Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2001 11:11:03 -0500
Reply-To: wb6otg <wb6otg@INTREX.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: wb6otg <wb6otg@INTREX.NET>
Subject: Re: AC Freon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Re: AC Freon
Note: the following applies in the USA only.
Ok, there are right ways and wrong ways to do this. Assuming that the system basically works, but has just leaked down a bit due to normal seal leaks, here's what you can do to fix it legally:
1) Go to http://www.epatest.com/ pay your $20, take the OPEN BOOK test, and become a licensed vehicle AC mechanic
2) Buy a can or two of R-12 freon. You don't want to know what this costs at a FLAPS, but last time I checked EBAY, it was less than $20 a can.
3) Get the adapter to connect the can to the system. (probably on ebay too) Get a complete mainfold gage set if you want to become an A/C wizzard, otherwise just get the $10 kit.
4) READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CHARGE KIT and Re-charge your A/C. If it doesn't take the whole can, find someone else in need of a top off and get rid of the excess that way, Don't just vent the execss into the air.
Note: there are TWO connections to the Vanagon A/C, high pressure side and low pressure side. The charge kit connects to the low pressure side only. Connecting to the hi pressure side will blow up the can, which is a bad thing if you are holding it (or reading the label) at the time!
Or, if the A/C is actually broken:
1) Take it to a shop and have them evacuate the system and re-cycle the freon. (probably cheap, since they can sell the freon they take out of it)
2) Fix the system.
3) Install an R-134a conversion kit (cheap)
4) Re-charge with cheap, easy to buy R-134a
Note that it is illegal to intentionally discharge freon (of any type) into the air, but filling a system with a SLOW leak is OK, since no automotive A/C system is completely leak free. Some shops will tell you that they can't re-charge the system if there are any detectable leaks. This is BS (its even on the test for the license). They have leak detectors that can find a leak as small as a pound of freon in 50 years! So, they can find a leak in any system if they want to make extra money off of you.
Bill