Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2003 23:29:08 -0400
Reply-To: John Meeks <jmeeks@GASLIGHTMEDIA.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Meeks <jmeeks@GASLIGHTMEDIA.COM>
Subject: Re: Advance Auto AC recharge kit
In-Reply-To: <sf019253.057@tel13.accusort.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Thomas,
In my '91 Multivan (Westfalia) there is a valve in the rearmost compartment
of the closet. You have to remove the shelving and slide the rear facia up
and out. The valve seems to be on the return hose from the reciever-drier.
If you go back there, check the high voltage red lead near the relay. Mine
has cooked insulation and corrosion at the connector post. It needs a
heftier lug there.
Do you have a model # for that kit?
Regards,
John Meeks
Top of Lower Michigan
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Thomas Brobst
> Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2003 1:53 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Advance Auto AC recharge kit
>
>
> Yes it's simple, just follow the directions.
> But, since you asked, here's how it works.
>
> First and foremost wear safety glasses.
> As easy as the conversion is I'm paranoid about blowing a hose. A
> coworker of mine has a blown ac hose on his desk and I'm always
> hearing about how his mechanic blew it up (with R12). Fortunately
> I haven't had the same problem.
>
> The kit (from InterDynamics) includes a filling hose with a valve
> on one end and a quick release chuck on the other, three cans of
> combination charge, oil and stop leak and adapter valves. You
> screw these adapters on over the existing valves as part of the
> conversion. This prevents mixing up R12 and R134 down the road.
> These valves are like tire valves only a tad larger. On my 91 I
> only changed the one on the back of the compressor. I couldn't
> find the other one and was too lazy to really look for it. I
> suspect it's up in the ceiling somewere. (Anyone know?)
>
> Before you put the adapter(s) on determine if your system is
> empty. If your compressor clutch doesn't engage when you turn on
> the AC it's probably empty. (The clutch should kick in by itself
> when you charge it up). To make sure it's empty use a Phillps
> screwdriver or similar implement to depress the pin on the valve
> at the back of the compressor (with the engine and ac running).
> If nothing comes out it's empty. If it does then you'll have to
> take it to a shop so it can be sucked out. If it's not empty
> please don't empty it into our atmosphere, thank you. But we're
> van people..we'd never do that.
>
> To charge the system start the engine, put the ac on full blast.
> Now screw the end of the hose with the valve onto one of the cans
> and turn the valve handle CW all the way to pierce the can. At
> the other end, pull back the sleeve of the QC chuck and slide it
> over the newly installed adapter on the valve at the rear of the
> compressor. Push and release the sleeve. Tug on it to make sure
> it's secure. Turn the valve on the can fully CCW to release the
> charge. Hold the can upside down and shake it vigorously. (At
> this point I envision my friend's hose blowing up so I stand with
> my body on the opposite side of the van side-wall). You'll feel
> the can get lighter and colder. When it feels empty pull back the
> sleeve on the QC connector to release. A little hissing from the
> can/hose may result. If it continues for more than a few seconds
> it's not empty. Reattach it and continue. If necesary you can
> shut the valve on the can to stop it's discharging. Repeat with
> the two additional cans. Now go feel the ice cold air blowing
> from the vents. Ahhhhh!
>
> If you want they also sell a reasonalby priced tire valve style
> pressure gauge to double check your system pressure. I bought it
> but only used it the first time.
>
> That's it. Good luck.
>
> Disclaimer: Please be careful, don't get hurt. If you don't have
> the confidence don't do it just cause I said it was easy.
>
>
>
> Thomas Brobst
> Accu-Sort Systems, Inc
> Staff Mechanical Engineer
> 215-721-5061
> fax 215-799-1600
>
> If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called
> research, would it? -Albert Einstein
>
>
>
> >>> "Samuel L. Walters" <samuel.walters@verizon.net> 7/1/03 >>>
> Thomas,
>
> I have seen the same kit at my local Advance Auto, but had not bought it
> yet. When I get the suspension fixed on my Syncro and a new accelerator
> cable in, making it derivable again, AC is high on my list.
>
> Is the kit simple, as in just follow the directions? Does it require
> any special tools, etc.? Perhaps you could write up a short "here is
> how to do it" and post it to the list. Many of us have the same
> situation and can get this kit easily.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sam
>
> --
> Samuel L. Walters
> Attorney at Law
> GIS and Demographic Consultant
> Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
>
> 2636 N. Calvert St.
> Baltimore, MD 21218
>
> 410-235-3086 (voice/fax)
> 410-598-6068 (cell)
>
> NOTE THE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS:
> samuel.walters@verizon.net
>
> The earthlink address will be operative
> until at least the end of April.
>
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