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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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 Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2015 12:38 pm Post subject: Westy Rear Air Conditioner Air Intake Filter |
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i am sure that we've all read the posts about the Evaporator being wrapped with foam which decomposes over time and clogs up the fins reducing airflow (cooling ability) significantly.
The purpose of this foam has been debated, one line of thought is that it acts as a dust filter, purifying the air. The second line of thought that it is a defuser for the moisture removed from the air, that it prevents the system from spitting drops of water on the passengers and also that it soaks up the moisture adding it to the air thus making it colder. (Not my theories, just recapping here)
I am convinced that of all these options I want an air filter to keep the coils clean. I can deal with a spitting system and I'm not sure that I Actually buy the increased cold theory.
I've dropped my system, cleaned the Evaporator both inside and out. Now for a proper air filter.
I want something more elegant than a cut up furnace filter duct taped to the cabinet.
So....... In a period of being immensely busy and a chronic lack of time ...... and being literally exhausted......... this is what I Came up with. (It is currently hot, humid and raining just to keep the humidity high lest one enjoy the day! ... It's BREAK TIME!!!)
First I unscrewed the plastic intake frame, I got a house furnace filter (I had a 24" on the shelf, but I suggest that you go buy a 30") a short length of Livestock fence, and a pile of 1/2" wood screws (size 8 ) with small washers.
The fence helps prevent the filter media from getting sucked into the Evaporator cabinet.
I cut the fence to fit the opening keeping the size inside of the factory plastic intake surround.
I looped the ends to accommodate screws......
I next deconstructed the furnace filter and cut it to fit my intake opening .....
Also drilled two more holes in the intake frame for a total of six. I also used some longer stainless screws to fasten the frame in place.
I mounted the frame upside down just drawing it in tight enough to grab the filter medium...
It looks good, is easy to discern when it is dirty and will be easy to replace as needed in just a few minutes.
Dave
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Howesight
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Joined: July 02, 2008
Posts: 3427
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2015 1:28 pm Post subject: |
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Great idea and execution, DJ!
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX |
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ThankYouJerry
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Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2015 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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Nice work. I like it!
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 8:18 am Post subject: |
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Great idea.
I am working on a similar project with front mounted AC units and the fresh air venting for the cabin and defrost.
Pretty sick of all the dust on my dash  |
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mrshrimp
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2013
Posts: 373
Location: Portland
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 9:42 am Post subject: |
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| Im going to do this. On a separate note: Anybody ever try to rebuild their own AC compressor? I found what appears to be the correct kit of gaskets/o-rings online and was wondering if this is feasible? Talking about a compressor for and 89 with a 2.1 engine. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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LemonCove
Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2010
Posts: 324
Location: Henderson, NV
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 2:02 pm Post subject: |
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From
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=589618&highlight=
A bit simpler and easy to R&R.
| LemonCove wrote: |
My version using a cut down furnace filter:
Mounts on outside of cabinet in front of the intake, screen retainers on spacers make for easy R & R. |
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'88 Bostig Westy |
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djkeev
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Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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LemonCove
Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2010
Posts: 324
Location: Henderson, NV
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| Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 1:29 pm Post subject: |
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Considering the filter location, I don't really mind the aesthetics . . . function over form.
Your frame idea would address appearance.
Easy enough to keep an eye on the filter to monitor loading, but I haven't seen a change after a summer+ of use. In any event I left my original grille in place, so no danger of sucking it in to the evaporator.
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'88 Bostig Westy |
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djkeev
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Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 8538
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 6:31 pm Post subject: |
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Ugh. Might have to think about upgrading from my expanded aluminum filter (aka "hair catcher")...
I had assumed mine was OE...maybe not...??? Obviously, yours looks quite effective... 
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2015 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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OK........
I'll admit it........ Not ALL of my ideas are the best! 
Take this air filter I Created.... Factory look, obviously good function .....but after I posted this photo of my filthy filter ....... I Changed the filter.....
I found that my system was difficult at best! The upper screws were impossible to reach and required a very short ratcheting screw driver to remove.
Once removed cutting the filter and squishing it in was simply an irritating task!
So......
I married the two concepts seen here.
A stock 30 x 14 x 1 furnace filter cut down to 30 x 6 x 1 and a box of screen door screen panel clips from Home depot.
I Used 1 1/2" stainless screws and I held the filter cut edge tight against the ceiling and ran in clips.
Works great! Easy to change, no ugly duct taped edges......
I admit it....... Someone else invented the better mouse trap!
Dave
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