CESSNA SKYMASTER AIR CONDITIONING
Upgrade your Cessna Skymaster with an air conditioning system to increase ventilation, climate control, and comfort
We offer a Freon vapor cycle system utilizing a thermostatically controlled cycling clutch compressor. The carefully matched components consist of a compressor, condenser, dryer, and evaporator.
The compressor is driven by a belt from a pulley mounted on the prop flange of the rear engine. It incorporates an electromagnetic clutch, which allows its operation to be controlled by a thermostatic cut-off switch. The control (labeled A/C TEMP) senses the evaporator temperature and cycles the compressor on and off to control the outlet temperature.
The evaporator, on ’63-72 models, is located above the headliner next to the aft firewall. Air distribution is provided by 4-6 large vents in the headliner, one for each of the front seats and one each for the passenger seats. These vents can be rotated and aimed in any direction or closed completely for flow distribution. The condenser is installed in the rear engine air scoop.
On the ’73-80 models, the evaporator is located at the top of the baggage compartment and covered with a shroud. On ’73-80 P337 models the cooled air is routed via the normal air outlet vents plus additional vents directed forward from the shroud. There is still adequate room under the shroud for up to 6’4” tall passengers.
This system provides safeguards to protect against abnormal operation or failure.
A high pressure cut-off switch disengages the compressor if there is Freon pressure build-up due to a blockage in the system. There is also a low pressure cut-off switch which does the same if there is a loss of Freon with a corresponding loss of compressor lubrication which may cause it to seize.
Electrical circuit protection is provided in case of abnormal system operation or circuit breaker failure. Two each 5 AMP push-pull circuit breakers, or breaker switches, provide independent current for the condenser fan and compressor clutch. Since the circuits are independent, if the compressor circuit should fail, it may still be possible to use the evaporator fan for auxiliary cabin air circulation.
On pressurized models, the condensation from the evaporator/blower assembly is drained via a specially designed drain valve which prevents loss of cabin pressure.