Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 20:47:36 -0900
Reply-To: Mike Moery <mike.moery@ACSALASKA.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Moery <mike.moery@ACSALASKA.NET>
Subject: Re: Air Conditioner Question
In-Reply-To: <BD04DA9EB425D61189C70090274F418E02DFD4@NCONORC9>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
The easiest method of conversion would be to use a "drop in" replacement
for R-12, such as FR-12 or Hot Shot. These are refrigerant blends
(largely R-22, an HCFC, more environmentally benign than R-12, a CFC),
and like all azeotropic blends, are prone to fractionalize: if your
system has a gas leak (not liquid) the blend will lose more of some of
it's components than others. Bottom line: a good replacement if, and
only if, your system is very tight. As this is rarely the case in an
old vehicle (Vanagons in particular), an R-134a conversion is a better
long-term solution. The cost of conversion is much higher (all hoses
and seals should be replaced, the oil must all be drained and replaced
with POE oil, and very probably the condenser, expansion valve, and
compressor), but the results will be better. If you choose to use one
of the drop-in replacements, all leaks in the system must be repaired
first also.
Of course, all work should be performed by an EPA certified technician;
air conditioning is not a user-serviceable system.
FWIW, Yes, I am EPA certified to do a/c and refrigeration work, and no,
I'm not available to travel and work on vehicles! : )
-Mike Moery
Anchorage, AK
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'Ol Bessie '82TD Westy
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Beckham, Chip
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 12:51 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Air Conditioner Question
I've had to top off my A/C system every year I've owned my Vanagon,
since it
was new. In the early years, it wasn't much Freon to get a clear sight
glass and R12 used to be cheap. Not anymore. My system now needs both
long
hoses replaced to hold any charge. I understand there is a better
replacement for R12 than R134. Anyone have any luck with refrigerant
conversions?
Chip Beckham
85 GL
-----Original Message-----
From: developtrust [mailto:developtrust@HOME.COM]
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 1:41 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Air Conditioner Question
My air conditioner is starting to blow cool air and not cold. I was told
by
my VW dealer that vanagons need service every year due to the long hoses
etc. even if it does not seem to leak.
This does not seem correct to me but that is their experience. Does
anyone
have their AC system last longer than a year? At $180 to service it I'd
like
to fix any leaks to minimize a yearly drop of almost $200.
Any advice? It is 80 degrees in California today with our dry Santa Ana
winds and also summer is coming.
Has anyone solved this AC issue more permanently than replacing freone
every
year?
William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE
