Armstrong AC experience - so far

[silvercomet]

My 1971 Armstrong stopped working just after a 3400 mile trek in 100 degree western temps. I was very lucky! I've noticed many questions about Armstrongs and most AC people say that they old ones are far superior to anything new on the market. I want to keep the Armstrong as it was blowing ice before I had problems.

First, I had a capicator problem and a local home A/C repairman replaced the three cap unit with 2 units. The unit started working again but the compressor began to overheat and die shortly there after. Next step was finding a compressor which is pretty easy as Tecumseh makes an exact replacement.

I've found that the local dealers want to sell A/Cs and not help with repairs
I'll tell you more when the Compressor is sodered in - I'm certain that I'll have spent enough on the repairs to replace this unit with a new one - but I really like how the old one fits and it did last over 30 years!

[Ken J]

Welcome to the list!!

Interesting comments you make. I have heard that Tecumseh makes an exact replacement. I guess I have a couple of questions - does this mean that any good a/c mechanic can fix these units and what else is there that can wrong with one.

Wondering if you blew your unit do to low voltage..........

Ken J.

[silvercomet]

Ken,

I don't know about low voltage being a problem. The AC guy I'm working with installed my home AC so I asked him to try working on my RV. He told me that the Armstrong is just like working on a refrigerator. except your standing on a silver twinkie!

I'm convinced that there are other things that could go wrong. But when visiting a local RV repair company, they wanted to sell me a new unit. He went on to explain that it was better than new because it wouldn't work when it was first received so the factory repaired it! Wow, new AC broken out of the box. That's why I'm stressing and spending on the old one.

[Ken J]

The reason I mention the voltage thing is because low voltage (less than 110) can fry a compressor is short order. I keep one of those voltage meters in an outlet in the trailer at all times.

Ken

[silvercomet]

As a final comment on this project. The new compressor arrived and a new mounting plate was needed to match up to the old one and it is also made by Tecumseh. The old unit bracket was welded and not removable.

My local home AC repair man did all the installation work. He said it was simple and easy to get to, just remember to walk the rivet line.

The cost? Well I could have nearly bought a new AC for the cost of new caps and compressor, plus labor charges.

What I avoided was making a new unit fit into an old hole, drainage of condensation, etc. Plus, as I stated before - this thing cooled like ice cubes since 1971 - I've talked to many "modern" RV owners having expensive AC problems also so I believe it was worth the investment.

Hope you enjoyed my story.

[garry]

Don't you just love it when it all comes together

The Armstrong units are great AC's. Congratulations on the repair job but, heed Ken's warning as low voltage will shorten the compresor life and if low enough from years to just days.

Garry

[Ken J]

I'm inspired - if my a/c quits - I'm going to look into fixing it. THANK YOU for sharing your experience....Sounds to me like a no brainer.

Ken J.