Date:         Tue, 10 Apr 2001 08:24:55 -0400
Reply-To:     Tim Hannink <THANNINK@MASTEC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tim Hannink <THANNINK@MASTEC.COM>
Subject:      Re: 85 Westy A/C & Aux battery
Comments: To: debbwa@EARTHLINK.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Welcome to the list!!! Where are you at in Florida?

With your air conditioning, there are several of things to look at.
Make sure that both A/C blower motors are functioning. If one goes out, the
front will never cool off.
Make sure your dashboard ventilation controls are in the following
positions, top two fully right, bottom two fully left, and that the vents on
the front of the dash are closed. Turn the front fan on high to see which
vents are still leaking air. You will probably still have some air coming
out the floor vents. I removed the duct cover in front of the shifter and
installed some foam blocks in the cover vent openings, then re-installed the
cover.
Make sure the vents in the rear of the front doors are open.
Tint your windows as dark as legally possible.
Aim your A/C vents carefully. I use a ribbon tied to the vent to aim it with
the A/C fan on high.
Keep your rear drapes closed.

One of the first things I did when I bought my camper was to clean the
evaporator. This involved removing the A/C cabinet and blower fans,
strategically placing plastic sheeting inside the van and using a garden
hose with a high pressure nozzle to back-flush the evaporator. I
re-assembled the cabinet using all new weather-stripping, sealing any and
all openings, forcing all of the air through the evaporator. I also
installed a furnace filter between the evaporator and the rear A/C cover and
clean that every 3 months.

Make sure the radiator and evaporator are clean also.

My typical setting for the A/C controls is the temp control in the middle,
and the blower fan on three to start, and two, once the interior cools off.

Lastly, park in the shade whenever possible and leave your roof vent open
slightly.

Tim Hannink
Winter Park, Florida
Goldibox - 1987 Wolfsburg Edition Westfalia Camper



----- Original Message -----
From: "Debbie Walters" <debbwa@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2001 11:44 PM
Subject: 85 Westy A/C & Aux battery


> Hi Guys,
>
> I'd like to introduce myself, I am a new vanagon owner (bought it in Feb.)
> who lives in FL.  I am rigging out my Westy for search and rescue, and so
> far it's turned out to be great for holding my dogs, search gear and
camping
> supplies for extended searches. I am currently installing an auxilary
> battery and power inverter so I can charge walkie talkies and other
> batteries that drain during a search.
>
> I have two questions today.  I'm sure I'll have plenty more!  I've checked
> the archives and can't find specifically what I'm looking for.
>
> 1)  The PO left  2 10 guage wires for an auxilary battery that he had
under
> the back seat.  There is also a ground wire under the seat.  The 2 10
guage
> wires are not connected to anything, but just run between the compartment
> under the seat to the engine, and I don't see an isolator anywhere.  Would
> both wires connect from + to the alternator, and if so, is that a problem
> without an isolator?  Will that configuration run everything in the cabin?
> There is a factory installed relay under the driver's seat, but I
understand
> that will only give me aux. power to the fridge and light.
>
> 2)  Has anybody figured out a way to soup up the rear A/C or route it to
the
> front?  It's hot down here in Florida!  The dogs get all the (barely) cool
> air in the back, and all I get is a slight breeze hitting the back of my
> head!
>
> Thanks!  Looking forward to lots of fun projects on my Westy.
>
> deb