of heavy-duty tools, hardware, parts, air compressors, spare axles, brake shoes, and GMC bus rims in the front bay slide, it’s bound to have an impact.

As the guys from Elmira might say, “Lewie, what’s all that stuff in there for? Preparing for a flood?”

Here’s a suggestion: Clear out everything you haven’t used since 1965 and get rid of it. That should help resolve the issue.

Also, I agree with your earlier comment. We use what’s referred to as a M-A-P as well. Plus, in the afternoon, when the sun is in the west, if you’re heading that way, you can confidently assume that’s your direction.

No need for fancy gear for that. Stick with your Standard Oil Maps! They might not show the interstate system, but like most good things, they stand the test of time.

Safe travels!

[Author]

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