Who is the best T1N mechanic for fixing AC in the USA?

T1N ac is the worst design. Is there anyone who can get it right? I need a working AC and willing to make the drive to the right person. Anyone in the lower 48? Preferably Midwest/east coast. Looking for the best T1N AC SPECIALIST if one exist. 293,000 on the clock.

Dennis can't fix it?

The van is not in CO. Its in OH.

Coast2Coast said:

T1N ac is the worst design. Is there anyone who can get it right? I need a working AC and willing to make the drive to the right person. Anyone in the lower 48? Preferably Midwest/east coast. Looking for the best T1N AC SPECIALIST if one exist. 293,000 on the clock.

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T1N ac is the worst design.
I am curious as to why you consider it the worst!
I can think of some that are not as good as that install in a TIN!
Dennis

Every T1N I've owned the AC will not blow cold consistently. I don't see how T1N owners survive in places like Tx, FL, AZ. They must have numerous repairs year after year. I've seen them blow cold for one summer but the next is a different story. Having a divider seems to help. Most shops don't like messing with AC. A working AC in a T1N is a luxury, its not a factory option

Well most of the issues are all about that horrible word; dare I mention it? Maintenance!
A system its just a heat pump--If it can't reject heat it doesn't work very well.

Most of the time a new pollen filter at $55 (genuine) and some care in the condenser region like cleaning taking off grasshopper guts and dust it often works wonders, plus of course a decent accessory belt ($47 genuine) and maybe a tensioner at 100,000 miles ($114).

No big secrets.
Dennis

... well then, TX, AZ and FL are the places to look. Particularly FL and TX because the humidity makes the heat even more unbearable. I have to agree with you on the apparent complexity of the MB AC system in the T1N. I have tried and tried and tried again to get the AC to blow cold and have only been met with mediocre results. Get the climate control rebuilt. Run an extra 12 line to the compressor (a la Dennis), make sure the heat valve under the hood is fully powered and therefor fully closed, empty the refrigerant, refill according to the manual, replace condensor, dryer, etc, make sure there are no leaks... and on and on. I happen to find myself in Florida at the moment and will see what I can find.

So you recommend replacing the replace condensor and dryer? All maintenance is current.

Yes the condenser has two alternatives; one a high output derivative.

Care should be taken to clean dirt from behind the condenser fan and the "dead zone" behind the motor section.

The space between the condenser and the radiator /cooling pack matrix's all need to be cleaned thoroughly for it to allow good air flow and cool the condenser. Of course the viscous fan has a lot to play in all this as it pulls air though the cooling pack, even though the ram air effect when under way plays its part.

Of course dare I mention it. but the diehard DIYr's buying & using those cans of spurious refrigerant plus sealant and unknown oil blends from a parts store are rarely 100% successful! You need a Pro machine with deep vacuum capabilities and precise pure R134 charge & delivery to achieve a satisfactory result.
Dennis

Helpful trick in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js-k8VKgZCY

lindenengineering said:

Of course dare I mention it. but the diehard DIYr's buying & using those cans of spurious refrigerant plus sealant and unknown oil blends from a parts store are rarely 100% successful! You need a Pro machine with deep vacuum capabilities and precise pure R134 charge & delivery to achieve a satisfactory result.
Dennis

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Just to be clear, I have gone the DIY route AND paid a shop with a machine and still got mediocre results with both ways.

lindenengineering said:

Yes the condenser has two alternatives; one a high output derivative.
Dennis

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Dennis, what is the part number on the high output condenser?

I went a few years adding juice every year. Mechanic finally found my compressor had cracked. It's been good for a couple years now.

Type2Teach said:

Helpful trick in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js-k8VKgZCY

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I found that video very helpful
I removed the filter ,and use the recirculator (mine worked so I didnt need the wedge)
The ac went from useless to very good.
Apparently I saved $700

I would put my $ on Dennis, he did a great job on mine. I should note that I got my van originally from Houston and the guy I bought it from did not have the AC working correctly. Once back here, I had a shop supposedly do a evac and recharge - leaked right away and they redid it and still not right. Had Dennis look at it during a trip on a Sat. morning and all done in about 1.5 hours - both front and back and price was very reasonable. Still can make the van a meat locker two years later now.

Dennis - by the way, I will be out in your area again - 4 days at Cherry Creek Reservoir starting the Sunday before Labor day. Maybe I can treat you to a good beer while I'm out there.

Chris

cahaak said:

I would put my $ on Dennis, he did a great job on mine. I should note that I got my van originally from Houston and the guy I bought it from did not have the AC working correctly. Once back here, I had a shop supposedly do a evac and recharge - leaked right away and they redid it and still not right. Had Dennis look at it during a trip on a Sat. morning and all done in about 1.5 hours - both front and back and price was very reasonable. Still can make the van a meat locker two years later now.

Dennis - by the way, I will be out in your area again - 4 days at Cherry Creek Reservoir starting tre Labor day. Maybe I can treat you to a good beer while I'm out there.

Chris

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Chris
Well If you are in the area give me bell and I will take you up on that beer.
Always happy to meet forums members.

See if you can enjoy the summer!
Rains here in Denver are flooding everything out!
Cheers & best regards
Dennis

And now for the final presentation and award for the best T1N AC mechanic in the United States of America goes out to Linden Engineering. Congratulations from the Sprinter Source and Coast2Coast! Stay tuned

Coast2Coast said:

And now for the final presentation and award for the best T1N AC mechanic in the United States of America goes out to Linden Engineering. Congratulations from the Sprinter Source and Coast2Coast! Stay tuned

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Well I am flattered by that spurious accolade Nolan.
In fact I wager there's a few blokes out there like I bet Carl over there in Mass not to mention a whole bunch of guys I knew at Denver Auto and Diesel College who were doing their EPA certs about 20 years ago!

Eh them were the days before R12, R22, restrictions and the Montreal Convention! Where you could before that time buy it in 30 lbs kegs from places like Sears and Montgomery Ward.

Boy things have changed and kids built model rockets powered by a shot of R12!
Dennis

Type2Teach said:

... I happen to find myself in Florida at the moment and will see what I can find.

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I am trying to find a good AC mechanic in FL as well. Let me know what you find. I am in Coconut Creek Florida (Fort Lauderdale Area), but I am willing to drive for the right mechanic.

You could drive up to Doktor A in South Carolina if you get up to the main land. There are also a couple shops in Atlanta. Just wondering where did you get that driver side mid cargo window, did you install?