We have a Dometic roof mount air con model CAL136.312 (product number 991650423) that is spitting out what I can only describe as a very, very fine white granulated particles. There is no evidence that I can see of residual material in the unit from inside the van. We are away at the moment in a very hot climate so any help would be greatly appreciated.
The van is 11 years old and the A/C has been used when needed.
Cloak said
06:24 PM Jul 19, 2014
If these particles float they might be plastic swarf.
Maybe the blower fan is rubbing on something.
Just a guess....
Legendts said
06:31 PM Jul 19, 2014
Thanks for the reply Steve. I don't think so, as there is no noises like a blade hitting anything. The system does sound normal, but the particles do settle over everything in the van if the air con is run even for a few seconds.
KFT said
06:46 PM Jul 19, 2014
G'day Jeff,
A couple of questions if I may.
Are you in a place where the weather is very humid?
Are you running the A/C on low fan with the thermostat all the way to cold?
if your answers are yes to all of these the white stuff could be snow or ice coming off the evaporator.
frank
Legendts said
07:39 PM Jul 19, 2014
Thanks Frank but alas "it ain't snow" wish it was! We're in Fitzroy Crossing and yes a hot 34. The material is not unlike very tiny particles of polystyrene although I don't think it is as I have never seen bits that small. They are extremely fine to the point you can't see them in the air, but give it a couple of minutes, or less and you can see them on any dark surface. You can just feel them and by that I mean only just.
Mike C said
09:17 PM Jul 19, 2014
First thing I would do is check the filters.. perhaps they are breaking down with age or something?
Legendts said
09:23 PM Jul 19, 2014
Yes, my thoughts too Mike and that was the first thing I checked, also the filters material is grey as opposed to what's coming out is white. Guess I should have mentioned that in my first post. I haven't pulled the full inside cover off but have looked as far as I can see with a torch, fingers and mirror and found nothing untoward. Thanks for replying.
Is a thread about a similar issue with BMW Air con.
it was an aluminium condenser corroding and giving off a white talc like fine powder.
Sounds like this may be your issue.
Cheers
Mike
Legendts said
10:14 PM Jul 19, 2014
You're a champion Mike, many, many thanks. After reading it all and seeing the photos it is exactly the same as what our air con is spitting out. I'll get in touch with Dometic, not that I would expect them to do anything, but to see if they have had others with the issue.
Thanks again Mike, it's really appreciated.
Mike C said
10:17 PM Jul 19, 2014
You are welcome Jeff.
Just wish I was up there enjoying the heat with you, Geelong is bloody cold at the moment.
Enjoy
Cheers
Mike
Legendts said
10:30 PM Jul 19, 2014
Not missing the cold Mike, but you don't want to be here without the air con
Thanks again.
KevKim37 said
11:19 PM Jul 19, 2014
A friend of ours had a problem in the same brand/model as yours and ours and that was ANTS had nested in the A/C housing and were eating the styrofoam insulation.
This happened while up at Kununurra through the WET season apart from the particles of foam the A/C was dripping water internally. He told me he ended up removing
the old insulation after killing of the ants and refitting new insulation.
Cheers Kev.
Legendts said
06:19 PM Jul 20, 2014
Thanks Kev, but definitely no ants anywhere (so far ) so that's ruled out. Looking at the site Mike put me onto and the photos it looks exactly like it. I have written to Dometic to see their response. When I get home and I can pull it apart and have a good look I'll know for sure but it looks like we will have to wear it for the time being.....whew!
We have a Dometic roof mount air con model CAL136.312 (product number 991650423) that is spitting out what I can only describe as a very, very fine white granulated particles.
There is no evidence that I can see of residual material in the unit from inside the van. We are away at the moment in a very hot climate so any help would be greatly appreciated.
The van is 11 years old and the A/C has been used when needed.
Maybe the blower fan is rubbing on something.
Just a guess....
A couple of questions if I may.
Are you in a place where the weather is very humid?
Are you running the A/C on low fan with the thermostat all the way to cold?
if your answers are yes to all of these the white stuff could be snow or ice coming off the evaporator.
frank
Thanks Frank but alas "it ain't snow"
wish it was! We're in Fitzroy Crossing and yes a hot 34. The material is not unlike very tiny particles of polystyrene although I don't think it is as I have never seen bits that small. They are extremely fine to the point you can't see them in the air, but give it a couple of minutes, or less and you can see them on any dark surface. You can just feel them and by that I mean only just.
Did some Googling
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123673
Is a thread about a similar issue with BMW Air con.
it was an aluminium condenser corroding and giving off a white talc like fine powder.
Sounds like this may be your issue.
Cheers
Mike
Thanks again Mike, it's really appreciated.
Just wish I was up there enjoying the heat with you, Geelong is bloody cold at the moment.
Enjoy
Cheers
Mike
Thanks again.
A friend of ours had a problem in the same brand/model as yours and ours and that was ANTS had nested in the A/C housing and were eating the styrofoam insulation.
This happened while up at Kununurra through the WET season apart from the particles of foam the A/C was dripping water internally. He told me he ended up removing
the old insulation after killing of the ants and refitting new insulation.
Cheers Kev.