Let's turn this A.C. unit into a swamp cooler

[Modstock]

So I have this old A.C.unit that never worked . Didn't blow hot but never blew cold.
I can either take it to the dump OR experiment with it.
(Before the comments on humidity start , I live in a desert and swamp coolers are awesome). But I'd like to hear input/comments on making this work. So let's hear your idea's.
After all I ain't got anything to lose but junk laying around.

During a test to make sure it works. The fans blow and the compressor kicks on every 20mins.

I took off the face and main cover and checked the A.C. line's. None of them have broke like other units I've had in the past.

I clipped the Freon line near the input was pinched and nothing came out at all. Either it never got filled or leaked out in a hidden spot.

I have an idea of eliminating everything in the rear and putting in the water pump , a Tupperware square bowl and a pad .

Idea # 2 of using one of the small radiators and pump water through that but not sure if that's gonna do.

I'll probably be able to move the fan more forward to create room as well.

For now the cover is off, I'll start pulling the compressor and radiators in a few days, let's see what you suggest for this experiment.
Im sure I'll need help with the wiring when I need to power the pump, might be able to use the wires going to the compressor.

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[Tom&Shelly]

Why not!

Is this for your home or camper? Will you pipe in the water (I'm guessing that may be your plan, with the pump) or have a reservoir that you manually fill?

I was thinking about building a DC swamp cooler someday for our tear. We'd swap it with our AC air conditioner, when we plan to camp in warm dry regions (as in locally) and won't have shore power. If you use the search engine, there are some home-made builds around here from years ago. (Perhaps you've already looked.)

Tom

[Modstock]

It's for the trailer, I'd probably manually fill it.
I manually fill the cooler for my garage and can run that for 4-5 hours before hearing the pump groan for more water. By that time the garage is super cool for the day and it's shut off.

This 12v cooler sounds interesting.

We have a (O2 cool) battery powered fan that helps at night get the air flowing.
My woman said couldn't we fill the sink with ice/water and use that fan placed on top. Might try that one day.

We actually bring a spray bottle filled with cool water to mist ourselves for those hot stale air nights with no wind. Those are the worst.

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[mary and bob]

We had a Uhaul CT13 fiberglass camper that had a swamp cooler on the roof. It was mounted in the normal 14 X 14 inch roof vent opening. The water reservoir and pump that would have been mounted under the front seating area were missing when we bought the trailer. The roof unit had a small reservoir with a float valve, a foam pad, and a fan. Nice little unit I suppose if you wanted a swamp cooler. Most all Uhaul owners removed them and installed a Fantastic Fan (like we did) or a Maxxair fan.

[Modstock]

I like that idea of a remote pump and tank.

Did some tinkering today.

I removed the compressor and radiators, also tested it with those gone. (Pics 1 & 2)
This removed a lot of weight.

It was obvious that I was gonna have to reverse the fans and it helped make room in the rear for the pad and pump.

Reversing that had an issue with the wires being too short for the fan. So I took off the blades and squeezed the motor out through the cage ever so carefully -- re-routed the wires, installed motor.
Fan shroud is also reversed using self drilling screws. Made quick work of that.
Plugged in in for a test and it works great.
Oh yeah, the 3 wires meant for the compressor I just taped off the ends. I may be able to use those for the pump. Hell, the water pump might be adjustable .


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