Date:         Tue, 19 Feb 2002 14:22:55 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Strickrott <jstric01@CS.FIU.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Strickrott <jstric01@CS.FIU.EDU>
Subject:      82 aircooled cooling tin and AC compressor question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Hi All:

I was poking around the engine compartment of my 82 aircooled Westy. It
has what I believe to be a factory installed air-conditioning system as
the owner’s manual has the VWoA printed insert.

My questions:

1. The cooling tin around the compressor has been cut and there is just
this big hole for the belt. It does not look like any cover was ever
placed in the area. Was this a normal VW dealer installation practice?
Has anyone come up with a nice alternative to seal around the
compressor? I was thinking of making some type of fiberglass cover. Any
ideas?

2. The rubber gasket on my cooling tin no longer meets the firewall,
leaving a gap about 1/8 inch. It looks like either the tin has been bent
or the gasket has shrunk. This is the original material so after 20
years I can see it shrinking. What is the best way to replace the
material, can I do it without dropping the engine and to make sure that
the tin is sealed properly? From the archives I gather this is sealed
only by friction, and it would not be a good idea to use a sealant like
silicon. Where is the best place to get a new gasket? I see it in Rocky
Mountains Motorworks for about $115.00. Can I get a good one from
anywhere else cheaper? How about the foam gasket for the license plate?

3. Does anyone have any information on the stock VW system (diagrams,
checkout procedures, etc.) as the belt to the compressor is missing? I
am assuming that they had some problem with it and just disconnected the
system. As I live in Florida, having a working AC system is a must. Any
experience with recharging/retrofitting one of the stock systems? Any
experience with Wal-Mart’s 134A conversion kit?