AC coil cleaning?

[hausherrs]

Hey everyone!

My rear AC has been having trouble cooling the cabin. I poked my head in there yesterday and with a mirror and flashlight I was able to see the coil. Its clogged with dust.

What do you folks use to clean the coils? This is a Air Dometic Turbo so using a vac is out of the question.

Thanks!

Steven

[jcoll]

Steven,
I've had some success with a cleaning foam product used for bathroom cleaning. I think the name is Scrubbing Bubbles. It sprays on then foams. I'll turn the fan on to draw in through the evaporator fins and let it sit. I then spray water on it with a squirt bottle and let that soak. Last I'll use a little air compressor to blow off the residue - the type used to clean the dust out of computers. Then repeat this process as needed to clean it up. Seems to work well for me.

[hausherrs]

I was thinking about something along those lines. Cleaner on the dusty side and use water on the other side to push out the dust... Any reason not to use water? I dont want to perminantly clog the coil.

[jcoll]

Water is formed on the evaporator fins through the condensation process as part of the air conditioning cycle so no need to worry about harming anything. The water should drain into a sump and be pumped overboard.

[hausherrs]

Qr Bbpost drain into a sump and be pumped overboard

Correct. I just replaced the pump in the sump past week as a matter of fact.

Ill give it a shot this evening and post results.

Thanks again

Steven

[km1125]

I don't get it... why can't you use a vacuum and a light brush??

[Viper]

If it's that bad, the best thing to do is remove the unit entirely, remove the fan assembly, and spray a cleaning product or use pressured water, then blown it out with air from the fan side. Not an easy unit to clean properly in place.

[tomschauer]

+1 to Viper's comment. To do it properly, remove it from the boat. Use some good quality a/c foaming coil cleaner and rinse with a hose, no pressure washer, you will bend the fins. If you protect all your electrical components, and install a good pleated air filter when reinstalling, change it yearly or more often if you have pets, you should only need to do this once every 4-5 years. Your cooling / heating will work much better and your unit(s) will last muuuuch longer. Also, if you pay for electricity separately from your slip fee, you will see a noticeable difference.

[Viper]

Agreed, I didn't mean with a pressure washer, just garden hose pressure.

[hausherrs]

Qr Bbpost I don't get it... why can't you use a vacuum and a light brush??

Because you cant really get to the coil. Theres too much stuff in the way.